How Do I Fill Out Lobster Report Cards on a Multi-Day Fishing Trip?

November 19, 2020

Question: I have a question about filling out lobster report cards. When I’m hoop netting throughout the night, do I start a new card entry at midnight? Or is a day’s entry from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following day? Here’s a scenario: Let’s say I’m fishing the islands and I’m in possession of a valid Declaration of Multi-Day Fishing Permit. I set my nets around 7 p.m. and catch my limit of lobsters by 11:30 p.m. Do I start a new entry on my Lobster Report Card at 12:01 a.m.? By law, am I allowed to resume lobster fishing after midnight, as it is a new day? (Rick)

Answer: Lobster report cards are required to be filled out for each calendar day that you fish. The month, day, location and gear code must be filled out prior to fishing. Once you are done fishing for the day or move to another location, you must record the number of lobster kept. The legal requirements for filling out lobster report cards can be found in California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.91.

When on a multi-day trip with a valid Declaration of Multi-Day Fishing Permit, please make sure you comply with all of the requirements of the Multi-Day Fishing Permit. The legal requirements can be found in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 27.15.

A Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip may not be filed for a trip unless the trip is continuous and extends for a period of 12 hours or more on both the first and last day of the trip. No berthing or docking is permitted within five miles of the mainland shore during multi-day trips.

In the scenario you describe, you would have to leave port no later than noon on the first day when you finished fishing at 11:30 p.m. and could not return to port until noon the following day since you fished after midnight.