How Many Rods on Piers and From Shore With Two-Rod Stamp?

September 8, 2016

Question: I’ve gotten conflicting information about the number of rods that can be used on public piers and from shore. I thought only one rod could be used from a public pier and two rods with a license and stamp from shore. However, some friends say two rods from public piers and any number of rods from shore. What’s the correct answer? I’m new to fishing in the ocean in California and I don’t want to get a ticket for something I may have misunderstood. If you could clarify this for me I would deeply appreciate it. Thank you for your time. (Jeanine Q.)

Answer: This is a common point of confusion. To clarify, the two-rod stamp (or second rod validation) applies only to freshwater fishing gear. In saltwater, only two rods (or any two fishing “appliances”, for example one rod and one crab trap, or one rod and one hoop net, etc.) may be used from public piers, and any number of rods may be used when fishing from shore. However, when fishing for groundfish or salmon in the ocean, only one rod with two hooks may be used.

Only one rod up to 3 hooks in San Pablo Bay, sturgeon one hook, barbless , 2 rods east of carquinez bridge, more wacky details that will save you money.

So, when fishing from pier/jetty, you can use 2 rods to fish for rock fish?  or one? 

Or does 1 rod 2 hooks rule trump location?
In which case, if I have a crab trap down on pier/jetty does that mean I can't fish for a groundfish (rockfish) on 1 rod 2 hook?

Thanks in advance.

So, when fishing from pier/jetty, you can use 2 rods to fish for rock fish?  or one? 

Or does 1 rod 2 hooks rule trump location?
In which case, if I have a crab trap down on pier/jetty does that mean I can't fish for a groundfish (rockfish) on 1 rod 2 hook?

Thanks in advance.

The most restrictive rule will always apply.

Yes, you can fish for rockfish with one rod and work one crab trap while jetty fishing.