Yes, this sting was almost surely from a sea anemone. Sea anemones look like fleshy flowers and got their name from the European flower Anemone nemorosa, a poisonous, white-flowered plant that causes blisters. Closer to home is a similar plant, the Japanese anemone, Anemone hupehensis.
California Fishing License Basics. A basic 2010 California fishing license will run $41.50. This is required for residents 16 years of age or older. The license allows for the taking of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptile in inland or ocean waters.
1 You can purchase a California fishing license online or from a license agent, like a sporting good store.  A sport fishing license is required for any person 16 years of age and older.