The California Department of Fish and Gamer recently announced the
opening of the 2007 Salmon Season. The regulations apply to the region
from Point Arena to the Mexico
border. Anglers wait anxiously each year for this announcement.
The recreational ocean salmon season opened north of Point Arena to
Horse Mountain in Humboldt County in February. Due to upcoming meetings
to gain approval of California State Regulations, the California Fish
and Game suggests anglers be aware of possible changes in these
regulations as early as May, 2007.
For ocean salmon
fishing regulations, anglers can call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707)
576-3429 or visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/oceansalmon.html.
Fishermen will be
allowed to take a maximum of 2 salmon daily (except for coho salmon,
whic are prohibited.)
Under the new
guidelines:
-
Minimum size
limit of 20 inches total length and salmon may only be taken
by angling
-
Weights may not
exceed 4 pounds unless the line is attached by a mechanical device
that releases the weight automatically when a fish is hooked
-
2 single-point,
single-shank barbless hooks may be used to take salmon north of
Point Conception in Santa Barbara County
-
1 fishing rod may
and/or line may be used fishing for salmon from a boat or other
floating device
-
Between Point
Conception and Horse Mountain barbless hooks must be used when
fishing with bait and angling by any other means than trolling
