Hook and weight restrictions

I just came across this while looking at the regs. I never knew there was any restrictions like this. It is a bit hard to read it with the legalese wording. Can anyone confirm my interpretation? My hook needs to be attached to a leader at least 18 inches below any weight bigger than 1/2 oz unless I am fishing in the delta or lakes and reservoirs. However if I am fishing in the Napa river it would apply? If the weight is below the hook and over 1/2 oz it must be 18 inches and can't be directly attached? Under 1/2 oz it can be closer but still not directly attached? What does directly attached below a hook mean?

How do they come up with this stuff?

2.10. HOOK AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Definition of Gap: For the purposes of this section, “gap” means the distance measured from the point of a hook to the shank.
(b) Maximum Gaps and Gear Rigging for Rivers and Streams unless otherwise provided (does not apply to lakes and reservoirs, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (see Section 1.71 for definition of the Delta), and the Colorado River).
1. No person shall use any single hook with a gap greater than 1 inch or any multiple hook with a gap greater than 3/4 inch.
2. It is unlawful to use any hook which is directly or indirectly attached closer than 18 inches to any weight exceeding 1/2 ounce.
3. It is unlawful to use any multiple hook or more than one single hook on non-buoyant lures exceeding one ounce.
4. It is unlawful to use any weight directly attached below a hook.
(c) Maximum Gaps for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (see Section 1.71 for definition of the Delta). 1. No person shall use any single hook with a gap greater than 1 inch or any multiple hook with a gap greater than 3/4 inch.

I think they mean no intentionally snagging fish with weighted treble or other hook.

I think they mean no intentionally snagging fish with weighted treble or other hook.

That's basically what these regs are designed to prevent - river snagging.  If you're fishing standard gear you don't have to worry about those details...

Too bad the regs can't just SAY no snagging, but I'm sure some idiot claimed their 3" treble on a half pound weight was a fishing lure and NOT an attempt to snag. 
The reg outlaws attempts to snag.  Other laws ban keeping a snagged fish regardless of the rig.  Some wording like, 'the hook must be voluntarily taken by the fish in the mouth...' or some such language. 

That why sturg rigs are like 48" but the slider is 18" above the hook.

People usually dont know about the weight/hook regs.

If your lure is heavier than an oz you need single hooks only. why a lot of lures are 7/8.

Why does it not apply to the delta and lakes?