Part of Fishing in San Diego, our guide to fishing, long-range sportfishing and whale watching in San Diego.
Anglers under 16 do not need a California fishing license, and public piers need no license for anyone. Spiny lobster still requires a report card at any age. Fisherman’s Landing recommends seasickness medicine for first-timers, and Flagship posts child whale watching prices for ages 4 to 12.Checked October 23, 2026.
Licenses and Report Cards
CDFW requires a sport fishing license only for anglers 16 and older. Report cards are still required for some species, including spiny lobster at any age. See license and limits.
Start on a Pier
No license is needed on a qualifying public pier in ocean or bay waters, and Shelter Island has a park with play equipment, picnic tables, restrooms and a sand beach. See local piers and shore fishing. Ocean Beach Pier is closed.
On a Boat
Fisherman’s Landing recommends seasickness medicine even for first-timers, allows your own food but not coolers, and suggests arriving an hour early. H&M Landing lists half-day and family charters, and Flagship’s whale watching tours price children 4 to 12 at $40.50 on weekdays and $42.75 on weekends. See whale watching.
Tidepools and Whales
NPS asks visitors to keep small children close at the Cabrillo tidepools, wear closed-toe shoes with grip, and look but not collect. Walk-in entry is free for ages 15 and under. See Cabrillo National Monument.
What We Could Not Verify
- Minimum ages for children on party boats, overnight trips and long-range trips are not stated on the landing pages we read. Ask the landing.
- Hot-bunk etiquette and children’s policies on bunks are not confirmed.
- Take-a-Kid-Fishing programs from CDFW or the Port were not found. Not confirmed.
- Flagship’s policy for children under 4 is not stated.
- Whether kids’ tackle rental or kid-sized outfits are offered is not confirmed.
More in Fishing in San Diego
FAQ
Does my child need a fishing license?
No for anglers under 16, but a report card is still needed for species like spiny lobster.
What is a good first trip?
A public pier needs no license. For a boat, ask the landing about minimum ages first; none are posted on the pages we read.
Sources
- CDFW: fishing licenses
- CDFW: beach and pier fishing
- Fisherman's Landing: FAQ
- Flagship Cruises: whale watching
- NPS: visit the Cabrillo tidepools
Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.