DFG Update - Recreational Groundfish Regulations

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

New 2011-2012 Recreational Groundfish Regulations Effective June 9, 2011

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announces changes to recreational
groundfish regulations that apply to state waters 0-3 nautical miles from
shore. The new regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission last
month and take effect June 9, 2011. The changes conform to new federal
regulations implemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fisheries last month, making all groundfish regulations consistent for state
and federal waters from 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore.

The new California regulations were developed over the past two years in
collaboration with fishery constituents after updated status information for
certain groundfish species became available. For some areas of the state,
the new stock assessment results combined with recent catch information
allowed for longer fishing seasons while still keeping projected catches
within allowable federal harvest limits.

The changes will apply to California recreational groundfish fishing
regulations for 2011-2012 statewide unless otherwise noted, and include the
following:

- A decrease of the lingcod minimum size limit from 24 to 22 inches
- An increase of the recreational bag limit of cabezon to three fish,
within the 10-fish combined bag limit for rockfish, cabezon and greenlings
- Removal of the lingcod fishery closure in December and January through
March when groundfish fishing is otherwise authorized
- An increase of the fishing depth constraint to 60 fathoms year-round for
California scorpionfish
- Modification to gear restrictions when fishing for cabezon and greenlings
so that no more than one line and two hooks may be used, consistent with
existing regulations for rockfish and lingcod
- Other modifications to improve clarity and organization

Some Groundfish Management Areas have been renamed. The seasons and depth
restrictions that apply for specific Groundfish Management Areas will take
effect as follows:

Northern (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino):
--For 2011, open May 14 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet

Mendocino (Near Cape Mendocino to Point Arena):
--For 2011, open May 14 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet

San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point):
--For 2011, open June 9 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
--For 2012, open June 1 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet

Central (Pigeon Point to Point Conception):
--For 2011 and 2012, open May 1 through December 31 in depths less than 240
feet

Southern (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
360 feet

Cowcod Conservation Areas (offshore Southern California):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
120 feet (please note that nearshore rockfish continue to be the only
species of rockfish that may be taken in these areas).

Anglers are advised to check regulations before fishing for federally
managed groundfish. The upcoming recreational fishing regulations supplement
will contain all new 2011-2012 groundfish regulations. The regulations are
also available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral
or anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801.

State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect for Ocean Anglers

CDFG News Release - State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect
for Ocean Anglers

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 11, 2011

Contacts:
NOAA Fisheries Groundfish Branch, (206) 526-6140
Tony Warrington, DFG Law Enforcement Divison, (916) 826-9416
Marci Yaremko, DFG Marine Region, (858) 442-3004
Kirsten Macintyre, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8988

State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect for Ocean Anglers

Due to a delay in the federal rulemaking process, the California Fish and
Game Commission was unable to conform state recreational groundfish
regulations in a timely manner. New federal regulations now result in a
conflict between state and federal regulations for recreational groundfish
fishing, so that some rules differ for state (0 to 3 nautical miles from
shore) and federal waters (3-200 nautical miles from shore) off the
California coast beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Fish and Game Commission are
working to amend the state regulations to align them with the 2011 federal
regulations by early June 2011. Until then, DFG reminds California anglers
to follow existing state regulations.

Immediate actual conflict with State Title 14 regulations beginning May 11,
2011:
1. Lingcod size limit and the allowable alternate fillet length (statewide)
- State regulations continue to specify that the limit is two fish at 24
inches with a 16-inch fillet size limit.
2. Cabezon (statewide) - State regulations will continue to allow only a
two-fish sub-bag limit on cabezon.
3. Cabezon and greenling gears (statewide) - State regulations will
continue to follow the general gear provisions only.

New actual conflict arises on Saturday, May 14, 2011:
4. Season opening date in the Northern and Mendocino Groundfish Management
Areas (from the California/Oregon border south to Pt. Arena) - State
regulations will continue to be in effect, opening the fishery in these
areas on Sunday, May 15.

New actual conflict arises on Wednesday, June 1, 2011:
5. Season opening date in the San Francisco Area (from Pt. Arena to Pigeon
Pt.) - State regulations will continue to be in effect, opening the fishery
in these areas on June 13.

DFG will provide information to the public on its website as soon as the
Commission takes action and new state groundfish fishing regulations become
effective.

