Recreation

Salmon trolling versus mooching

Question: When trolling for salmon between Point Conception and Horse Mountain, are treble hooks allowed on spoons or lures if they are barbless?

Or does the two single point, single shank hook regulation apply as if I were bait fishing?

The rules are clear regarding when you are not trolling, but they do not seem to elaborate on allowable gear when you ARE trolling. (Rick S.)

Answer: No, you may not use treble hooks for salmon in the area you describe. Only single barbless hooks may be used, and whether trolling or drifting with bait (mooching), you may only use two single barbless hooks per line.

The law says, “No more than two (2) single point, single shank barbless hooks shall be used in the ocean north of Point Conception when salmon fishing or fishing from any boat or floating device with salmon on board.” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 27.80(a)(2)).

This section does not specifically address trolling or mooching, so it applies to all salmon fishing, including trolling or drifting with bait.

Trout limits while on multiday vacation

Question: My wife and I will be taking a two week vacation and plan to do a lot of trout fishing. Is our 10 fish bag limit the same as 10 fish possession limit?

We will be out 10 days, and due to lack of ice in the remote area where we are going, we plan to can our daily limits of fish. Is there anything wrong with this?

I know people who fish and catch their limits daily, and then when they get home they process (can or smoke) the fish each evening in their homes.

I know they possess more than a 10 fish limit, but is this legal? If so, why could my wife and I not do the same because when we are out camping in our RV, wouldn’t that be considered our second home? (Eric S.)

Answer: If the people you describe retain more than their allowed possession limits in any form, they are in violation. The law requires that each person may have no more than one legal possession limit in any form, whether it’s fresh, frozen, canned or smoked (CCR Title 14, section 1.17). Possession limits even apply in your home.

In most trout waters, the possession limit is the equivalent of two daily bag limits. There are also special brook trout regulations in many areas so you really need to know the body of water(s) where you will be fishing.

Check out sections 7.00 and 7.50(a) in the 2014-2015 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations to be sure of the limits you are allowed.

Lost commercial fishing gear

Question: I have a question regarding what appears to be abandoned commercial fishing gear. My three dive buddies and I are all instructors and regularly find lost fishing gear snaring marine life.

Generally, they are old lobster traps without any line or buoys still attached. Sometimes the traps still contain live lobsters in them. We have been afraid to touch them.

Can we release lobsters from what looks to be lost gear? Any help you can provide to help us understand what we can and can't do, and under what rules, would be appreciated. We are tired of just swimming by them. (Randall Krueger, Visalia)

Answer: Thank you for contacting us. Lost fishing gear - both commercial and recreational – sits on the seafloor, gets caught on rocks, and can remain in the marine environment for years, harming habitats and continuing to catch fish and invertebrates.

You cannot keep the lobster caught in the lost traps, but you can let them go and leave the trap doors open so that the traps no longer trap marine life, then report the location of the lost gear to one of the following organizations.

If you are able, please report sightings of lost recreational and commercial fishing gear (even anonymous reports are accepted) by calling (888) 491-GEAR or visiting www.seadocsociety.org/california-lost-fishing-gear-removal-project/ .

You may also contact the Ocean Defenders Alliance at (714) 875-5881 or www.oceandefenders.org/ .

150 yard safety zone around my own buildings?

Question: I live in a rural area. Can I legally hunt within 150 yards of my own residence? Can I hunt within 150 yards of anyone else's if I have their written permission? (Jess K.)

Answer: Yes. These are safety zone restrictions but as long as there are no other local laws or ordinances that prohibit hunting or the discharge of a firearm, then you can hunt within 150 yards of your own residence or any other residence where you have obtained express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises (Fish and Game Code, section 3004(a)).

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Written by: Carrie Wilson

Published: 23 May 2014

As Californians make their Memorial Day weekend and summer vacation plans, Cal Fire and federal fire agencies want to ensure vacationers obtain necessary campfire permits and learn how to have a campfire safely.

The California Wildfire Coordination Group (CWCG) unveiled the new fire prevention Web site, www.PreventWildfireCA.org , which for the first time offers an online campfire permit section.

“The new online system makes it easier for Californians to get a permit, while still taking the time to learn how to have a campfire safely,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “It is critical that a responsible adult be in attendance of your campfire at all times and that it is completely extinguished before you leave to avoid sparking a wildfire. One less spark means one less wildfire.”

