New Sturgeon rules go into effect Jan 1 2013

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=58288

Can we have the AOTY points adjusted. I still plan on fishing for and posting one. Just because I did not post one this year yet doesn't mean I didn't try.

I'm going to save piles of cash not targeting sturgeon. 

Thanks for the definitive document.

Some questions I'm going to have, 

a single hook bullhead rig is almost exactly like the newly required sturgeon rig cept for the barbs, and maybe line wt.  Then if I throw a ghostie on there due to lack of action with the bullhead, it's completely illegal, to be safe I guess allot of striper fishing is gonna have to go barbless.

Also I don't see addressed, in areas where 2 rods are OK with a stamp, can 2 rods be used for sturgeon, I'm thinking yes as long as each is good with the new reg.

Anybody have any insight into these questions?

I still plan on fishing for and posting one. Just because I did not post one this year yet doesn't mean I didn't try.

Haha, I hear ya there! 

Dale, I think two rods are fine as long they are both compliant with the current regs.  And here is what I think about Striper fishing under the new regs;  I think barbs are going to be fine for Striper fishing regardless of type of bait.  Just know that if you hook a Sturgeon with a barbed hook, that dino is gonna swim to see another day.  Kinda like Halibut fishing with Squid and you land a Salmon.  The Salmon has to go back cause you've got barbed hooks on your line and boat.  Unless like you mentioned, you do go barbless, then a Sturgeon by-catch would be fine.  I think Stripers are going to be super hard to catch with barbless hooks.  Too many head shakes in them.  So for me, if I'm Striper fishing I'm going in knowing I'm not going to be keeping a Sturgeon that day.  But if I'm Sturgeon fishing, there is a chance I could be going home with a Striper.  I've never used barbless hooks for either specie, so my plans will be adjusted after I actually get some Stripers hooked up with the barbless and see how that goes.  I predict its gonna suck. 

I wonder when Owner is gonna come out with barbless K Hooks?  Unless they already have and I just cant find them.

Also I don't see addressed, in areas where 2 rods are OK with a stamp, can 2 rods be used for sturgeon, I'm thinking yes as long as each is good with the new reg.

Anybody have any insight into these questions?

only east of the carquinez bridge only still, as far as i can find, cameron

Report cards aren't free now, if I read correctly.

Report cards aren't free now, if I read correctly.

correct

I'm going to save piles of cash not targeting sturgeon. 

+1

I fish for sturgeon from shore, PB and yak. I camp at the river for a couple nights all the time. Get up in morning, go home to shower, work, back to river directly. Or just spend a couple days at the river without leaving. I will still be putting in the time. My buddy has caught 3 in the last two days on the Sac up north.

Also I don't see addressed, in areas where 2 rods are OK with a stamp, can 2 rods be used for sturgeon, I'm thinking yes as long as each is good with the new reg.

DFG 2012-13

A Second-Rod Validation is required to fish with two rods in inland waters in any sport fishery in which the regulations of the Commission provide for the taking of fish by angling, except those waters in which only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used.

2.00. Fishing Methods--General.
(a) Except as otherwise authorized, all fish may be taken only by angling with one closely attended rod and line or one hand line with not more than three hooks nor more than three artificial lures (each lure may have three hooks attached) attached thereto. Anglers in possession of a valid two-rod stamp and anglers under 16 years of age may use up to two rods in inland waters which regulations provide for the taking of fish by angling, except those waters in which only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used. See District Trout, Salmon and Special regulations for exceptions.


Waters in which"Only" is the key word but that could use some further clarification by DFG. The current way it reads is as along as you're not fishing in a barbless only section of water the single rod restriction wouldn't apply since this is species specific restriction not a given water section.