Barbed hooks on board???

They can't tell you to not take a photograph.  What they were doing was attempting to restrict your actions through intimidation.

Take the picture, they can't legally stop you.

1.  It is a public place.
2.  It is your property.
3.  It is potentially exculpatory evidence in your case.

MolBasser

In court it's not so much about what you argue as what you prove. If the warden shows up without the evidence, then you better be ready and that would mean calling other witnesses from the boat that say the barb was bent over. Also be sure they know the law and what a properly bent over barb looks like, because they could get called on that.

Bottom line if you have a witness that verifies your version then it's two against one and you hold the high cards in the case. Be real sure to not say anything in your own testimony that they can use to say you twist facts or lie, then your dead.

As for the barbless hook rule, you have to be using a barbed hook to be cited. Also, they have to prove you were salmon fishing (this could be easier than you think). But, did you know you can be cited on San Francisco Bay if you even have a hook on or near your person that is bigger than three quarters of an inch from point to shank? Yup, you can, in this case the law is if you posses the hook while fishing on the bay.

"But, did you know you can be cited on San Francisco Bay if you even have a hook on or near your person that is bigger than three quarters of an inch from point to shank? Yup, you can, in this case the law is if you posses the hook while fishing on the bay."

I would be very interested in this being tested in court.  I don't doubt that they could site you, but mere posession of hooks illeagal to use will not get you convicted.

MolBasser

But, did you know you can be cited on San Francisco Bay if you even have a hook on or near your person that is bigger than three quarters of an inch from point to shank? Yup, you can, in this case the law is if you posses the hook while fishing on the bay.

Can you tell us where we might find this regulation documented? Don't think it's true for either use or possession.

I was thinking about the photograph thing. Next time I'm approached I'm taking a picture. Then we can post them so everyone knows what the boat and warden look like!