Wind Rose Charters

Patrick’s Point Charters

Trinidad Bay Charters

Shenandoah Charters

Ocean Grove Charters

North Wind Charters 

Griffin’s Titan Charters

The following information is directly from the Department of Fish and Game website on April 24, 2008. For up to date information, please visit this link.

Recreational Salmon Regulations

In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Fish and Game Commission adopted a complete closure of the ocean salmon sport fishery in California for the remainder of the 2008 season.

For a DFG Salmon Fishing Update issued April 18, 2008, click here .

For more information, visit the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/whatsnew.html.

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General Sport Regulations

NO RETENTION OF COHO SALMON OR STEELHEAD TROUT IN ANY OCEAN RECREATIONAL FISHERY  

Salmon may only be taken by angling as defined in Section 1.05. No sinkers or weights exceeding 4 lbs may be used, except that a fishing line may be attached to a sinker or weight of any size if such sinker or weight is suspended by a separate line & the fishing line is released automatically by a mechanical device from the sinker or weight when any fish is hooked.

Ocean Boat Limits: Each angler aboard a vessel may continue to fish until the boat limit (combined daily bag limits of all anglers) has been attained. Once the vessel reaches shore, individual daily bag limits will apply. Charter boat operator(s) and crew members may not take fish that apply towards the boat limit of their passengers, but they may take fish for their individual bag limits provided their fish are kept separate from the passenger’s fish.

North of Pt. Conception: No more than 2 single-point, single-shank barbless hooks shall be used & no more than 1 rod/angler when fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat with salmon on board.

Horse Mt. to Pt. Conception: If fishing with bait and angling by any other means than TROLLING¹, no more than two (2) single-point, single-shank barbless CIRCLE HOOKS ² shall be used. The distance between the two hooks must not exceed five (5) inches when measured from the top of the eye of the top hook to the inner base of the curve of the lower hook and both hooks must be permanently tied in place (hard tied).NOTE: These special gear restrictions apply to each angler fishing for salmon or fishing from any boat or floating device with salmon on board.

1. TROLLING is defined as angling from a boat or floating device that is making way by means of a source of power, other than drifting by means of the prevailing water current or weather conditions.
2. A CIRCLE HOOK is defined as a hook with a generally circular shape and a point which turns inwards, pointing directly to the shank at a 90-degree angle.

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OCEAN SALMON REGULATIONS HOTLINE (707) 576-3429
CDFG - Ocean Salmon Project
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 130, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

The following information is directly from the Department of Fish and Game website on April 24, 2008. For up to date information, please visit this link.

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Important Note - The recreational fisheries for lingcod, rockfish, sub-groups of rockfish, California scorpionfish, cabezon, kelp and rock greenlings, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and other federal groundfish may close early if the annual harvest guideline for any one specie or species group is met or is expected to be met prior to the end of the year.

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What’s Open:

Rockfish

The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers only. This fishery is closed to boat-based anglers and will reopen on May 1, 2008. These species may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less that 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in combination of all species within the RCG Complex (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings) per person, with a sub-limit on bocaccio (2 per person, minimum size limit of 10 inches total length, also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit). Yelloweye rockfish, canary rockfish and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero).

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Click here for a summary of the Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas (YRCAs).

Cabezon

The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers only. This fishery is closed to boat-based anglers and will open on May 1, 2008. Cabezon may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less that 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 1 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 15 inches total length.

Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling

The recreational fishery for kelp and rock greenlings (Hexagrammos sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers only. This fishery is closed to boat-based anglers and will open on May 1, 2008. Greenlings may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less that 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length.

Lingcod

The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is open to divers² and shore-based anglers only from April 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. This fishery will reopen to boat-based anglers on May 1, 2008.. Lingcod may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Click here for a summary of the Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas (YRCAs).

Leopard Shark

The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) inside Humboldt Bay is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers² and shore-based anglers. Outside of Humboldt Bay, the fishery is closed to boat-based anglers and will reopen on May 1, 2008. Outside of Humboldt Bay, leopard sharks may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms). The daily bag and possession limit in all areas is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Pacific Sanddab and “Other Flatfish”³

The recreational fishery for Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and “other flatfish” is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers² and shore-based anglers, with certain gear restrictions during closed periods and in closed areas³. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

All Other Federally Managed Groundfish and Associated State-Managed Species¹

The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish and associated species¹ is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers and will reopen to boat-based anglers on May 1, 2008. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Surfperch

The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner surfperch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10 1/2 inches total length.

Sturgeon

The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) remains open all year. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish that must be between 46 inches and 66 inches total length. The yearly limit is three (3) sturgeon per year. Short or oversized sturgeon must be released unharmed immediately. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm to assist in landing or killing any sturgeon. Any person fishing for sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card and complete it in accordance with Section 27.90, Title 14 California Code of Regulations.

Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for complete sturgeon information.

Dungeness Crab

The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is open in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties from November 24, 2007 through July 30, 2008. The following regulations apply:

• The daily bag and possession limit is ten Dungeness crabs.
• The minimum size limit is 5 3/4 inches measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines).
• Every person taking crab shall carry a device that is capable of accurately measuring the size of the crab using the method described above.

Click here to view a crab measurement diagram

Click here to view information on crab identification

Abalone

The recreational fishery for red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is open from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008; and from Aug. 1, 2008 through Nov. 30, 2008 in California’s waters north of San Francisco. The daily bag limit is three per day, with a maximum of 24 abalone per year. Abalone taken must measure at least 7 inches in diameter. Abalone may only be taken by hand or by abalone irons. Scuba gear and surface-supplied air are prohibited. Free divers and shore pickers (16 years or older) must possess a valid sport fishing license.