###

Early Quarantine of Sport-Harvested Mussels

CDFG Informational Notice - Early Quarantine of Sport-Harvested
Mussels Begins

Early Quarantine of Sport-Harvested Mussels Begins Today

Contact: Al Lundeen, Ronald Owens (916) 440-7259, California Department
of Public Health, Sacramento

Coming a month earlier than in normal years, the annual quarantine of
all mussel species publicly harvested along the California coast takes
effect today. The quarantine is beginning early this year because
testing by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) detected
elevated levels of domoic acid and paralytic shellfish poisoning.

³Poisoning from eating mussels can lead to severe illness, including
coma and death,² said CDPH Interim Director Dr. Howard Backer. ³It
is critical that individuals do not consume sport-harvested mussels
because there are no known antidotes to the toxins found in these
mussels and cooking does not reliably eliminate the toxins.²

Both domoic acid poisoning (DAP) and paralytic shellfish poisoning
(PSP) are linked to natural food sources for filter-feeding animals,
including bivalve shellfish. The overwhelming majority of illnesses
among humans occur between spring and fall. DAP symptoms can occur
within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness may occur.
These symptoms disappear completely within several days. In severe
cases, the victim may experience excessive bronchial secretions,
difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular
instability, seizures, and permanent loss of short-term memory, coma and
death. PSP affects the central nervous system by producing a tingling
around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours
after eating toxic shellfish. Typical symptoms are loss of balance, lack
of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In
severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from
asphyxiation can occur.

The mussel quarantine runs through October 31. It applies to
sport-harvested mussels along the coast, including all bays, harbors and
estuaries.

Commercially harvested shellfish are not included in the annual
quarantine. These products are certified by the state and subject to
strict requirements to ensure that all mussels, oysters and clams
entering the marketplace are free of toxins.

For updated information on quarantines and shellfish toxins, call the
CDPH shellfish information line at (800) 553-4133.

Your Squid Update - Commercial Season to Close 12/17

Commercial Market Squid Fishery to Close December 17

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will close the commercial fishery
for market squid, Loligo (Doryteuthis) opalescens, Friday, Dec. 17 at
noon.

Based on landings information and projections, DFG biologists expect
that by Dec.17, the seasons harvest limit of 118,000 short tons of
market squid will be reached. The squid fishing season runs from April
through the following March of each year, which means the fishery will
now remain closed through March 31, 2011. This is the first time that
the harvest limit has been reached since it was implemented by the Fish
and Game Commission in 2002.

"We have had a banner year for market squid this year," said Dale
Sweetnam, a DFG senior marine biologist who oversees the commercial
market squid fishery. "In California, we have had squid landings from La
Jolla to Half Moon Bay and reports that market squid are abundant off
many of the offshore banks, the Channel Islands, as well as off Baja
California. The colder than normal water conditions we have observed
since February have provided optimal conditions for squid spawning."

The presence of market squid is strongly correlated with environmental
factors, such as water temperature and nutrient availability. In warm
water years and during El Niño conditions, squid become scarce and
landings decline. However, when water temperatures cool, even after
severe warm water events, market squid numbers can rebound quickly and
dramatically.

DFG, with assistance from squid fishermen and seafood processors, has
been tracking catches daily this fall in anticipation of reaching the
harvest limit, which was established to ensure the squid fishery does
not expand beyond levels experienced in the 1990s. "The wetfish industry
and California Wetfish Producers Association are very pleased to partner
with DFG to ensure a sustainable market squid resource and fishery,"
said California Wetfish Producers Association Executive Director Diane
Pleschner-Steele.

Market squid is by far California's largest and most valuable
commercial fishery. In 2009, just over 100,000 tons was landed with an
ex-vessel value of $56.5 million. California market squid is used
domestically for food - often identified as calamari in restaurants -
and is an important international commodity. Last year, California fish
businesses exported market squid to 36 countries with China being the
leading importer of California market squid.

The harvest limit is one of many provisions governing the squid
fishery, which has been managed under the states Market Squid Fishery
Management Plan (MSFMP) since 2005. The goals of the MSFMP are to ensure
long term conservation and sustainability of the market squid resource,
reduce the potential for overfishing and provide a framework for
management. In addition to the harvest limit, weekend closures were
implemented to allow for periods of uninterrupted spawning each week.

The MSFMP was developed under the provisions set forth by California's
Marine Life Management Act (MLMA), which became law in 1999. The MLMA
created state policies, goals and objectives to govern the conservation,
sustainable use and restoration of California's living marine resources,
including squid.

