CA Mussel fee: I just got my new ‘25 boat tags and I didn’t get my mussel tags like I always do. Did something change in the regs regarding mussel fees? Do I need to make a special...

McFishin Loc: Marysville, Ca

I just got my new ‘25 boat tags and I didn’t get my mussel tags like I always do. Did something change in the regs regarding mussel fees? Do I need to make a special trip to DMV? Any info is appreciated. figure I’d start here before doing any research 😂
Thanks!

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

McFishin wrote:

I just got my new ‘25 boat tags and I didn’t get my mussel tags like I always do. Did something change in the regs regarding mussel fees? Do I need to make a special trip to DMV? Any info is appreciated. figure I’d start here before doing any research 😂
Thanks!

Don’t understand it myself. Just received my new 2024 stickers and registration but no mussel stamps. Went to AAA and showed my new registration. Payed the additional fees for the muscle stamp and got my new muscle sticker, was done in ten minutes. Don’t understand why this is happening. Ask the rep at AAA but he had no answer. He also told me that I am not the first. Checked my registration bill but it showed no fees charged for the muscle stamp. Do not understand it!

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Still above water wrote:

Don’t understand it myself. Just received my new 2024 stickers and registration but no mussel stamps. Went to AAA and showed my new registration. Payed the additional fees for the muscle stamp and got my new muscle sticker, was done in ten minutes. Don’t understand why this is happening. Ask the rep at AAA but he had no answer. He also told me that I am not the first. Checked my registration bill but it showed no fees charged for the muscle stamp. Do not understand it!

They stopped including your muscle sticker a couple years ago.
You have to fill out a form or something and include the extra fee to get it with your renewal stickers.
It was like that in '21 when I got my '23 stickers for my boat.
I had to go to AAA and get the muscle sticker because I wasn't aware of the change.

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Still above water wrote:

Don’t understand it myself. Just received my new 2024 stickers and registration but no mussel stamps. Went to AAA and showed my new registration. Payed the additional fees for the muscle stamp and got my new muscle sticker, was done in ten minutes. Don’t understand why this is happening. Ask the rep at AAA but he had no answer. He also told me that I am not the first. Checked my registration bill but it showed no fees charged for the muscle stamp. Do not understand it!

Sorry. I meant mussel !

K Krew Loc: Woodland, Ca

Just paid mine today, there’s a note on bottom of registration that discusses the 2021 change. See photo.

McFishin Loc: Marysville, Ca

Thanks for the info, everyone!

Mongoose Loc: Modesto,Ca

K Krew wrote:

Just paid mine today, there’s a note on bottom of registration that discusses the 2021 change. See photo.

mrbass Loc: Concord California

You can go online to DMV and get the mussel tag. I believe it $16.00.

Jeremy Loc: America

McFishin wrote:

I just got my new ‘25 boat tags and I didn’t get my mussel tags like I always do. Did something change in the regs regarding mussel fees? Do I need to make a special trip to DMV? Any info is appreciated. figure I’d start here before doing any research 😂
Thanks!

When do they inspect every boat? Seems like the change would have been more likely to get every single boat actually inspected BEFORE the mussel sticker is issued but who knows. What good is a sticker that is paid for if boats are NOT inspected constantly.

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Jeremy wrote:

When do they inspect every boat? Seems like the change would have been more likely to get every single boat actually inspected BEFORE the mussel sticker is issued but who knows. What good is a sticker that is paid for if boats are NOT inspected constantly.

The mussel fee goes to support the inspection program. We and every boat that launched this past trip had to pass a mussel inspection prior to launching. Same at both lake Sonoma and lake Berryessa. But I agree the program does have its flaws. Inspections are mostly done at public launch ramps. There are a lot of homes around Clear Lake that have their own private launch ramps whose boats will never be inspected. They can tow their boat to another lake or the delta and possibly pick up some mussels and never be inspected when they relaunch into the lake using their private ramp! Our hotel had its own launch ramp with no inspection but we launched at the public ramp.

johnklang Loc: Oakhurst, CA

This is California. I pay a $50 "Pollution" fee to get a sticker to use my boat on Bass Lake. They don't even look at the boat, I don't even bring it when I get the sticker. I guess it must entitle me to pollute the lake.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

It's the way our government works, every problem will be resolved if you part with enough of your money.
Seriously - what problem have they EVER addressed without wanting more of your money?

After you hand over your $$, they "reallocate" it into a program that amounts to nothing more than buying votes!

Loumatthews Loc: Shasta California

I paid the fee to DMV and never received a tag talk about getting ripped off

trblmker Loc: Modesto, Ca

Loumatthews wrote:

I paid the fee to DMV and never received a tag talk about getting ripped off

Ditto, I'm still flying the 2021 sticker alongside my 2023 tag. Again, paid the $16.00 fee online the same day as I paid for the 23 tags. Tags came mussel sticker never came but the notice to get my 2025 sticker came like a month ago. Who's running this shit circus anyway? They've even eliminated the long lines which made for hours of good entertainment. They're taking the fun out of everything...

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Like I said in an earlier post, the fees paid for the mussel stamp only goes to support the inspection program. Having the current mussel stamp affixed to one’s boat does not make the boat exempt from inspection prior to launching! But by not having the current stamp you can be be denied launching during inspection! Inspection is relatively simple. Inspector checks your hull, outdrive or outbound lower unit and your live well if so equipped. Takes only a few minutes! Also keep in mind, if you fish the delta, bay or ocean exclusively there are no inspections and the mussel stamp is not required. The programs goal is to prevent evasive mussel intrusion into our freshwater lakes and impoundments. In my opinion, it’s a small price to pay. I’ve read many horror stories about how many fresh water lakes through out the country where these evasive mussels have destroyed fishing habitat and polluted drinking water sources! The program is not perfect, but it’s a start!