Helping Grandsons to Fish With a Two pole License

August 24, 2017

Question: If I take my two grandsons fishing, would I be able to fish also if I have a second rod stamp validation? The kids are seven and five years old and would need help from me to fish. (Barry W.)

Answer: You would be able to fish with your two poles as long as you are just assisting your grandsons and not controlling the rod or reeling the fish in for them on your own. You also have to ensure that you are able to closely attend your own two poles. We thank you for taking the time to introduce your grandsons to fishing. We’re pretty sure they will thank you too someday!

CDFW should've maybe mentioned that two rods can only be used in put and take freshwater fisheries...

I've met plenty of people who mistakenly believe that their two rod stamp opens all waters to their ambidextrous angling.

CDFW should've maybe mentioned that two rods can only be used in put and take freshwater fisheries...

I've met plenty of people who mistakenly believe that their two rod stamp opens all waters to their ambidextrous angling.

Or saltwater, depending on the species.

CDFW should've maybe mentioned that two rods can only be used in put and take freshwater fisheries...

I've met plenty of people who mistakenly believe that their two rod stamp opens all waters to their ambidextrous angling.

I'm not sure what "put and take" is supposed to means here, as the regulations only say:

A Second-Rod Validation is required to fish with two
rods in inland waters in any sport fishery in which the
regulations of the Commission provide for the taking
of fish by angling, except those waters in which only
artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used.

Years ago the Two Rod Stamp did have limitations to lakes, "Put and Take" if you want to call it that, but those regs were loosened and a two rod stamp covers all waters unless otherwise specified.

Years ago the Two Rod Stamp did have limitations to lakes, "Put and Take" if you want to call it that, but those regs were loosened and a two rod stamp covers all waters unless otherwise specified.

All inland waters? Ocean waters allowed unlimited rods so you didn't need a second rod stamp. The bay and rivers are one of the places where you can only fish with one rod.

Years ago the Two Rod Stamp did have limitations to lakes, "Put and Take" if you want to call it that, but those regs were loosened and a two rod stamp covers all waters unless otherwise specified.

I may have been hasty in my judgement - thanks for the input.

I know that places like Stone Lagoon which has native cutthroat and steelhead do not allow the two rods with stamp, but places like Freshwater Lagoon which has planted trout do allow the two rods.

The distinction of "no two rods where it's barbless/artificial only" sounds right.

Years ago the Two Rod Stamp did have limitations to lakes, "Put and Take" if you want to call it that, but those regs were loosened and a two rod stamp covers all waters unless otherwise specified.