boat based net regulation.

I have been searching for the regulation that requires all boat/kayak based anglers to have a net. I use a Kayak to fish in the Monterey bay and just found out I am supposed to have a net when fishing. I have bought a net to take on my fishing adventures since I learned of my error.

 
See Section 28.65(d) in the Gear Restrictions section, on pg. 45 of your current Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet:

 

“(d) No gaff hook shall be used to take or assist in landing any finfish shorter than the minimum size limit. For the purpose of this section a gaff hook is any hook with or without a handle used to assist in landing fish or to take fish in such a manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth. 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.”

 

I hope this helps,

 

yours,

 

Mary Patyten
[email protected]


 

I hate this regulation. Unless fishing for salmon, I'll never use a net from my kayak, so it just adds to the clutter.

I hate this regulation. Unless fishing for salmon, I'll never use a net from my kayak, so it just adds to the clutter.

Amen to that. Only reason I carry a net is the reputed fine a guy got awhile back.

When it comes to kayaks, it's an outdated and frankly unnecessary rule.  Much easier on the fish to just unhook them in the water than use a net to unhook them, especially salmon.  But until an exception is made, it is what it is.  If space is at a premium on your boat and you don't use nets, one of the folding collapsible nets is an option.  I think I've seen these advertised at lower prices on other websites.  Just fold it up, throw it in your hull, and forget about it until the warden shows up  .

http://www.frabill.com/nets-accessories/folding-nets/18-x16-folding-n.html

that one is $20 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Frabill-Folding-Telescoping-Handle-16-Inch/dp/B001FTU7YY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465925545&sr=8-1&keywords=frabill+folding+net

for the 18" opening -- does that mean at least 18" in all directions or can it be an enlongated opening like on a trout fly fishing net? BTW - this one is 18" x 16" so it wouldn't qualify?

Brad

I hate this regulation. Unless fishing for salmon, I'll never use a net from my kayak, so it just adds to the clutter.

Amen to that. Only reason I carry a net is the reputed fine a guy got awhile back.

I was just gonna ask if anyone has ran into any issues with this.... I never take my net....

that one is $20 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Frabill-Folding-Telescoping-Handle-16-Inch/dp/B001FTU7YY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465925545&sr=8-1&keywords=frabill+folding+net

for the 18" opening -- does that mean at least 18" in all directions or can it be an enlongated opening like on a trout fly fishing net? BTW - this one is 18" x 16" so it wouldn't qualify?

Brad

I asked a warden this question a couple weeks ago.  He said he wouldnt write a ticket and that they are pretty understanding about such things.  He didn't even seem inclined to require a net at all for kayakers.  Obviously your mileage may vary from warden to warden.

It says, " OR available for immediate use," I would interpret that as if your kayak fishing partner has one you can get away with not taking one

It says, " OR available for immediate use," I would interpret that as if your kayak fishing partner has one you can get away with not taking one

Having had one DFG ticket, (charges dropped) I'm not gonna do anything to risk another, just not worth the hassle.

Another interpretation of immediate use might make (depending on the warden) that one folded up stuck in the hull considered not available for immediate use and get you a ticket. I thought about going this route,

But

I've run into (as many have) wardens that are regular reasonable minded individuals as well as ones that are just complete dicks and would write tickets if any minor reason presented itself.

With that said by far the majority of interactions I've had with wardens has been positive and many times downright helpful in gathering game. I have been checked OTW and I didn't have a net and it wasn't even mentioned, was years ago and (my fault) wasn't even aware of the reg.

So, in cautious mode,

PITA sometimes but I keep my net available for immediate use.

If I hadn't had the one ticket and the painful experience of getting it cleared up I might go a less cautious route. Experience is the best teacher.

I couldn't find the regulation's definition of a "landing net," other than the opening must shall be not less than 18" in diameter.  I might just start carrying one of these (in case I forget my EGO slider) since it's "mesh" and has an opening over 18":   

https://www.amazon.com/Large-Coated-Galvanized-Handle-D-Ring/dp/B00K2ZADSC/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1465946704&sr=1-8&keywords=mesh+game+bag

except, maybe not at that pricepoint...  Maybe this then:  https://www.amazon.com/Promar-Fishing-Mesh-Dunk-Chum/dp/B0010FOM1W/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465948970&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=promar+Mesh+Catch+Bag

I was just gonna ask if anyone has ran into any issues with this.... I never take my net....

Not exactly, but I fish HMB a lot in the past years and have never been checked on the water... until a couple of weeks ago.  I had to move my net/rods from one side so they could pull up next to me w/o breaking them.  they only asked about any fish caught (i said no, but they wanted me to open my hatches) and license check.  not sure if they would've ask about a net if they didn't see one.

big deal gotta carry net...if that`s all there is to complain about..life must be pretty sweet    of course maybe if i used it last time I wouldn't have lost 3 fish   

what about the boga-grip? they are very useful with rock fish. i know it sucks and space is at a high premium but i just bring the net even if I don't ever use it.

what about the boga-grip? they are very useful with rock fish. i know it sucks and space is at a high premium but i just bring the net even if I don't ever use it.

did I tell you about the grips I lost ....   ...

what about the boga-grip? they are very useful with rock fish. i know it sucks and space is at a high premium but i just bring the net even if I don't ever use it.

did I tell you about the grips I lost ....   ...

no but i lost one as well last year even with the floater as the ling swim away with it. i have a cheaper gripper now. lol