Fish Descender

So, my last outing on my boat for rockfish, I was greeted by fish and game here in the Monterey bay.

I was asked if i had a descending device? I showed one i had set up to go directly to a pole in an instant.

She was ok with me having one on board but requested that i have it set up on a pole when fishing. Just a heads up. Maybe all DFW does not require it being set up, but it does make sense in my opinion. A little easier on a boat but probable a little more of an inconvenience on a kayak.

So, my last outing on my boat for rockfish, I was greeted by fish and game here in the Monterey bay.

I was asked if i had a descending device? I showed one i had set up to go directly to a pole in an instant.

She was ok with me having one on board but requested that i have it set up on a pole when fishing. Just a heads up. Maybe all DFW does not require it being set up, but it does make sense in my opinion. A little easier on a boat but probable a little more of an inconvenience on a kayak.

Last week, the game wardens visited me on the water. To my surprise, they didn't even ask about a descending device.

Thanks for the info. I always bring a second rod. I'll clip a descender on it before I head out.

Al

I usually fish with/carry one rod while out on the kayak. I'm a simpleton and the less pokey hooks/gear dangling about the better. I do have the descender quickly available in front of me in my tackles bag. Rockfish are relatively sturdy fish

Was the first time i had an officer tell me i needed it attached to a pole. Maybe she's bucking for a promotion? 

She actually has been very personable all the other times i have encountered her. I usually get a card from dfw officers for questions in the future.

I spoke with another officer the other day to clarify filleting fish aboard the boat. Was correct in my answers for cod, ling and halibut.

I don't have time at the moment to emulsify them for my garden so i would rather donate them back to the sea.

This is the exact wording from the regulation:

"No person shall take or possess any federal groundfish as defined in Section 1.91 and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos from any boat or other
floating device in ocean waters without having a descending device in possession and available for immediate use to assist in releasing rockfish to the
depth of capture (§27.20(b)(1)(D)(2))."

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

They never told me it needed to be attached to a pole. If they did, I would respond that it would not be safe in a kayak.  Since I have already attached the weight, I could argue that it is ready for immediate use.
Since it is the first year, confusion and issues might need to be resolved.   Please let me know if anyone gets a citation or warning for not attaching to their fishing pole from a kayak.  I will discuss this with the CDFW staff.

Paul

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

I am sure this regulation can be interpretated both ways. As far as the Officer i encountered, she made it clear that the descender should be attached to a pole. Im sure this could be disputed and dismissed but would be a headache with lost time.

There is a Senior DFW officer here in Monterey that i will try and clarify .  We all know how office personnel interpretation can differ from field interpretation.  I did forget to mention i was boarded at the moss landing boat launch by a different DFW officer who i mentioned to that my descender was in my tackle box and he was fine with that.   

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

They never told me it needed to be attached to a pole. If they did, I would respond that it would not be safe in a kayak.  Since I have already attached the weight, I could argue that it is ready for immediate use.
Since it is the first year, confusion and issues might need to be resolved.   Please let me know if anyone gets a citation or warning for not attaching to their fishing pole from a kayak.  I will discuss this with the CDFW staff.

Paul

I can message you the officers name if you like. As i mentioned, she was the only one that stated it needed to be attached to a pole.

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

They never told me it needed to be attached to a pole. If they did, I would respond that it would not be safe in a kayak.  Since I have already attached the weight, I could argue that it is ready for immediate use.
Since it is the first year, confusion and issues might need to be resolved.   Please let me know if anyone gets a citation or warning for not attaching to their fishing pole from a kayak.  I will discuss this with the CDFW staff.

Paul

I can message you the officers name if you like. As i mentioned, she was the only one that stated it needed to be attached to a pole.

Since you were on a boat, I don't want to escalate now.  I want to focus more for kayaks at this time.

Paul

Thank you that helps a lot.

I carry a descender with weights attached on my kayak, as shown below.  I had numerous discussions with CDFW staff, and they all accepted it as meeting the requirement.

Paul

I'm currious, exactly like that or did they say it has to be attach to a fishing rod?

They never told me it needed to be attached to a pole. If they did, I would respond that it would not be safe in a kayak.  Since I have already attached the weight, I could argue that it is ready for immediate use.
Since it is the first year, confusion and issues might need to be resolved.   Please let me know if anyone gets a citation or warning for not attaching to their fishing pole from a kayak.  I will discuss this with the CDFW staff.

Paul

I can message you the officers name if you like. As i mentioned, she was the only one that stated it needed to be attached to a pole.

Since you were on a boat, I don't want to escalate now.  I want to focus more for kayaks at this time.

Paul

No worries. I already had plans to do my own research. For boats. lol

I have it in the side pocket of my Hobie kayak and have been checked by F&W a couple times without issue.

It should only be required to be ‘available for immediate use’ during the deep-water season/months.