Is an abalone Gauge/Iron Combo Legal?

August 24, 2017

Question: When diving for abalone, am I required to carry both a measuring gauge and an abalone iron or can I use a combo device that meets the requirements of both? The dive shop told me they had to be separate tools. (Joon P.)

Answer: Combination devices with fixed (non-moving) opposing arms, capable of measuring abalone accurately that also comply with the requirements for ab irons are legal to use. (See subdivisions (e) and (f) of CCR Title 14, section 29.15.)

Maybe the dive shop was just suggesting that a combo device can more easily catch in the rocks, potentially endangering the diver...

I'm assuming the dive shop didn't sell such devices if they advised against them.

I think this has more to do with the use of "Ab Grab" bars.  The DFW has taken a position that the caliper arm length on those is too short since they must be “of sufficient length to measure the abalone by placing the gauge over the shell.”

https://californiaoutdoorsqas.com/2014/07/31/ingenious-or-illegal/

So, the question they have never answered is "from which direction?" or the definition of "over" as related to measuring.  My position has been that since you are allowed to remove an ab from a rock prior to measuring then measuring it with the ab gauge from the meat/foot side would also be valid.

By not providing a specific length of the caliper arms in the regs, it just leaves it open to interpretation.

The real intent of the regulation is the make sure you can't use a ruler/tape measure or something such as a fish trough.

Seems like "over the shell" would mean over the shell itself, not over the edges of the shell, measuring over the foot. But if they haven't clarified that, it would be good for them to do it!

I was gifted one of the Ab Grab bars that was found in the water a while back, and was wondering if it would be legal to use. I'll just keep it at home.

You can use it just have a 7" gauge with you too.