San Diego Spearfishing License and Permit Requirements: 2024 Edition

Spearfishing in San Diego waters is exceptional—from the kelp forests of La Jolla to the reefs off Point Loma and the rocky breaks near Windansea. But before you suit up and enter the water, you need to understand California’s licensing and permit requirements. Getting it wrong costs you money and potentially your dive.

California Fishing License: Non-Negotiable

Every spearfisher in California waters—including San Diego—needs a valid California Fishing License. This applies whether you’re hunting calico bass off Bird Rock or targeting halibut in Mission Bay. There’s no exemption for freediving.

Cost: $65.77 for a one-year resident license (2024 pricing).

Where to Get It:

• Online at wildlife.ca.gov
• At any California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) office, including the San Diego office in Kearny Mesa
• Local sporting goods retailers like Sportsman’s Warehouse or fishing shops along the waterfront

You’ll need your California ID or driver’s license. The license is valid immediately upon purchase if you buy online, and you can display it on your phone.

Non-resident spearfishers pay $142.50 for a one-year license, or $24.35 for a 10-day option if you’re visiting.

Spearfishing Stamp: Required Addition

California requires a Spearfishing Stamp in addition to your base fishing license. This $15.41 endorsement is specific to spearfishing and is non-transferable.

Purchase it at the same locations as your fishing license. If you buy online, both your license and stamp are issued together. Don’t skip this—CDFW wardens actively check for it, especially around popular San Diego spots like Sunset Cliffs and the kelp forests north of Mission Beach.

Gear Restrictions You Must Know

San Diego spearfishing comes with specific equipment rules:

Allowed:

• Hand-held spears and pole spears (most common for freediving)
• Hawaiian slings
• Spearguns (both band and pneumatic)
• Wetsuits, weights, fins, and masks

Prohibited:

• Explosives (obviously)
• Electricity or electrofishing devices
• Poison
• Lights or night-vision equipment for hunting (darkness spearfishing is illegal)

Your spear or gun must be actively in your hands while hunting—you can’t tow it behind you or leave it on a line.

Protected Species: Know What You Can’t Take

California’s marine protection laws are strict around San Diego. These species are completely off-limits:

• All abalone (red, white, pink, black)—the entire San Diego coast is closed
• White seabass (any size)
• Tautog (blackfish)
• Calico bass under 12 inches
• All rockfish species (entirely protected from spearing)
• Lingcod (entirely protected from spearing)
• Leopard sharks
• All rays and skates

Species you can take include kelp bass (over 12 inches), halibut (over 10 inches), mackerel, and bonito—but always check current CDFW regulations before each trip, as closures change.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in San Diego

Several MPAs overlap prime spearfishing territory around San Diego. These restrict or prohibit all fishing, including spearfishing:

• La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve – No take allowed
• Point Loma Kelp Forest State Marine Reserve (parts of) – Check boundaries carefully
• Torrey Pines State Marine Reserve – No spearfishing
• Mission Bay – Heavily restricted; most of the bay prohibits spearfishing

Before heading to any kelp forest or reef break, verify the exact MPA boundaries on the CDFW website or via the Element app’s marine zone overlay. Ignorance isn’t a defense.

Depth and Location Rules

• Spearfishing is prohibited in bays and harbors, including most of San Diego Bay
• You cannot spear in kelp forests during certain seasons without additional permits (verify with CDFW)
• Offshore reefs and open water off Point Loma, Windansea, and Bird Rock are generally open, but always confirm

Hunting Hours

Spearfishing is daytime-only in California. You must finish hunting before sunset. Night-hunting is illegal, period.

Local Enforcement Reality

CDFW wardens patrol San Diego’s popular spearfishing zones regularly, especially La Jolla Shores, Windansea, and the kelp forests north of Ocean Beach. They check licenses, permits, gear, and catch. Violations result in:

• Citations: $250–$1,000+
• Confiscation of equipment
• License suspension
• Criminal charges for serious violations

It’s not worth the risk.

Final Checklist Before You Go

• California Fishing License (valid and on your phone or printed)
• Spearfishing Stamp
• Verified MPA boundaries for your location
• Species identification guide
• Check CDFW regulations updated for 2024

Use Element to check water conditions, visibility, and current forecasts before heading out. We also integrate marine zone data so you know exactly where you can legally hunt. Plan smart, fish legally, and respect San Diego’s marine resources.