Guide to Dock Sales

Many fishermen are turning to off-the-boat sales to have more flexibility and independence in their business. The process may seem overwhelming, so to help, we have done our research and consulted with individuals currently selling dockside to provide a step-wise approach to getting set up. The information below is relevant to Monterey, Moss Landing, and Santa Cruz.

To get started with dock sales, you’ll need the documents and materials listed on this page, in the order provided. You can also download the information here:

1. Business License - Required to get the fish business license through CDFW, and required to operate a business in Monterey County.

Location: Monterey City Administration Office

735 Pacific Street Suite A, Monterey CA 93940

(831) 646-3904

Location: City of Santa Cruz Finance Department

809 Center Street, Room 101, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Notes: During COVID-19 Shelter in Place-Payments can be made online.

2. Fictitious Business License - Required in California to be able to legally operate under the business name.

Location: County Clerks Office

168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor Salinas CA 93901

(831) 755-5041 or (831) 647-7741

Location: Santa Cruz County Clerk

701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 454 – 2060 or (831) 454 – 2445

3. Publishing Notice- Required in Monterey County to legally bind your business.

Location: Monterey Weekly

668 Williams Avenue Seaside CA 93955

(831) 394-5656

Location: Santa Cruz Good Times

107 Dakota Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

(831) 458 – 1100

Note: special directions due to COVID-19: scan a statement and email legals@goodtimes.sc with contact info. 

4. Fisherman’s Retail License- $110.98 -The baseline permit that allows a fisherman to land his/her catch and sell to the ultimate consumer. Note, if you have a Fish Receiver’s License or a Multifunction Fish Business License, you will not need a Fishermen’s Retail License.

Location: Monterey CDFW office

20 Lower Ragsdale Dr, Suite 100, Monterey CA 93940

(831) 649-2870, AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov

Notes: you can renew it online, but have to obtain it in the office.

5. Scale- $350 - Required by CDFW, but some exceptions may apply.

Notes: Any commerce approved scale can be used, must be NTEP certifiable.

6. Scale Calibration- $170 - All scales used for commercial purposes must meet strict standards for accuracy and customer visibility in the California Code of Regulations.

Location: Hobart

1536 A Moffett Street Salinas CA 93905

(831) 758-86646 or (800) 999-4699

7. Scale Certification - All scales used for commercial purposes must meet strict standards for accuracy and customer visibility in the California Code of Regulations.

Location: Monterey County Weights and Measures

1428 Abbott Street Salinas CA 93901

(831) 759-7382

Location: Santa Cruz County Weights and Measures

175 Westridge Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076

(831) 763 - 8080

8. Weighmasters Permit- Required for individuals or firms who weigh or measure bulk commodities and issue certificates of accuracy (landing receipts).

Location: 1220 N Street Sacramento CA 95814

(916) 654-0466

Notes: CDFA online

Application Form

9. Harbor Requirements - Please check in with your harbor to determine other special requirements.

Location: Monterey Harbor Office

Dock Sale Permit

(831) 646 - 3950

Location: Moss Landing

Facilities Use Permit and Insurance as well as a Monterey County Health Department Permit for any food sales taking place on District property

(831) 633 - 2461

Location: Santa Cruz Harbor

Must be a Commercial Fishing Slip Holder

(831) 475-6161

Regulatory Resources

Multiple agencies regulate dock sales. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is the primary regulatory agency. Please visit and read the following documents:

How the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Can Help You

We are working to share our passion for local, fresh, and sustainable seafood with our local Monterey Bay community. We see your success with dock sales as a contribution to building a community that seeks a healthy working waterfront and supports their local fishermen. We are here to help, just reach out.

Technical support:

We can help you navigate permits and regulations. Contact us at (831) 233-3101 to make an appointment.

 Marketing & Promotions:

We have a large following of consumers, and we would love to help promote your off-the-boat sales on our Local Catch Guide and/or via our #MontereyBaySeafood campaign via social media. Contact us for more information at info@mbfishtrust.org.

Other Resources