Is it ok to use two rods on American River without second rod validation?

I am wondering if I need to buy a second rod validation to use two rods to fish shad on american river, and the official language confuses me: "Required for all persons taking fish with two rods or lines in inland waters, except for waters in which only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used.". Does this mean one can be fish two rods without the validation in waters where only artificial lures may be used, or does it mean two rods are not allowed independent of the validation? How do I know if shad fishing area is artificial lure only water or not?

Thanks,
Tong

Yes you do need a two rod stamp. That's it. We will be in the barb section if we go barbless I'll let u know.

In barbless sections you are only allowed one rod.

In barbless sections you are only allowed one rod.

This too

Yes you do need a two rod stamp. That's it. We will be in the barb section if we go barbless I'll let u know.

Matt knows what he's doing and is awesome on the american.

I don't know why you would want to use two rods for shad on the american?

I don't know why you would want to use two rods for shad on the american?

Shad and that Big Striper.

no stripers in the AR.  They all got eaten by the sea lions.

Yeah if we end up in the barbless then it's only one rod. I'm hoping we don't. Plenty of lower stretches to explore.

Next week maybe do a drift from Sailor to Watt.  Or maybe Sailor to the mouth. Haven't done one of those since December. About time.

Matt knows what he's doing and is awesome on the american.

I don't know why you would want to use two rods for shad on the american?

Thanks everyone for the info, and I am definitely lucky going with Matt. Why do I want two rods for shad? Very good question, I don't know for sure, guess I am just too excited about it, and just wanting double the fun . And I just bought the second rod stamp before reading or thinking about your question...

Thanks everyone for the info, and I am definitely lucky going with Matt. Why do I want two rods for shad? Very good question, I don't know for sure, guess I am just too excited about it, and just wanting double the fun . And I just bought the second rod stamp before reading or thinking about your question...

Hook two shad at a time and you'll just have double the trouble instead of double the fun.  They would wreck you.

Thanks everyone for the info, and I am definitely lucky going with Matt. Why do I want two rods for shad? Very good question, I don't know for sure, guess I am just too excited about it, and just wanting double the fun . And I just bought the second rod stamp before reading or thinking about your question...

Hook two shad at a time and you'll just have double the trouble instead of double the fun.  They would wreck you.

This.  I fish one rod for shad.

Hmmm, all great advice, and I guess only one rod for shad now. What can I do with the second rod given I have the stamp now, bass, crappie, or something else? Would C&R be considered fine for striper on AR (that is assuming I can catch one in the first place, which I really doubt)? I don't want to eat a big striper anyway, and there is no other reason to waste a good life for me, which makes C&R the obvious choice. I cannot say the same about shad or crappie though...

Hmmm, all great advice, and I guess only one rod for shad now. What can I do with the second rod given I have the stamp now, bass, crappie, or something else? Would C&R be considered fine for striper on AR (that is assuming I can catch one in the first place, which I really doubt)? I don't want to eat a big striper anyway, and there is no other reason to waste a good life for me, which makes C&R the obvious choice. I cannot say the same about shad or crappie though...

Shad fishing is pretty active.  I recommend using just one rod at a time.  I would bring a second rod for striper though, but again I would only fish one rod at a time.  If you hook up with with one of the big ones, then the last thing that you want is another line in the water.

Hmmm, all great advice, and I guess only one rod for shad now. What can I do with the second rod given I have the stamp now, bass, crappie, or something else? Would C&R be considered fine for striper on AR (that is assuming I can catch one in the first place, which I really doubt)? I don't want to eat a big striper anyway, and there is no other reason to waste a good life for me, which makes C&R the obvious choice. I cannot say the same about shad or crappie though...

I release all stripers I catch in the AR. That's just me.  If I want a keeper striper I'd try the port or the delta.

Shad I eat some, they are excellent! Bony but I have a way around that.  And smoked, lookout!