New Regulations

• Abalone report cards are required for everyone fishing for or taking abalone. Report cards are required during the two free fishing days on June 7, 2008 and Sept. 27, 2008.
• Abalone must be tagged immediately upon exiting the water or immediately upon boarding a vessel, whichever occurs first. Persons using non-motorized vessels (such as kayaks and float tubes) may wait until reaching shore to immediately record information on the tags and the report cards, and tag their abalone. All abalone tags must correspond to the abalone report card of the diver/picker. Abalone given to others must retain the tags until the abalone are prepared for immediate consumption. Tags must remain attached to abalone report cards until an abalone is being tagged. Tags separated from abalone report cards prior to use are invalid and must be marked “VOID” on both the tag and the card. Lost or destroyed tags must be recorded as such on the abalone card. Abalone must remain in the shell with tags attached until being prepared for immediate consumption.

Everyone engaging in the take of abalone is responsible for knowing and abiding by all California marine sport fishing regulations pertaining to abalone. The California Department of Fish and Game has produced a video that demonstrates the new tagging procedures that will be required. To view this video online and to see a list of new abalone fishing regulations, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/education/video/AbaloneRegulations.html.

For more information please see the Red Abalone FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Other Species

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.

NOTE - The Department may modify the seasons, depth constraints, bag limits or size limits for any species of federally-managed groundfish, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. Check this Web site regularly or call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline ((831) 649-2801) for the latest information.

What’s Closed:

Rockfish

The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is closed to boat-based anglers through April 30, 2008 and will reopen on May 1, 2008. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Cabezon

The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is closed to boat-based anglers through April 30, 2008 and will reopen on May 1, 2008. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling

The recreational fishery for kelp and rock greenlings (Hexagrammos sp.) is closed to boat-based anglers through April 30, 2008 and will reopen on May 1, 2008. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Lingcod

The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is closed to boat-based anglers through April 30, 2008. The fishery is open to divers²and shore-based anglers from April 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Leopard Shark

The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) outside Humboldt Bay is closed to boat-based anglers. This fishery will reopen to boat-based anglers on May 1, 2008.The fishery outside Humboldt Bay is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers.

All Other Federally Managed Groundfish and Associated State-Managed Species¹

The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish and associated species¹ is closed to boat-based anglers, and will re-open on May 1, 2008. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Ocean Salmon

The recreational fishery for ocean salmon is closed. In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Fish and Game Commission adopted a complete closure of the ocean salmon sport fishery in California for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Click here for a Salmon Fishing Update issued April 18, 2008.

For additional information, please visit the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/whatsnew.html.

Existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Click here for information on existing MPAs in this region.

For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

Commercial Salmon Regulations

Commercial fishing from Horse Mountain to Point Arena (Fort Bragg area) previously scheduled to open April 7, 2008 through April 25, 2008 has been closed.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) the National Marine Fisheries Service adopted a complete closure of commercial and sport Chinook salmon fisheries off California for the remainder of the 2008 season on April 10, 2008.

For a DFG Salmon Fishing Update issued April 18, 2008, click here .

For more information, visit the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/whatsnew.html.

strong>OCEAN SALMON REGULATIONS HOTLINE (707) 576-3429
CDFG - Ocean Salmon Project
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 130, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

 But in the meantime, you can check out this page: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/rockfishid.asp 

“With more than 60 species of rockfishes found along the California coast, identifying catch can be difficult for beginning anglers, experienced anglers and sportboat crewmembers alike. With current ocean sport fishing regulations putting sublimits on some species and requiring anglers to release others, being able to identify catch has become even more important. ” - From the CA Dept of Fish & Game Website

Check out the fish identification illustrations guide, the CA Fishing Passport and of course, the 2008-2009 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.

2008 Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses - Fee $6.00

Fish and Game Code, Section 7150, authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to issue Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses to the following anglers:A) Any person 65 years of age or older who is a resident of California and whose total monthly income from all sources does not exceed the income levels below. Income Verification from your Social Security office is required annually. 

A) $856 for single persons, or

B) $1,502 for married persons (combined income).

C) Any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. Proof of eligibility from the United States Veterans Administration or a copy of last years license is required.

2008 Free Fishing Licenses

Fish and Game Code, Section 7151, authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to issue Free Sport Fishing Licenses to anglers who meet specific criteria.  Additional stamps or cards are required for certain species and areas and must be purchased at the regular fee.

Five-Year Free Sport Fishing Licenses are available for anglers who meet the criteria below: 

A) Any person, with central vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the aid of the best possible correcting glasses, or central vision acuity better than 20/200 if the widest diameter of the remaining visual field is no greater than 20 degrees. Certification of blindness by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is required. 

B) Any person who is a resident of the State and who is so severely physically disabled as to be permanently unable to move from place to place without the aid of a wheelchair, walker, forearm crutches or a comparable mobility-related device. Verification by a licensed physician or a copy of the previous year’s free fishing license is required.

C) Any developmentally disabled person.  Certification by a licensed physician or the director of a State regional center is required.

One-Year Free Sport Fishing Licenses are available for anglers who meet the criteria below:

A) Any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the State and whose total annual income does not exceed $10,210 for the head of the household, plus $3,480  for each additional family member living with them.  Certification by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) or proof of being on a tribal registry is required. Verification of income on Form FG371 is required annually. 

How to Apply

Applications and licenses are available only at DFG License Sales Offices or through the mail.  If you meet the criteria described above for a license and want to apply by mail, email us at LRB@dfg.ca.gov and include your name, mailing address and the type of application (reduced-fee, free one-year or free five-year) needed.

Source: Department of Fish and Game