Understanding the Licenses Fishermen Need to Sell Fish in California

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Local Fish

In California, catching fish with a Commercial Fishing License is only step one. If you want to sell that fish, either directly to the public, to restaurants, or through a buyer, you need the right business license. Here are the three main business licenses that we get a lot of questions about:

  1. Fish Receiver’s License:

Who needs it: individual independent fishermen, companies, and co-ops) who want to buy fish directly from the fishermen and then resell it. 

What does it allow? 

  • Purchase fish from commercial fishermen.
  • Resell to restaurants, seafood markets, or other retailers.
  • In the case that you’re a licensed commercial fisherman, you can sell your own catch to ultimate consumers (direct to consumer), however you cannot sell another fisherman’s catch.
  • Issue official CDFW fish tickets for every landing.

Important:

  • HEAVY reporting requirements
  • Generally used by distributors, processors, or large-scale buyers.
  1. Fisherman’s Retail License:

Who needs it: Fishermen who want to sell their own catch directly to consumers (e.g., at the dock or farmers’ market).

What does it allow? 

  • Retail sales straight from the fisherman to the customer.
  • No middleman required.

Important:

  • Only covers your own catch; you can’t resell another fisherman’s fish.
  • Does not allow sales to restaurants, caterers, or other businesses
  1. Multifunction Fish Business License: 

Who needs it: Small businesses or fishermen who want flexibility.

What does it allow? 

  • Combines multiple license types (receiver, processor, wholesale, retail) under one umbrella.
  • Lets you buy from fishermen, process/handle, and sell to both consumers and businesses.

Important:

  • Costs more than a single license, but simplifies compliance if you’re operating in multiple roles.
    Still requires fish ticket reporting for all landings.

Other things to note:

Where to purchase these licenses: LINK HERE

Must initially purchase in person at the CDFW office, then can renew online through your licensing portal.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife – South Coast Region HQ

Address: 3883 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: (858) 467-4201