California Outdoors Q&A

Clamming at Pismo Beach after 40 years
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 10, 2016

Question: I made a promise to my son 40 years ago to take him clamming at Pismo Beach, and I want to keep that promise. How are the conditions there now and when is the best time to plan a visit? (Jim S, Big Arm, Montana) Answer: Recent surveys at Pismo Beach indicate there are no legal sized clams there, although...
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Number of hooks allowed for sand dabs vs. halibut?
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 3, 2016

Question: How many hooks can be used when fishing for sand dabs? I was planning on using a Sabiki rig. How many hooks can I have on such a rig? Also, how many hooks can I have on my line while fishing for halibut? Is there a limit to the number in either of these situations? (Chris J). Answer: There...
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Can dead farm-raised trout be used for bait in lakes and streams?
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 3, 2016

Question: Is it legal to use dead farm-raised trout for bait in inland waters? When I read the regulations it seems like only “live trout” is called out. Costco has farm-raised rainbow trout for sale at a great price and I was thinking it might make great catfish bait for my kids. (Marcus) Answer: No. Trout may not be used for...
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Regulating dangerous fishing practices
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 3, 2016

Question: Does CDFW have any regulations restricting anglers from placing their fishing gear in an unsafe manner? For example, a person throws their line out into the water and then places their fishing rod back in a position to where the line stretching to the water runs across an area where runners and walkers using the same beach could become...
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Don’t Let Your Fowl Turn Foul
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 3, 2016

Question: I hope you can answer my question about cleaning birds. My friends and I went quail hunting a few weeks ago, and it took us 45 minutes to hike into the area where we hunt. We flushed a large covey of birds, shot two and then continued to hunt singles for several hours. We picked up a few more...
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Hunting on rental property
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Question: I am renting some land and would like to hunt on it. Do I need hunting permission written into the lease agreement? Do I need to carry written permission from the landowner on my person? Do I need verbal permission? Or does my renting the land give me permission to hunt? (Jennifer) Answer: It is unlawful to enter certain lands...
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