Net Questions

I wouldn't argue that having a net is not a good idea for big fish you intend to keep... I just fail to see how it is of benefit to undersize fish you intend on releasing.  Sounds like another "just because" law.

I think I may get one of these to be legal. I can use it to keep fish and crabs alive for a bit while I am out there... all the better. But I usually just use a stringer.

http://www.amazon.com/Trident-Handle-D-Ring-Divers-Snorkelers/dp/B0061F6XZY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_6

I'm not sure if the opening of that bag is 18".

I haven't used a stringer in the ocean since a fur bag grabbed mine and tipped me over at GS6. 

Yeah, I think that law is a bit lame, I just don't want to give dfg something to get you on. I can just leave that bag in the hole and it will be there. I am not sure it is 18", it is close and does not take up much room.

I should wise up about the stringer. The last time I was out crabbing two sea lions came up right next to the yak when I pulled a trap and were barking up a storm. I went to the next trap and the top was smashed in a bit, they were trying to get the bait. I was next to commercial traps. I wonder if the sea lions hang out when traps are pulled to get the old bait. I never throw it out in the ocean... I leave it for the gulls. Not sure what the commercial guys do.

I lost a ling I was guessing to be close to 40" last year.

Don't end up regretting not having a big net.   

I lost a ling I was guessing to be close to 40" last year.

Don't end up regretting not having a big net.   

When Eric speaks, I listen!

Not only is diameter important, but depth is as well. My 36" Salmon last year went in my 21" net no problem. It has a real deep bag on it.

If anyone is looking for a game bag that is over 18" this should do it.

http://www.amazon.com/Trident-Handle-D-Ring-Divers-Snorkelers/dp/B0061DSMLE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=EU2VW1P5MGB4&coliid=I37MW4RTTFF69T

Not only is diameter important, but depth is as well. My 36" Salmon last year went in my 21" net no problem. It has a real deep bag on it.

This^!
That's why my net bag with a just over 18" diam. mouth works on decently large fish, because it is about 24" deep. Its tough to flip out of that.

how is netting a fish which damages scales and skin while rubbing off the protective slime better than lipping a fish?

I don't think it is.  So why the law?  I don't know.

If your crabbing or ab diving then your not "taking finfish" and should not be required to possess a net according to this statute. Correct?

IMHO if you make a habit of fishing in the ocean with a 18" net then it's only a matter of time before your lose the largest fish of the day/year/life by trying to land it by inadequate means. 

the way I see it, no net required while crabbing or ab diving.  The largest kayak fish I have caught are seabass and halibut.  I usually boga or gaff, then put them on a game clip.  Salmon are netted and my salmon net is HUGE.  32 by 30 opening and 3 feet deep.