Where in San Diego and/or surrounding areas could I catch fish to keep in an aquarium?

Question

I've been hearing that people in San Diego catch catfish, freshwater fish, and even saltwater fish. Are these fish safe to put in aquariums?

I used to go to Mexico a lot so maybe somewhere in Baja California I could catch interesting fish, but I don't have a passport so I guess I can't go to Mexico anymore for now. :c But I suppose I wouldn't mind getting one in hopes of catching cool fish! :)

Has anyone ever tried this? What types of fish have you caught, what types of fish could I catch, and what are the steps to introduce them into an aquarium?

(This post is out of curiosity... I have no idea how to catch fish or fish at all)

Answer 1

Just disregard those people. Morena Lake is a good choice because I have caught fathead minnow, bullhead, and bluegills. Why is it okay for the store to stock live fish to eat. If you have a fishign license then I do not see a problem of raising the fish you have caught as long as you do not release it.

Answer 2

How would you catch them?  We have salt water tanks and I've had to try to catch fish to take them out and put them in quarantine when they're sick and they're really hard to catch.  I can't imagine trying to do that in the ocean.  

BTW, if you don't decide to start up an aquarium and you don't have experience, don't start with salt.  It can be very finicky and takes a lot of time and patience.

Answer 3

In California, it is not legal to transport live fish that aren't purchased as a pet from one body of water to another unless you have a special license. If you got caught doing it, you'll get a very expensive ticket.

Answer 4

dfg states no live transportation...