Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/69416
2B Daily News – Saturday, June 9, 2012 Outdoorlife living Question: A Southern California fishing web- site posted about an angler catching three white sea bass, and there's a photograph clearly showing the angler in possession of three white sea bass. The story goes on to say the angler gave two away to other fishermen. Since the limit on this particular species is one, I am wondering if the angler is in violation. The captain of the boat said the angler's catch was legal because, he said, after limits have been reached by the passengers, it is permis- sible for them to keep fishing and catch the crews' limit of fish. Is this true? (Curtis F.) Answer: If the angler was fishing on a commercial passenger fishing vessel, or party boat, and she gave the fish to other anglers who had not filled their limits prior to exiting the boat, she was & Can Party Boat Passengers Catch Boat Limits as well as the Crew Limits? Carrie Wilson "The vessel operator(s) and crew members are not passengers and may not take fish towards obtaining boat limits for passengers except for casting, setting trolling gear, gaffing or netting fish, but may take fish during a fishing trip for their per- sonal use only. Vessel operator(s) and crew members may assist pas- sengers in other activities including, but not limited to, obtaining bait, chum- ming, baiting and untangling hooks and lines, identifying, dispatching, filleting, counting, bagging and otherwise han- dling fish taken by passengers. Upon completion of a fishing trip, the vessel operator(s) and crew members may only possess fish that are part of their own personal bag limit not to exceed authorized sport fishing daily bag and not in violation. Regarding the crew's limit, the captain was wrong. Passengers cannot legally catch fish under the limits allowed for the cap- tain and crew. The captain and crew must keep their fish separate from fish caught by passengers. The regulation on this reads: The Thermalito Afterbay outlet structure has always been closed to public access but some anglers have been removing fencing to fish from it. Thus, DFG is closing fishing with- in 250 feet of the structure through February 2013. The closure is effec- tive immediately. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) officials have closed fishing in an The Thermalito Afterbay Outlet area around the Thermalito After- bay outlet structure in the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA). ties such as vandalism and harvesting spring-run Chinook salmon and green sturgeon," DFG Regional Manager Kent Smith said. "Our hope is that we can reduce the state's liability while protecting California's wildlife to the fullest extent." State Water Project and allows for the discharge of water from the Thermal- ito Afterbay to the Feather River below Lake Oroville. The outlet structure is part of the OWA to fishing will aid in the protec- tion of species and enhance public safety while curtailing illegal activi- "Closing this small portion of the While the structure is fenced off, the fence has been repeatedly vandal- ized. issue, but may contribute to the ille- gal take of endangered species that congregate in the area. This is not only a public safety possession limits." (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 195 (e)(1). Question: I am a new deer hunter and am trying to make sure I am doing things correctly. What are the regula- tions for trail cameras and tree stands on BLM and National Forest lands? As far as big game go, I only archery hunt. I have never bagged anything so was just making sure I don't do anything wrong. Also, what about the climbing spikes or ladders for tree stands? (Anonymous) Answer: There are no laws prohibit- ing the use of trail cameras or tree stands in California. Similarly, DFG regulations do not prohibit the use of tree spikes or ladders. However, federal land agencies or local ordinances may prohibit climbing spikes because of the potential for damage to the trees' cam- bium layer, which in turn can lead to disease. You should check local ordi- nances and any restrictions with the appropriate federal agencies. Question: Can you tell me what the law is concerning a person under the age of 16 who does not require a fishing license? Are they allowed to use two rods while fishing? (Floyd B.) Answer: Every person 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license in possession in order to fish or take fish (FGC section 7145(a). For those under 16 years of age, no fishing license or second rod stamp is required. Question: My company would like to have a contest called Bucks and Bulls in one of our California locations. The contest would be open to all legally har- vested deer and elk taken in California in 2012 and broken into various cate- gories such as youth, women, archery, etc. Awards would be given to the largest buck and bull in each category. Is this sort of contest legal in California and can you point me in the right direc- tion to research the laws and regula- tions? (Brian N.) Answer: It is generally illegal to offer a prize for taking game, but there is an exception in Fish and Game Code section 2003(d) allowing for contests where the total value of all prizes is less than $500. Partial fishing closure in Oroville Wildlife Area Outdoor activities for kids The final school bell has rung … and moms and dads everywhere are scram- bling to figure out how to keep the kids active and entertained for the next sev- eral months. But parents, take heart – the Youth and Family in the Outdoors (YO!) program, sponsored by the California Depart- ment of Fish and Game (DFG), may have just the ticket to get your kids off the computer and out the door this summer. "It's amazing how many outdoor opportunities are available to kids in every corner of the state," said DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham. "From fishing lessons to guided nature tours, each of these events serves to encourage a deep- er understanding of our state's natural resources." YO! maintains a calen- dar of kid-friendly summer events around the state, including those sponsored by organizations and non- profits unaffiliated with DFG. To find the perfect summer opportunity for your child, please check out the calendar at www.dfg.ca.gov/yo/. Just a few of the oppor- tunities currently listed include: Tehama County: Kids Outdoor Sports Camp, vari- ous dates in June and July. Kids age 10 and up spend a week gaining a variety of fishing, conservation and Photo courtesy California Parks Fish and Game Fishing at the Sacramento River. hunting skills emphasizing safe firearms handling. For more information, please visit www.mykosc.org. Butte County: Chico Creek Nature Center, "Creepy Crawly Slimy Slithers," various dates in June and August. This one- week camp for kids ages 5 to 11 includes short nature walks, lab activities and swimming in Big Chico Creek. For more information, please call (530) 891-4671 or visit www.bidwell- park.org.