Targeting Stripers and Sturgeon Together in San Francisco Bay

July 13, 2017

Question: When fishing from a boat in San Francisco Bay, can some anglers target striped bass with barbed hooks while others target sturgeon using barbless hooks? If one angler who is fishing from a boat with a barbless hook legally lands and retains a sturgeon, can all anglers on the boat switch over to target striped bass and continue to use barbed hooks? (Craig. H.)

Answer: There is no regulation that requires all persons fishing aboard a vessel with a sturgeon on board to use barbless hooks. However, the definition of “take” may get anglers in trouble if they are observed fishing in a manner consistent with those methods used to “take” sturgeon. “Take” is defined as “to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill” (Fish and Game Code, section 86). Game wardens are watching out for people who may be attempting to take sturgeon with barbed hooks, or are trying to circumvent the requirement to purchase a sturgeon report card by saying they are “just striper fishing.” So, be sure that there is no ambiguity over what you are targeting to avoid any questions of intent.

It's such a grey area when it comes to this. I atleast bring 2 rods with me , one for sturgeon and the other for striper... just in case if I go sturgeon fishing. And would like to switch after I land one... or I just rock a circle hook that's barbless the whole day.

I think they're trying to say if you're set up with a barbed sturgeon rig with eel or roe or shrimp, you're going to have to talk real fast to stay out of trouble. If it looks like a traditional striper rig with traditional striper baits, you will have an easier time making your case. Not to say there isn't any overlap.

It's such a grey area when it comes to this. I atleast bring 2 rods with me , one for sturgeon and the other for striper... just in case if I go sturgeon fishing. And would like to switch after I land one... or I just rock a circle hook that's barbless the whole day.

Barbless circle hooks can catch fish all day.  Sounds like a safer bet.  We like barbs though don't we.....

I started using circle hooks cause It's just one of the best ways to hook a fish with out damaging the fish too much.