16- and 17-year-olds to get a fishing license break?

In an effort to increase interest in fishing, 75th District assemblymember Marie Waldron (R – Escondido) has written AB478, which would eliminate fishing licenses for those teen anglers age 16 or 17.

Last month her bill passed the Democrat-controlled Appropriations Committee. It now goes on to the lower house for a vote.

“71 percent of anglers started to fish prior to age 18,” reported Waldron. For 15-year-olds and younger, no fishing license is needed, but for anyone older than 15, a year license is $53.15 ($47.01 plus a $5.14 Ocean Enhancement Fee).

In 1980, fishing licenses were $5.00. According to Waldron, Californians now pay the second highest fishing license fees in the country.