Need Info on salmon fishing from shore, Fortuna, ca

Hey guys, I have to drive up to Fortuna tomorrow and I have quite an amount of time to kill in the afternoon. I'm planning to throw some spinners for kings in the lower eel river but I don't know the regulations in the area. Is the season even opened yet? Do I need a punch card? Is it barbless hooks only? Any info would help me, thanks in advance.

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Very complicated and loaded issue, RS.  It's been closed to take and only barbless for about 16 years, and STARTING THIS YEAR it is illegal to target salmon in the Eel.  It's too early for salmon in the estuary anyway (outside of a fluke), but you might hook one you can keep off the South Jetty.  Be careful if you go...  It's about a 20 minute drive from Fortuna to the South Jetty.  Toss a big, barbless silver spoon or Kastmaster out into the channel, or if it's calm enough, on the ocean side.  The chances are kinda slim for a salmon, but it's certainly possible, and you could get a black or a lingcod too.  Good luck.   

Thanks for the info Eric, I just lost all interest in bringing my rod lol. I guess ill just take a scenic walk out there.

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