Max # of Hooks for Halibut SF Bay

Hello All,

I've recently been trying to find information on the max amount of hooks allowed when fishing for California Halibut in SF Bay. I found a section in the CDFW that mentions no more than 2 hooks when fishing for Pacific Halibut, does anyone know if this applies to California Halibut as well? (Attached a screenshot of the section) There's also mention of one line with up to three hooks within SF Bay but in regards to fin fish. I'm trying to determine if it would be legal to use a trap rig with and a hoochie with a hook further up the line when fishing for California Halibut. Thank you for any clarification!

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple. 

We should have a contest to see who can fish the most rods and hooks in the ocean from a kayak. I've seen someone fish 5 rods before, and I think it would be difficult to top that...

We should have a contest to see who can fish the most rods and hooks in the ocean from a kayak. I've seen someone fish 5 rods before, and I think it would be difficult to top that...

Bonus AOTY points for fishing 5 rods simultaneously, and not losing the fish in a giant tangle? 

GEAR RESTRICTIONS
28.65. GENERAL. Except as provided in this article, fin fish may be taken only on hook and line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines may be used in all ocean waters and bays except:
(a) San Francisco Bay, as described in Section 27.00, where only one line with not more than three hooks may be used.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Awesome thanks for clarifying!

We should have a contest to see who can fish the most rods and hooks in the ocean from a kayak. I've seen someone fish 5 rods before, and I think it would be difficult to top that...

Bonus AOTY points for fishing 5 rods simultaneously, and not losing the fish in a giant tangle? 

I'm gonna need more rod holders

We should have a contest to see who can fish the most rods and hooks in the ocean from a kayak. I've seen someone fish 5 rods before, and I think it would be difficult to top that...

I used to fish 3-4 rods for Pacific halibut but when it was legs to do.  Not 5 rods, but try fishing 3 rods off a kayak at 250-300ft with 2 lb balls attached.  I once landed a triple with 2 pacific halibut over 34” and a 40” skate.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

I had always used only one rod and 2 hooks when I fished the ocean just to be safe.  So I never dwell on what this multiple line/hook allowance mean.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

What is the logic behind this allowance?  Seems to me it just adds confusion.  And practically, setting up many lines to catch just that first rockfish, which could be minutes into the day's fishing, is not really a good investment in time and effort...

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

What is the logic behind this allowance?  Seems to me it just adds confusion.  And practically, setting up many lines to catch just that first rockfish, which could be minutes into the day's fishing, is not really a good investment in time and effort...

If you are fishing multiple rods and catch a rockfish, you have to let it go.  If you are fishing more than one rod, you are not targeting rockfish.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

What is the logic behind this allowance?  Seems to me it just adds confusion.  And practically, setting up many lines to catch just that first rockfish, which could be minutes into the day's fishing, is not really a good investment in time and effort...

If you are fishing multiple rods and catch a rockfish, you have to let it go.  If you are fishing more than one rod, you are not targeting rockfish.

I see....  that makes sense.

I just use one rod with two hooks, whatever legal size fish bites it that's what's for dinner.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

Put together some 2-hook “twobikis” this winter specifically for getting fresh live baits with rockfish already on board. Threebikis for the bay.

You can use 3 hooks in SF Bay, and any number in the ocean for fishing for Cal hali.  Also relevant to fishing in SF Bay, you can only use one rod/line, where in the ocean you may use multiple.

Can I clarify the line and hook limit in the ocean?  According to the highlighted, it seems once you catch one rockfish or ling or cab, you have to reduce to only one line + 2 hooks, is that the correct interpretation?

That is correct.  One of the most common violations I see of this rule is when anglers with RCG species on board throw a 6-hook sabiki to restock on bait.

Put together some 2-hook “twobikis” this winter specifically for getting fresh live baits with rockfish already on board. Threebikis for the bay.

Ha, love your name for those!  I wish there were some premade options for that; I usually just break off a pre rigged sabiki into the desired number of hooks.