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

Contacts:
Dale Sweetnam, DFG Marine Region,(858) 546-7170
Marci Yaremko, DFG Marine Region,(858) 442-3004
Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications,(916) 654-9937

New 2011-2012 Groundfish Regulations Delayed

New 2011-2012 Groundfish Regulations Delayed

The California groundfish regulations for 2011-12 recently adopted by the
Fish and Game Commission will not be ready for implementation on Jan. 1,
2011 as planned. These regulations conform to federal regulations adopted by
the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). However, due to procedural
difficulties encountered within the federal rule making process, the 2010
regulations will remain in place until further notice.

"We are working closely with our federal fishery management partners to
establish an implementation date," said Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
Marine Region Manager Marija Vojkovich. "We will announce the effective date
for the new regulations as soon as it has been established. Until then, we
ask that fishermen continue to follow the 2010 rules."

The new California regulations were developed in collaboration with fishery
constituents, other Pacific states, PFMC and the National Marine Fisheries
Service over the past 18 months.

Anglers are advised to check regulations before targeting federally managed
groundfish, as the proposed 2011-12 changes included modifications to
fishing seasons, harvest limits, bag limits, species compositions, trip
limits, fishing depths and gear constraints for rockfish, lingcod, cabezon,
greenlings, California scorpionfish (sculpin) and other species.

The 2010 recreational and commercial groundfish regulations are available at
the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral or recreational
anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801. The
delay mainly affects the recreational groundfish fishery.

The public can still comment on the proposed federal groundfish regulation
changes on or before Jan. 4, 2011. Instructions for submitting public
comments can be found at
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Publications/FR-Notices/2010/loader.cfm?csModule=sec
urity/getfile&pageid=48404 (this page may be slow to load). The proposed
recreational changes can be found on pages 67894 through 67896.

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

Contacts:
Deb Wilson-Vandenberg, DFG Marine Region, (831) 649-2892
Jayna Schaaf-Da Silva, Marine Region, (831) 649-7196
Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications, (916) 654-9937

UPDATE! 2010/2011 Waterfowl Regulations

Hot off the, uh.... pixels on my screen... courtesy of the fine folks over at California Waterfowl Association

2010/11 WATERFOWL REGULATIONS BY ZONE

This information is provided to you as a general guide only. Please refer to
the California Department of Fish and Game website or other materials for
official information. We cannot be responsible for any typos or changes in the listed information.

REGULATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR ALL ZONES:
**The duck season is > 100 days, and the bag limit 7 birds/day in all zones.
**Pintail bag is 2 birds/day (either sex) for the entire season.
**Mallard bag will 7 birds/day, and two may be hens.
**Canvasback bag is 1 bird/day for the entire season.
**Scaup bag is 3 birds/day, and the season will be 86 days.
**"Electronic" Spinning wing decoys will be allowed from December 1 until
the season ends (statewide).

BALANCE OF STATE ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: 100 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 23, 2010 through January 30, 2011.
Brant Special Management Areas:
Northcoast Brant (Humboldt Bay) November 7, 2010 through December 6, 2010.
Southcoast Brant (Tomales and Morro Bay), November 13, 2010 through December 12, 2010; 2 per day, 4 possession.
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 5 and February 6, 2011
Early Resident Canada Goose Season: October 2, 2010 through October 6, 2010
(Except in the North Coast Special Management Area)

Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7.
Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8.
Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese of which only 6 can be dark geese. Bag may include up to 6 large Canada geese; 6 small Canada geese, 6 white geese; 4 white fronts.
Early Resident Canada Goose Season: 6 Canada geese
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: No more than 2 white fronts may
be taken only from October 23, 2010 until December 14, 2010.
For more information on the Sacramento Valley (West) Special Management Area limits and
boundaries, please refer to the Fish and Game Waterfowl Regulation Booklet.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks: 105 Day Straight Season (scaup during first 86 days only)
October 9, 2010 through January 21, 2011
Geese: 100 Day Straight Season
October 9, 2010 through January 16, 2011
Special Youth Hunt Days: September 25 and 26, 2010

Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7.
Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8.
Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese of which only 6 may be dark geese. Only 1 may be a small Canada goose (Aleutian or cackling) and only 2 may be large Canada geese; 6 white geese; 4 white fronts.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks: 102 days split Season (scaup during last 79 days only)
October 9, 2010 through October 31, 2010 and November 13, 2010 through
January 30, 2011
Geese: 100 Day Straight Season
October 23, 2010 through January 30, 2011
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 5 and February 6, 2011

Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7.
Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8.
Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese, of which only 6 may be dark geese, and include up to 6 large Canada geese; 6 small Canada geese; 6 white geese; 4 white fronts.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: 100 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 23, 2010 through January 30, 2011
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 5 and February 6, 2011

Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7.
Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8.
Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese, of which only 6 may be white geese and 3 may be dark geese.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

COLORADO RIVER ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: 101 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 22, 2010 through January 30, 2011
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 5 and February 6, 2011

Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7.
Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, but not more than 2 female mallards or Mexican-like ducks; 2 pintail (either sex); 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 6.
Daily bag limits may contain 6 white geese and up to 3 may be dark geese.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

To check out the Waterfowl Zone Map, click here>>

For more information, visit California Department of Fish & Game website by clicking here>>

More California Regulations News

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

Contacts:
Harry Morse, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8962
Scott Barrow, DFG Fisheries Branch, (916) 445-7600
Adrianna Shea, Fish and Game Commission, (916) 508-5262

Ocean Salmon Season, Most Mammal Hunting Regulations Set by Fish and
Game Commission

The Fish and Game Commission (FGC) today adopted ocean salmon sport
fishing regulations that allow for a limited season in 2010. The inland
salmon season regulations were adopted for the Klamath and Trinity
rivers. The Central Valley regulations have been tabled until the
FGC’s next meeting on May 5.

The newly adopted ocean salmon sport fishing regulations conform to
those adopted by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council last week.
They are now available on the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Web
site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp.

The FGC will also take action on a limited salmon sport fishing season
for the Central Valley on May 5. DFG staff are currently reviewing the
draft for potential impacts on listed winter run Chinook salmon, and
examining whether additional angling opportunities are feasible. The
proposed regulations would allow fisheries for Sacramento River fall run
Chinook salmon. Once the review and revision is complete, DFG’s
proposed seasons and zones will be posted on the FGC Web site at
www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2010/proposedregs10.asp#cv.

The FGC today also adopted the proposed 2010-2012 mammal hunting
regulations, taking DFG’s recommendation not to change existing bear
hunting regulations at this time. DFG made this recommendation after it
determined more time was needed to review comments, in compliance with
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. A memo
sent from DFG Director John McCamman to the FGC can be viewed at
www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2010/265memo42010.pdf.

The FGC directed staff to schedule an agenda item to begin a new
regulatory package for bear hunting regulations at their May 5 meeting.

The regulations approved today also increase elk hunting opportunities
through the addition of new hunts, reduce deer harvest in Zone X1 and
set in place regulations for mammal species for the upcoming seasons.

Ocean Salmon Season SET!

Hot off the wires from the California Department of Fish and Game comes the press release concerning this years's PFMC decision - Looks like we will have an Ocean Salmon Season!

2010 Ocean Salmon Seasons Set

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has set the 2010 salmon seasons for ocean waters off California. Ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:

-- The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain will be open from May 29 through September 6. Minimum take size is 24 inches.

-- The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open through September 6. Minimum take size will increase from 20 inches to 24 inches beginning May 1.

-- The waters from Point Arena to the United States/Mexico border will remain open through September 6. From May 1 through September 6, fishing will be allowed only from Thursday through Monday. Minimum take size will increase from 20 inches to 24 inches beginning May 1.

All zones have a limit of two Chinook salmon. No take of coho salmon is allowed.

The PFMC also set limited commercial seasons in some zones. Information on these seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org.

The California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) will meet on April 21 to review and conform ocean seasons and size limits in state waters to mirror the new federal rules. The FGC will also set the inland salmon seasons at this time. The FGC sets all seasons in California inland and coastal waters extending three miles out.

The FGC will discuss and vote on a proposal that mirrors the dates adopted by the PFMC for ocean salmon seasons but may include additional gear and size restrictions. The proposed general sport fishing regulations and gear restrictions, along with maps of each area, can be viewed at: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

Anglers can review additional ocean salmon regulations in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet on DFG's Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for additional information.

Salmon Season Updates

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 26, 2010
(sent by email to us on April 6, by the way...)

