California Outdoors Q&A

Question: My daughter and I love to swim and play in waters wherever we find them. While in French Gulch (Shasta County) last year, we decided to play around in Clear Creek. The creek was running pretty high, but when my daughter and I got out we had these black, worm-like things hanging off us. Our first thought was leeches,...
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Question: When fishing for sanddabs, how many hooks can be attached to the line on a single rod? (Len P.) Answer: You may fish for sanddabs with as many hooks as you like on a single rod, unless rockfish, lingcod or salmon are on the vessel or in possession, in which case special restrictions apply (Fish and Game Code, Section 28.65)....
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Question: If were fishing in Mexican waters and catch a cowcod, can we legally bring it back into a California port as long as we have all of the proper licenses and the Declaration for Entry form properly filled out? I'd just like to know for sure as we fish Mexican waters frequently targeting rockfish, and I'd like to avoid...
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Question: How many fishing lines can I use at one time when fishing in the ocean? (Rob K.) Answer: In saltwater, you can use as many lines as you can handle, with some exceptions. On public piers, only two fishing appliances (lines, rods, traps, hoop nets, etc.) are allowed. When fishing for rockfish, lingcod, salmon and some other species, the number...
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Question: I have my own boat and take friends out lobster fishing with me. I always make sure each person has their license and report card. I also make sure each person has their own bag and keeps each lobster they catch separate as they catch them. My question is, if a game warden finds a short lobster in one...
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Question: I have a question about the halibut out at San Clemente Island. Is it a self-contained population due to the long distance between the island and mainland? If so, is it harder for this island population to mix and propagate with the mainland coastal halibut? I understand that all fertilized fish eggs, larvae and fry drift with the sea...
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