Do you need to have a net when fishing for halibut?

Had someone tell me that by law when out fishing for halibut i need to have an 18" net on board.  I had never heard of this and was wondering if this was FUD or not.  I just carry a gaf.  Thanks.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=54912.0

Thanks.

Not just for halibut, but fishing on the ocean period!

Basically it just has to be a bag with an 18" diameter though so some just literally carry a bag inside their hatch so it's out of the way.

The reasoning for the net is to avoid gaffing a questionable legal size fish.

The reasoning for the net is to avoid gaffing a questionable legal size fish.

Netting a halibut or salmon will kill it, too. It cuts the fins and tail, and scrapes off the scales and slime. Don't net a fish if you intend to release it

You can shake the hook. I've seen guys do it with a gaff, but a simple pair of pliers near the boat should do it too. That probably is the safest method to releasing a fish.

The reasoning for the net is to avoid gaffing a questionable legal size fish.

Netting a halibut or salmon will kill it, too. It cuts the fins and tail, and scrapes off the scales and slime. Don't net a fish if you intend to release it

This is where when fishing for halibut one should use a fine mesh net that is less likely to cause a split tail - if one cares about the fishery.

The reasoning for the net is to avoid gaffing a questionable legal size fish.

Netting a halibut or salmon will kill it, too. It cuts the fins and tail, and scrapes off the scales and slime. Don't net a fish if you intend to release it

This is where when fishing for halibut one should use a fine mesh net that is less likely to cause a split tail - if one cares about the fishery.

Just quoting what a fish cop told me.  Then again, he thought the net size was 15 inch minimum.