Recreation

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 08 September 2020

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Saturday, Sept. 12, the North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, returns to Lakeport Speedway for race No. 2 of its 2020 schedule.

The event will be sponsored by Napa Lake Parts in Lakeport.

The series was shortened this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the final four races are confirmed and the promoters are looking forward to open-comp modified racing action.

The last event at Lakeport, held on July 18, was won by Ukiah’s Kyle Tellstrom.

Tellstrom leads in the points standings followed by Charlie Collins of Upper Lake, Lakeport Speedway 2020 modified champion Mike Sullivan of Kelseyville, defending NSMS champion Scott Winters of Tracy, and Darrin Sullivan of Kelseyville.

These drivers, along with the other top 15 contenders in the NSMS points standings will share in the $2,500 Lucas Oil Tow Money program when they sign-in to race at Lakeport.

In addition to the tow money, the purse has been increased courtesy of Competition Carburetion. Plus there will be a $100 Jason Belveal Long Tow Award for the team towing the most miles. And Competition Carburetion will award $50 to the driver who turns the fastest lap in the 60 lap feature event. The Lucas Oil Dash for Cash contenders run for $100 to win and $50 for second place.

Three-time NSMS champion Darrin Knight did not compete at the race in July but plans to be racing this weekend.

Other local drivers running with the NSMS drivers will be Jeremy Nowlin of Kelseyville, Richard Knight of Lakeport, Robert Schmidt of Lucerne, Ian Elliott of Lakeport and Donovan Cox of Kelseyville. Many other regular NSMS drivers are expected.

The North State Modifieds will be joined by the Taco Bell Bombers, the NCRA Legends Cars and Late Models, The Pro-4 Modifieds and the Lakeport Speedway 4-Bangers. There are still no spectators allowed, but race fans can watch the action on NCRA-Lakeport Speedway Facebook Live beginning at 6 p.m.

The North State Modified Series is presented by Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Napa Lake Parts, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Mark & Sharon Baldwin, Scribner Plastics, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Competition Carburetion.

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Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Published: 06 September 2020

What's a daily bag and possession limit?

Question: The fishing regulations talk about "a daily bag and possession limit of fish." In the case of striper, it lists two. My question is this: If you catch legal size fish, you keep the first and give away the second to another angler, are you still allowed to continue fishing and keep another fish? (Jeff)

Answer: No, in your example you would have taken three striped bass (one more than the limit, which is two). No more than one daily bag limit of each kind of fish - striped bass, in this case - may be taken or possessed by any one person unless otherwise authorized, regardless of whether they are fresh, frozen or otherwise preserved, as per California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 1.17.

If you are interested in boat limits for the Ocean and San Francisco Bay District, please review CCR Title 14, sections 27.60 and 195.

Trading sport-caught fish

Question: Can I legally trade bluefin tuna caught on a charter boat? This would be a personal trade to someone for fishing gear. (Chad)

Answer: No, it is not legal to trade sport-caught fish for fishing gear. California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 7121 specifically prohibits selling or purchasing sport-caught fish - and the definition of "sell" includes to barter, exchange or trade (FGC, section 75).

Non-lead ammo exceptions for vintage firearms?

Question: I am the third generation to hunt with my grandfather's .32 Winchester Special. I have been unable to locate nonlead ammunition for the rifle, which I would like to pass on to my son this year. Is there any exception if nonlead is not available, or do you know where I can find some? (John)

Answer: Your Winchester sounds like a great rifle, and one truly worthy of being passed on. But there is not an exception. Nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California. However, there is a possible solution. You may be able to load your own ammo with nonlead bullets. One of our wildlife officers suggested finding a local gun shop or gunsmith who can teach you how. The officer said, "I'm in the same situation - I'm currently in the process of making my own brass for a .255 Dean, a 120-year-old family gun that I'd like to keep in use. Many of the older calibers are nearly impossible to use without loading your own ammo."

Also, you should know that manufacturers are adding more and more nontoxic rounds and calibers as time goes by - so continue to check the list of Certified Nonlead Ammunition from time to time! And you can continue to use lead ammunition for target shooting where allowed, which is another way to continue enjoying your grandfather's rifle.

Hunting coyotes during archery-only deer season

Question: Can I still hunt coyotes with a rifle during the archery deer seasons or do I need to wait until the general rifle seasons open for deer? I would only be hunting coyotes. I will not be bow hunting for deer. (Ivan)

Answer: Unlike deer, which have very specific and highly regulated hunting seasons, coyotes may be hunted at any time of year, as per CCR Title 14, section 472(a). So you are allowed to hunt coyotes with a rifle at the same time an archery deer season may also be underway in the area you are hunting. To hunt coyotes with a rifle, you will need a valid California hunting license and nonlead ammunition, which is required for the taking of any wildlife in California with a firearm. You cannot, however, do both and hunt deer with a bow while carrying a firearm for coyotes. FGC, section 4370(a) states that "a person taking or attempting to take deer during such archery season shall neither carry, nor have under his or her immediate control, any firearm of any kind."

Collecting moon snails

Question: Can I catch moon snails in Bodega Bay? (Bryan)

Answer: Moon snails cannot be taken north of the Golden Gate Bridge, per CCR Title 14, section 29.71. Since Bodega Bay is north of the Golden Gate Bridge, moon snails cannot be collected there. If you can travel just down the peninsula, San Mateo County is a popular area for collecting moon snails.

Moon snails are a classification of mollusk and live in mud flats and low intertidal zones on the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to San Diego. They can be identified by their large foot-to-shell size and globe-like, brownish-white shell.

South of the Golden Gate, possession limits on moon snails can be found in the California Recreational Ocean Fishing Regulations under Invertebrate Fishing Regulations. Moon snails can be collected year-round with a daily possession limit of five.

Remember, to legally take any mollusk in California, including moon snails, you'll need a valid fishing license in your possession.

If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. While they cannot answer every question, they will answer a few in each column.

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 03 September 2020

The last chance of the year to fish for free arrives over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Free Fishing Day is being offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Saturday, Sept. 5.

"Free Fishing Day is the perfect chance to see what so many Californians already have discovered: That fishing can be a great escape in difficult times and does wonders to invigorate physical health and restore mental well-being," said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham.

While no fishing license is required on the Sept. 5 Free Fishing Day, all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect.

Every angler must have an appropriate report card if they are fishing for steelhead or sturgeon anywhere in the state or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity river systems.

Anglers can review the sport fishing regulations online or use CDFW's mobile website to view freshwater limits and regulations specific to a body of water.

A basic annual resident sport fishing license in California currently costs $51.02, while a one-day fishing license costs $16.46.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians are rediscovering the joys of fishing and its restorative effects. California has issued more annual, resident sport fishing licenses so far in 2020 than the state-issued throughout all of 2019.

Fishing can be a safe outdoor activity that allows for physical distancing. CDFW asks all anglers to adhere to all site-specific rules and regulations.

Before heading to a public area or fishing destination, please check to see if any safeguard or restrictions have been instituted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For expert anglers, Free Fishing Day is a perfect time to introduce newcomers to the sport. For novice anglers without a mentor to guide them, CDFW has developed a new R3 webpage for those looking to learn more about fishing, hunting and wild food in California. Aspiring anglers will find a collection of fishing information, instructional materials, tutorials and other useful links on the webpage.

CDFW offers two Free Fishing Days each year – typically around the Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday weekends – when it's legal to fish without any license.