Contacts:
Marc Heisdorf, DFG Biologist, Marine Region, (707) 576-2873
Harry Morse, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8962

Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens in Most Areas April 3

The recreational salmon season for ocean waters south of Horse Mountain in Humboldt County to the U.S.-Mexico border is scheduled to open on April 3. Season dates for ocean waters north of Horse Mountain and in Humboldt Bay will be decided in mid-April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PMFC) and the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC).

A map of each area along with general sport fishing regulations related to each area can be viewed at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

All Chinook salmon harvested must meet the size limit for the zone where they are taken. All coho salmon are protected by law and if caught must be released unharmed. Current regulations include the following:

Humbug Mountain (OR) to Horse Mountain: Closed

The rest of California's coastal waters (Horse Mountain to U.S.-Mexico Border): Season is scheduled for April 3-30, 2010
Limit is two salmon per day of any species (except coho)
Minimum size limit is 20 inches total length

Closing dates of all ocean seasons and size limits may be changed by the PMFC and FGC at their April meetings. Ocean salmon sport seasons in effect on or after May 1, 2010 will also be determined at the April meetings.

Sport season options currently being evaluated can be found at www.pcouncil.org.

Anglers can review additional requirements imposed by ocean salmon regulations (Section 27.80) in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet, available wherever sport fishing licenses are sold, at your local DFG office, and on DFG Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.

New Dept of Fish & Game Regs Begin March 1st

From the California Department of Fish and Game News Release

Contacts: Scott Barrow, Fisheries Branch, 916-445-7600
DFG Office of Communications, 916-322-8911

New sport fishing regulations take effect March 1

The California Fish and Game Commission has adopted the following changes to sport fishing regulations. All take effect and will be enforced starting March 1, 2010.

Display of Sport Fishing License is Not Required
Anglers will no longer have to display their sport fishing license on their outer clothing above the waist, but their sport fishing license must still be in their possession while fishing.

Sturgeon Fishing Closure on Upper Sacramento River
There will a year-round closure to sturgeon fishing on the Sacramento River from the Keswick Dam (Shasta County, west of Redding) to the Hwy 162 Bridge (near Butte City). The use of wire leaders or any type of shrimp or lamprey bait is also prohibited in this area.

Spiny Lobster
Spiny lobster must be kept in a whole, measurable condition until it is being prepared for consumption. See Section 29.90(e).

Increased Bag and Possession Limits for Hatchery Trout and Steelhead
The statewide bag and possession limits were raised to two fish per day and four fish in possession. These increased limits will be in place for all rivers and streams where the take of hatchery trout or steelhead is presently allowed except for the Feather, Klamath and Mokelumne rivers. Refer to the Section 7.50 of the regulations for each individual reach.

New Rules for the Smith River
Only barbless hooks will be allowed in all reaches of the Smith River. The Klamath-Trinity Salmon Report Card has been renamed North Coast Salmon Report Card and will now be required on the Smith River also. The annual bag limit for wild trout or steelhead was reduced to zero and no more than five wild Chinook may be kept per year.

Sunfish and Crappie Combined Bag Limit and Separate Tilapia Limit
The daily bag limit for sunfish is reduced to 25 fish and incorporated into a combined bag limit of 25 sunfish and crappie of all species, except as noted in Section 5.82. Tilapia are moved out of the sunfish bag limit and continue to have no limit on take.

Splittail and Lamprey Changes
Sacramento splittail may be taken only by angling, with a bag limit of two fish. The bag limit for lamprey is reduced to five and the use of traps is no longer allowed.

There are other changes to the sturgeon and steelhead report cards and general district regulations, so please review all of the 2010 regulations pertaining to the species you intend to pursue. Regulations are available on the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/about/fishing.

Printable Waterfowl Regulations for 2010

After yesterday's post, the most common email request was for a version of the regulations which could be easily printed out - Of course, that's something we do every year, so keep an eye out for the "Green Sheet" this weekend in both stores.

If you absolutely cannot wait until Friday (or actually, tomorrow...) here's a link to a pdf version you can print out and post in your workplace or office -
http://www.westernsportshop.com/anonftp/pub/hunt/regs_wf2009.pdf

Ocean Salmon Fishing? Well.... Yeah! Sort of...

We received a ton of calls over the weekend concerning the California Department of Fish & Game Announcement of a limited ocean salmon fishing season for this year.

In short, they are allowing a limited period of fishing near the mouth of the Klamath River, so unless you plan on trailering your boat or making a long run, most of the San Francisco Bay boat owners are better off chasing the local halibut and striped bass.

