Guys, I have a friend in the Coast Guard who recently moved from Connecticut to San Francisco, and he has no idea how to go about getting started with bass fishing in the area.  I'm wondering if you could give him a few pointers...

Are there many lakes/ponds within an hour or so from the city limits where you can fish from shore?  

How would an out-of-towner go about getting a fishing license, and how much would it cost?  Do you know if there might be any discount for being in the Coast Guard?

He said he went to one reservoir to fish, but there were huge signs everywhere that said you can't fish.  I have no idea how to help him, but any advice you have for him is really appreciated.  Once there are a few responses I'll email him a link to the thread.

Thanks a lot gents  

www.westernbass.com  Here is a site that should help your friend a lot.  He is within an hour or two of some of the finest bass fishing in the world.

There's a few spots in SF, one is Lake Merced, near the Cow palace.

There are other reservoirs, many of which you can fish, but require a parking fee, permit fee, and all of that good stuff!

He's only about an hour or so from the Delta which is a huge bass fishing spot here, and about 2 hours from Clear Lake which is incredible as well.

Thanks for the info so far guys.

One important thing I forgot to mention - he's looking for shore fishing opportunities for now.  I've done a little research myself, and Lake Chabot and San Pablo Reservoir look pretty good and shore-accessible.  Any thoughts on those lakes?

Sorry Man. I haven't heard of either of those lakes.  

Best thing he could do would be to go into a tackle shop... If he's living in the city, try Hi's Tackle Box, 3141 Clement St. A annual resident license will cost about $45 with appropriate stamps. I'm sure one of the guys at Hi's could give him some pointers with the lakes... I fish the Marin Watershed from shore when I'm home, which would be a little tricky to find for him.

Best thing he could do would be to go into a tackle shop... If he's living in the city, try Hi's Tackle Box, 3141 Clement St. A annual resident license will cost about $45 with appropriate stamps. I'm sure one of the guys at Hi's could give him some pointers with the lakes... I fish the Marin Watershed from shore when I'm home, which would be a little tricky to find for him.

Hey, I think I've fished that spot on accident while trying to find Phoenix lake in San Rafael. Ever been to Phoenix lake?

Best thing he could do would be to go into a tackle shop... If he's living in the city, try Hi's Tackle Box, 3141 Clement St. A annual resident license will cost about $45 with appropriate stamps. I'm sure one of the guys at Hi's could give him some pointers with the lakes... I fish the Marin Watershed from shore when I'm home, which would be a little tricky to find for him.

Hey, I think I've fished that spot on accident while trying to find Phoenix lake in San Rafael. Ever been to Phoenix lake?

Yup Phoneix lake is part of the watershed. Free parking too. Fished it over winter break when I was back from college. Not too much luck, but I'll probably hit up in a few weeks for spring break.  What lake did you end up fishing? Bon Tempe, Alpine, Lagunitas?

If your friend ever wants to fish from a boat he could go to Del Valle, and rent a little aluminum for the day.

Thanks for the info guys - this is more than enough to get him started  

Special thanks to Brokejaw for the great info in the PM's you sent me.