Jug Line Fishing in California Lakes

July 14, 2011

Question: I would like to know if it’s okay to jug line fish for catfish in California lakes. Jug line fishing is having a float (such as a one-gallon plastic jug) tied to a series of hooks, all on one fishing line. The hooks are spread 20 inches apart and submerged while the fishing line floats on the water. The line is about 10 feet long and does not drift due to it being tied to the fishing pole main line. The jug is also weighed down for this purpose. I do not see any laws in the fish and game manual that states this is prohibited. (Benjamin T., San Jose)

Answer: Generally, all fish must be taken by “angling” which requires the line to be held in the hand, or with line attached to a pole or rod held in the hand or closely attended. There’s also a limit of three hooks per pole (Fish and Game Code, sections 1.05, 2.00 and 2.10). This practice would be legal as long as it is closely attended and attached to a fishing pole