18" landing net required onboard?

I just saw this net regulation for the first time recently. I, I mean this guy I know, has only been carrying a gripper and a gaff. Is the rule enforced for kayaks and, if so, can you skirt the issue by having an old beater net or a mesh onion bag or something stowed in your hull to technically satisfy the Man? Thanks for any insight.

Yes for ocean fishing from kayak or boat.  Rule doesn't specify net material so I think onion mesh bag is OK 

This has been discussed before, and it seems that you can probably get away with using just about anything as your "net". Having said that, I always carry a real net (and this year I'm going to use a real _big_ net, at least when salmon fishing).

Thanks guys. I should have clarified that I was thinking of the rockfish regs - for salmon I would use a net for sure. You catch my drift with the onion mesh, though. Letter of the law!

Petco has them, they are 20" but you can cut the handle down two inches. I use mine to land RacinRob's lings! 

Question related to the subject...caveat, I will go check the regs of course. If I am in my Kayak, fishing with a buddy in his kayak near by, do we only need one net between the two of us? I thought I had heard that before, but thought I'd look for an answer here first. Thanks!

I would be careful. I think the point of having a net is to allow you to handle and release any undersize or illegal fish causing the least harm. That sounds like something that they might not want to cut you any slack on.

Agreed. In consideration of the health and safe release of fish, it would be wise for all anglers to have one on board. I always do. I bring this up, b/c I have a buddy who I crab with and occassionally soak some lines during the overlapping seasons. His yak is not fully rigged for fishing and space is at a premium. I'll take it upon myself to build him a crate (his yak is devoid of rod holders) and/or find a way for him to have a net on board. Still curious about the reg though.

Petco has them, they are 20" but you can cut the handle down two inches. I use mine to land RacinRob's lings! 

i thought the 18 nch rule was on the net opening, not the handle length, ?

the rule
every angling boat must have a net 18" or bigger
 the kayak rule word of mouth from a floating pair of dfg guys. 2 years back..."as long as one of you guys has one"

the word of mouth last week when Aptos took my spare to go with his yak and  him and his Hot date went dabbing..." no you dont 'have to have one"
that was right from a field officer

the rule in the book.....yes

conclusion ---get a net....get a nice BIG net and  put a noodle on the handle...it will come in very handy....

You could also carry the minimum legally required net and also carry a gaff for obviously oversize fish, which is not only totally legal but a hell of a lot easier on any species.

the rule
every angling boat must have a net 18" or bigger
 the kayak rule word of mouth from a floating pair of dfg guys. 2 years back..."as long as one of you guys has one"

the word of mouth last week when Aptos took my spare to go with his yak and  him and his Hot date went dabbing..." no you dont 'have to have one"
that was right from a field officer

the rule in the book.....yes

conclusion ---get a net....get a nice BIG net and  put a noodle on the handle...it will come in very handy....

One of the most important considerations is always what the guy with the gun standing in front of you thinks the reg says.

Yes, legally required to carry.  It's spelled out plain and simple in the first section of Gear Restrictions:

" No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters
without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate use to assist in landing undersize
fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of any such landing net shall be not less
than eighteen inches in diameter"

However... As some have said/implied...

I've never even been asked about my net when being checked out by the DFG on the many occasions that they have come to check my license or tackle while out fishing.  Since I carry a fold up one, stuck to the side of my crate, maybe they saw it and didn't ask, or they just generally didn't care.  I think they would care mostly if your fishing for salmon.

Thanks for the info guys, will make sure everyone I'm out with has their bases covered.

I went and for like 14 bucks -same day I fist dropped a salt line- had one of the cheaper ones at wal mart -some right at 18"...then later it became a loaner or for my wifes yak-once I got real manly man net...btw lings..big ones...dont fit in my 18" nets...without a kiss