Knowledgebase What would you like to Ask Marine? Home / Select Species / Spiny lobster / What is the difference between commercial and recreational lobster fishing? How do I know which one I do? Select Species Clams Dungeness crab Groundfish Invertebrate fishing gear Kelp and Algae Miscellaneous invertebrates Other Finfish Pacific halibut Red abalone Rock crabs Salmon Shrimp, Prawns Spiny lobster Sharks What is the difference between commercial and recreational lobster fishing? How do I know which one I do? bugs, sales, FGC 7121 If you are selling your catch, you are fishing commercially. Fish and Game Code Section 7121 says fish caught under the authority of a sport fishing license may not be bought, sold, traded or bartered. Glad we could be helpful. Thanks for the feedback. Sorry we couldn't be helpful. Your feedback will help us improve this article. How helpful was this page? Updated on Wed, 05 Jun 2024 by amanda.vandiggelen@wildlife.ca.gov In this section The regulation states that the season opens at 6:00 p.m. On opening day, can I put my hoop nets in the water at 5 p.m. and pull them an hour later at 6 p.m.? When should I measure the lobster I catch? Am I required to have a lobster gauge when I go fishing for lobster? Can I use a tape measure or a ruler? What are the legal methods of take for spiny lobster? Can I use a "tickle stick" to coax a lobster from its hiding spot? How much does the spiny lobster report card cost? How do I fill out my lobster report card? Where can I purchase a spiny lobster report card? What is the purpose of the lobster report card? If I am fishing for lobster with friends, do we all need our own lobster report cards? Do kids under 16 need a spiny lobster report card too? Is there a limit to the number of spiny lobster report cards I can buy? Am I required to have the lobster report card in my possession when I'm fishing for spiny lobsters? Do I need a spiny lobster report card when fishing for lobster on a free fishing day or from a public pier? Do I have to start a new line on my report card when nighttime fishing spans two calendar days? Where and when do I submit the lobster report card once it's filled out? Are there any additional restrictions not listed in CDFW regulations, concerning recreational spiny lobster take in specific areas? If I'm fishing for crab from a public pier and I'm NOT fishing for spiny lobster, do I still need the lobster report card? What is the possession limit for lobster? My young son and I both have our report cards. Does he have to carry his own catch? Or can I be in possession of more than my legal 7 "bugs"? Do I need a sport fishing license to catch lobsters from a public pier? May I tail my legally harvested lobsters while still at sea or at the boat launch ramp? Why are people allowed to keep lobsters with eggs? Why hasn't a slot limit been established for lobsters? People need to let the big breeders go! What is the difference between commercial and recreational lobster fishing? How do I know which one I do? How is CDFW helping the spiny lobster? Related articles How do I fill out my lobster report card? Select Species / Spiny lobster Why can commercial lobster fishermen use huge traps when recreational fishermen are restricted to using hoop nets? It just doesn’t seem fair! Select Species / Invertebrate fishing gear What is the purpose of the lobster report card? Select Species / Spiny lobster How is CDFW helping the spiny lobster? Select Species / Spiny lobster What is the best recreational gear for catching spot prawns? Select Species / Invertebrate fishing gear