Landing Net Required?

September 6, 2012

Question: I understand when fishing for salmon from a boat in the ocean, you are required to have a net on the vessel for landing the fish. Are there size restrictions for the net? (Jeff)

Answer: Yes, while fishing in ocean waters, you are required to have a landing net aboard any boat or other floating device with an opening that measures no less than 18 inches in diameter (CCR Title 14, section 28.65(d)).

Is the net required to have a hoop or a handle? 
   Nets other than landing nets are described in the regs, and have hoop and handle requirements, so does that mean that landing nets don't need to have those things, or is it up to the warden/judge to decide what an adequate "net" is?  If it has an opening of at least 18", and you could possibly land a fish with it, is that enough? After all, even with a handle and hoop, netting is not a certainty.
   

Is the net required to have a hoop or a handle? 
   Nets other than landing nets are described in the regs, and have hoop and handle requirements, so does that mean that landing nets don't need to have those things, or is it up to the warden/judge to decide what an adequate "net" is?  If it has an opening of at least 18", and you could possibly land a fish with it, is that enough? After all, even with a handle and hoop, netting is not a certainty.
   

I think it depends on which judge you are assigned...........

Bushy