Here's the press release we received from the DFG:

From: "Marine Management News" <marinenews@dfg.ca.gov>
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:30:13 -0700
Subject: CDFG News Release: Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open
in Northern California Aug. 29

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2009

Contact: Joe Duran, Associate Marine Biologist, (707) 576-3456
Harry Morse, Public Information Officer, (916) 322-8962

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

California¹s 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.

³This northern California season was specifically designed to
minimize the incidental take of Sacramento River fall Chinook,² said
Marija Vojkovich, Marine Region Manager and DFG¹s representative to
the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

The boundaries of the open ocean fishing area extend from north of
Horse Mt. (40° 05¹ 00² N. latitude) to the California - Oregon
border. The retention of coho salmon or steelhead trout is prohibited in
all California ocean fisheries. Anglers are required to use barbless
hooks and are limited to one rod per person when fishing for salmon, or
when fishing from a boat with salmon on board.

The daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except
coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length. A salmon
report card is no longer required when fishing for salmon in the
ocean.

The opening of this salmon season is expected to provide some relief to
businesses that cater to the salmon anglers. According to DFG economist
Terry Tillman, the 10-day ocean salmon sport fishing season could boost
economic output by $2 million statewide. Locally, in Humboldt and Del
Norte counties, the season could contribute an additional $370,000 to
total economic output for the region.

The 2009-2010 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement, published
by DFG, lists all current regulations and restrictions. The supplement
is available at sport fishing licenses dealers, DFG offices and online
at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations. Anglers may also call the Ocean Salmon
Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for additional information.

Salmon news and related information compiled by DFG is online at:
www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/salmon.

Know the Rules - Part Deux!

This appeared in the "DFG Q&A" email I get every week. Since it's actually one of the more common questions we get in the store and on the phone, I thought I'd reprint it here:

Question:
We do a lot of ocean fishing and spear fishing and we have a question: Does an angler or spear fisher have to stop fishing once they reach their bag limit even if they are with another licensed angler or spear fisher without their limit? For example, if I am on my boat rock fishing with a friend and I catch my limit but my licensed friend is having a slow day, can I legally gift him some of my limit and continue fishing? The same with spear fishing. I know in years past I have been on boats where fishing was not stopped until the boat had limits for everyone fishing. This seems like a gray area to me and I just want to make sure I am following legal and ethical methods while diving and fishing. Thank you. (Charlie C.)

Answer:
You can help your friends who are having a slow fishing day only if you are fishing from a boat on the ocean. Boat limits are allowed only for ocean anglers fishing for finfish while aboard a boat. This does not apply for divers or for people fishing for invertebrates (e.g. lobsters and crab). Boat limits mean that all licensed anglers (and anglers under 16) may keep fishing until enough fish have been caught to fill all the anglers collective bag limits. It doesn't matter who caught the fish as long as nobody is over-limit when they depart the boat. This provision is allowed only in this situation for saltwater anglers fishing with hook and line. It does not extend to divers or to shore fishermen or to people fishing in inland waters (FGC Section 27.60[c]).

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Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question and answer column appears weekly at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA . While she cannot personally answer everyones questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov .

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Know the Rules!

The 2009-2010 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet is now available
online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/sportfishing_regs2009.asp and in
hardcopy format at your local CDFG office or at both of the Western Sport Shop locations.

Another new brochure, “A Guide to Central California Beach Fishing”
is now available as well. The brochures provide tips such as best times to fish,
suggested gear, and fish identification illustrations for some of the
most popular fish caught along California’s sandy beaches to the south of us.

The brochures are currently available online at
www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/beachfishing.asp and in hardcopy format on a
limited basis from the CDFG (e-mail AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov for
information) and California Sea Grant (see
www-csgc.ucsd.edu/BOOKSTORE/comp_publications.html for information).

A new brochure, “Stop the Spread of Dwarf Eelgrass” describes a
non-native marine plant that is destroying essential coastal habitat
used by a variety of native animals and plants. The brochure helps
people identify the invasive species and provides contact information
for reporting suspected sightings.

The brochure is currently available in hardcopy format on a limited
basis from the link above, and is available online at
www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/dwarfeelgrass. The dwarf
eelgrass Web site also includes an electronic report form for suspected
sightings of dwarf eelgrass and other invasive species.