Rockfishing report

Headed over to Cape Mendocino area for opening day of abalone season and some fishing off the rocks.  I used one of my 9' boats to get out to my favorite fishing rock--I can wade to it at low tide, and I still don't know how many wardens will end up wanting to ticket me for "fishing from a boat" or "using a boat to catch fish"...  Picked up 4 snapper (black rockfish) right away then the bite went dead, so I hopped in and grabbed two 8" abs that I've been farming--found them in the past, left them, kept option to grab them on a day like yesterday where the viz was crap and the surge was nasty.  I saw the warden pull up to check the few rock-pickers at the spot, so I headed to the truck to get my breakfast before going back out to try a new rock as the tide came in.  The warden was nice enough to give me a break and not ticket me for not filling out my ab punch card while on my boat.  I have a problem with that rule, but I'll get over it...  He didn't have anything to say about my fishing activities...  It was a fun morning, but I'm looking forward to better conditions and open season for fishing from my yak.

Without an official poll, can I get some response on what people think of boating to a rock that can be waded to--legal, illegal, questionable, or complete BS that it's an issue?  Thanks for your opinions.   

Nice Avatar.  What is that?  A Bucket?

The more I learn about DFG regulations, the more I realize they are not managing anything. 
If the commerical fishermen found out what you were doing, they might ask for a new law to prevent that.

I think if you wade to the rock, it's legal, but if you don't, it's not.

you could ask dennis mcKiver the on-line warden @ coastside if you really care.

I think you are better off not knowing the answer tho and just enjoying yourself.
you might get a big fine one day, but so what, think of all the fun it bought you,  .

I'm a little biased because I like your reports but I don't have to pay your fine.

Search the archives... we've discussed this ad nauseum a year or two ago.  I believe Elric actually got a letter of interpretation from a DFG warden that basically said if you have to take a boat to it, it's not shore-based fishing. 

Glad you got out and were able to kick off the season...

I do the same thing, I break down my gear and paddle to an inaccessable jedi, get off my yak and walk the jedi with gear, but always break down gear and put it in hull if possible.  The difference is that I practice catch and realease.  It gives me the ability to fish year-round yet I apply hardly any pressure  by realeasing.  I have gone through the whole process with three D.F.G. agents from my area, every one said this is legal yet you can not be in your vessel.  All your gear must be broken down,  It is legal to transport fish, it is not legal to fish off of vessel.

                                                          -JRONJ-