Is It Legal to Fillet Stripers and Sturgeon on the Shore?

April 8, 2010

Question: Is it legal to fillet stripers and sturgeon once they are brought ashore?  (George L., Madera)

Answer: Yes. According to Assistant Chief Rob Allen, all fish (with size or weight limits) in an angler’s possession or when brought ashore must be in a condition where they can be identified and the size and weight determined (Fish and Game Code, sections 5508 and 5509). Striped bass and sturgeon may not be filleted on a boat while in the water, nor can they be brought ashore as fillets (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 27.65). Once ashore, though, legal-sized stripers and sturgeon may be filleted.

I haven't been on a party boat in years, where filleting on the way in was routine, and even recently I've seen fish filleted on the boat (party boat) at the dock.  Seems like either an obvious violation or a misunderstanding on my part.

I think commercial boats live under a different ruling.