Question: I know that fishing from a public pier or most seaward public jetty/seawall doesn't require a state fishing license. Does this also apply if a diver is spearfishing or collecting shellfish along such a jetty?

Answer: No, the person must physically be on the pier to legally fish without a license. Once the person is off of the pier or most seaward protective boundary (jetty) placed to form a harbor, a fishing license is required. When diving from shore, he or she must be within 500 yards of their license (FGC, Section 1054.2).