Fire officials from the CWCG, an interagency wildfire group comprised of local, state and federal fire agencies including Cal Fire, spent months creating the new system which includes a short video and test prior to issuing the permit.

While permits are still available at any Cal Fire, US Forest Service, or BLM station or office, the online option is a quick and easy way to obtain a permit before beginning any trip in California; all a person needs is a computer with Internet access and a printer.

After watching a brief video on proper campfire techniques, the applicant will take a short quiz about the video and then receive their printable permit for free.

Cal Fire reminds everyone that fire safety plays an important role outdoors, especially when it comes to campfires and outdoor cooking. Many unattended and improperly extinguished campfires have resulted in wildfires.  

With California in a severe drought and extremely dry conditions, not taking the time to ensure you have completely extinguished your campfire could result in a devastating wildfire.

Campfires can also be extremely dangerous for children and should never be allowed to play around them or outdoor cooking appliances.

Devastating burn injuries are all too common when these safety rules are not followed. Just a little forethought could protect you and your family.

Here are some simple tips to ensure a safe campfire:

• Obtain a campfire permit and make sure there are not fire restrictions in the area.
• Use only approved and established campgrounds and campfire rings.
• Locate the campfire a safe distance away from tents, trees, or buildings.
• Clear the area around your campfire down to soil 5 feet from the fire’s edge.
• Never let children use or play with lighter fluid or have them start a campfire.
• Completely extinguish campfires before leaving or going to bed.

To obtain an online campfire permit or to learn more fire prevention tips on “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” visit www.PreventWildfireCA.org . 

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Written by: Editor

Published: 23 May 2014

May is “Be Bear Aware” Month and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds the public to act responsibly when in bear country.

Spring is the time of year when California’s black bears emerge from their winter dens in search of food.

Because bears are attracted to anything edible or smelly, their search often leads them into campsites and residential neighborhoods, where trash and food is readily available.

There are an estimated 30,000 bears in California.

Throughout spring and summer, CDFW receives many calls when bears break into homes, rummage through trash bins and raid campsites.

These bears are often labeled “nuisance” bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them, foraging for food.

“Human-bear conflicts are largely the fault of humans. People need to adjust their behavior when they live and recreate in bear country,” said Jesse Garcia, CDFW’s Bear Program Manager. “It is absolutely necessary to secure food and trash receptacles to avoid attracting bears. Campers and residents can prevent expensive property damage, safeguard people from injury and save the lives of bears by exercising a little common sense. Bears that become habituated to humans or conditioned to eating our food and trash often have to be killed.”

Tips for bear-proofing your home, rental or timeshare

Bears have keen noses and can smell an easy meal from miles away. They can easily tear a front door off its hinges if they smell food left out on the kitchen counter. The best defense against bear break-ins is not to attract them to your property by following these tips:

• Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container.
• Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.
• Don’t leave trash, groceries or animal feed in your car.
• Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.
• Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
• Only provide bird feeders during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears.
• Don’t leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
• Keep doors and windows closed and locked.
• Consider installing motion-detector alarms, electric fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.
• Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.
• Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.

Tips for bear-proofing your campsite

No one wants to worry about housekeeping on a camping trip, but maintaining a clean campsite is the responsible and safe thing to do when visiting black bear country.

Here are a few tips for bear-proofing your campsite:

• Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.
• Store food (including pet food) and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Clean dishes and store food and garbage immediately after meals.
• Clean the barbecue grill after each use.
• Never keep food or toiletries in your tent.

Facts about black bears

• The only species of bears in California are black bears. However, they do range in color from blonde to black, with cinnamon brown being the most common color.
• There are an estimated 30,000 black bears in California.
• Black bears will seek to avoid confrontation with humans. If encountered, always leave them an escape route.
• Males are much larger than females and can weigh up to 500 pounds, although average weight is about 300 pounds.
• Black bears can sprint up to 35 mph and they are strong swimmers and great tree climbers.
• A typical wild bear diet consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honey, honeycomb, insects, larvae, carrion and small mammals.
• As winter approaches, bears will forage for food up to 20 hours a day, storing enough fat to sustain them through hibernation. Bears often hibernate in large hollow trees 40 to 60 feet off the ground.
• Bears that are accustomed to people can become too bold and lose their fear of humans.

For more information including bear-proof containers and where to buy them, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html .

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Written by: Editor

Published: 21 May 2014