Resource Guide: Invoicing for Independent Fishermen

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Local Fish

Why Invoices Matter

  • Establish professionalism and credibility
  • Provide documentation for payment and accounting
  • Track what has been paid vs. outstanding
  • Protect you in disputes over delivery or product condition

Simple Setup: Carbon Copy Invoice Book

Start with a 3-part carbon copy invoice book (available at office supply stores, CVS, or staples).

This allows:

  • You keep one copy
  • Buyer keeps one copy
  • A third copy for accounting and records

This creates a clean paper trail and simplifies payment tracking.

What to Include on Every Invoice

1. Your Information

  • Business name
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Address

2. Buyer Information

  • Restaurant, market, or buyer name
  • Delivery address

3. Delivery Details

  • Invoice number (usually pre-printed)
  • Date
  • Vessel name

4. Product Details

  • Species
  • Product form (whole, fillet, live, etc.)
  • Quantity (pounds or count)
  • Unit price
  • Total amount due

5. Payment Terms (Critical)

Clearly state payment terms you have agreed upon.

Recommended:

  • Due on receipt (COD), or
  • Net 7 days
  • Avoid terms longer than 15 days unless financially sustainable

Many large vendors operate on Net 30–45. These terms can strain small fishing operations.

6. Critical Step for Perishable Products

Upon delivery, have the receiver:

  • Sign
  • Date
  • Record time of arrival

This protects you if there are questions about freshness, handling, or delivery timing.

Your signed invoice becomes legal documentation.

Regulatory Requirements: California Fish Transport & Records (FGC § 8047)

Fish Tickets = Official Sale Record

When selling to a licensed receiver:

  • Receiver completes electronic fish ticket
  • Keep signed hard copy
  • Retain for 4 years
  • Must be available for inspection

Transportation Receipts = Chain of Custody

Required when fish are transported before sale.

Must be completed:

  • When fish leave the vessel
  • When fish are transported or delivered

Not required:

  • Vessel-to-vessel transfers
  • At-sea transfers
  • Herring

Submission Deadline

Original transportation receipt must be submitted to CDFW:

By the 16th or end of the month
(whichever comes first after landing)

Required Information on Transportation Receipts

  • Species name
  • Date and time
  • Accurate weight
  • Fisherman name and ID plus signature
  • Transporter name
  • Fish business name and ID
  • Fish ticket number
  • Vessel name and registration
  • Catch location (origin block)
  • Port of first landing

Record Retention Requirements

Keep for 4 years:

  • Fish tickets
  • Transportation receipts

Transporters must keep copies until fish are sold or processed.

Compliance Tips

  • Complete receipts sequentially
  • Mark voided receipts clearly and submit them
  • Return unused receipt books if you stop fishing

Why This Matters

Builds trust with buyers

Protects your business

Ensures legal sales

Supports traceability and quota management

Prevents fines and violations

Local Fish InvoiceDownload
Resource Guide: Invoicing for Independent Fishermen