Question: I was just watching a commercial about a guy who invented a
“fish bait launcher” that launches your fishing line, tackle and
bait out 200-plus yards past the surf. It was invented by a dedicated
surf-fisher who became handicapped but refused to give up his favorite
sport. It looks a lot like the popular old air cannons that could launch
large veggies. This one is just large enough to put some small bait in,
and is powered by a 12-volt battery, charger and air compressor. I
thought air cannons were made illegal in California, no matter what you
use them for. Am I right? (Chris D., Ab diver/fisherman/hunter)

continue reading "CDFG News Release – California Outdoors Q & A: Fish Bait and Tackle Launcher"

Question: If we are on a party boat with 30 other people and one of the anglers catches and keeps an undersized lingcod or an overlimit of fish, can the captain be charged with the same violation? In other words, is the captain responsible for what people on his boat keep? (Matt N.)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      September 17, 2009

Contacts:
Capt. Angel Raton, Enforcement, (949) 289-3757
Assistant Chief Mike McBride, Enforcement (909) 484-0167
Carrie Wilson, DFG Communications, (831) 649-7191

DFG Announces Two Public Meetings to Discuss Lobster Hoop Net Regulation Changes

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will hold two public meetings in Southern California to review options for potential hoop net regulation changes. Hoop nets are commonly used along the Southern California coast by sport fishermen to catch California spiny lobster.

continue reading "CDFG News Release: DFG Announces Two Public Meetings to Discuss Lobster Hoop Net Regulation Changes"

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      Sept. 10, 2009

Contact: Carrie Wilson, Communications Office, CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov

Question: I want to try some ocean bowfishing but cannot find the
regulations applicable to the sport. What do I need to know? Thanks. (B.
Carter, San Clemente)

continue reading "CDFG Press Release: California Outdoors Q&A"

Question: I will be heading out with some friends on their boat to fish
for tuna but we are not sure of the limits. I remember they used to be
unlimited, but I think limits were put on them not too long ago. (Rob
A.)

continue reading "CDFG Press Release: California Outdoors Q&A"

Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open in Northern California
Aug. 29

California’s only 2009 recreational ocean salmon season will be open
Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 in the Klamath Management Zone along the north
coast. The brief season was authorized by the Pacific Fishery Management
Council and California Fish and Game Commission, based on data collected
by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) showing enough adult Klamath
fall run Chinook will return to the Klamath River Basin to allow for a
limited ocean harvest while maintaining conservation goals. Since 2008,
commercial and recreational fishing for salmon has been closed in all
other ocean areas off California in order to protect Sacramento River
fall run Chinook, which have been at historically low numbers the last
two years.

continue reading "CDFG News Release: Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open in Northern California Aug. 29"

Anglers Queue Up to Compete in San Diego’s International Yellowtail Derby
Private boater Robert Pedigo and his team of 4 anglers on Ocean Pearl were the first team to sign up to compete in San Diego’s reincarnated International Yellowtail Derby.

Question:  How many fishing rods can be in one’s possession? I have a
second rod stamp but want to know if I can carry more than two rods with
me? Although I may be on foot fishing from the bank, I see anglers on
the bass tourney TV shows fishing while still having several rods on
their boats. What advice do you have? (Joe P., Chico)

continue reading "CDFG Press Release: California Outdoors Q&A"

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      June 19, 2009

Contact:  Warden Patrick Foy, Department of Fish and Game, (916)
651-2084
                Kristine Lorenz, San Diego City Attorney’s Office,
(619) 533-5500

Two San Diego Lobster Poachers Sentenced to Jail Time

Two individuals recently arrested for lobster poaching in the San Diego
area have been sentenced to jail time. The arrests, though unrelated,
both involved repeat offenders – one of whom gained international media
attention in 2007 for attempting to hide six poached lobsters in his
pants. 

continue reading "CDFG News Release: Two San Diego Lobster Poachers Sentenced to Jail Time"