Divers and hoopnetters are reminded that the deadline for returning 2017-2018 Spiny Lobster Report Cards is approaching. Report card holders must submit report card information online or return their cards to the address printed on the card by April 30, 2018. Information collected from the cards provides the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with data necessary to monitor and manage California’s spiny lobster fishery. Continue reading
As expected, ocean salmon anglers will have fewer opportunities this year to wet a line for their favorite fish out of most California ports.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) took action this week to finalize recreational salmon fishing season dates for ocean waters off California for the remainder of the year. In response to the new “overfished” status of Sacramento River fall Chinook, recreational fishing seasons in ocean waters will be cut by 40 percent in some regions, compared to unrestricted seasons.
Substantial cuts were made to ocean salmon fishing opportunity in all management areas, though some areas have longer seasons than others. Sport fisheries between the Oregon/California border and Horse Mountain will only be open from the beginning of June until early September. The longest seasons will be for fisheries from Horse Mountain to Pigeon Point (Fort Bragg and San Francisco Continue reading
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has published its annual schedule of predicted grunion runs in 2018. Intrepid nature lovers and grunion hunters can use the schedule to stake out a beach late at night and perhaps catch a few fish, or just observe their unusual mating behavior.
Grunion, are small, slender fish with bluish-green backs and silvery bellies. These fish ‘strand’ themselves Continue reading
Saltwater fishing is an amazing experience that is often hard to explain in words. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife invites you to celebrate and share your fishing experience by sending us your best saltwater fishing photos for consideration as the cover photo on the 2018-2019 Saltwater Sport Fishing regulations booklet!
Saltwater fish and shellfish photos must be taken in California, and may feature any saltwater fish or shellfish that is legal to catch in California. The fish or shellfish must be in a natural setting (not on the barbeque, for example) and properly tagged (if required). Submissions will be accepted through December 15, 2017. Continue reading
As the popular recreational California spiny lobster season prepares to open on Saturday, Sept. 30, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds divers and hoop netters of new regulations that will be in effect for the 2017-2018 season. The California Fish and Game Commission adopted commercial and recreational lobster fishing regulations at its April 2016 meeting to support the implementation of the California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan. A summary of the new recreational Continue reading
