Just how "barbless" do I need to be???

[flytire 0]

This thread has gone way beyond ridiculous

[Bugsy 0]

California DFG Handbook describes what a barbless hook is, and when and where it must be used.

 

California Fish & Game Code 2012 states:

Any device or apparatus designed to be, and capable of being, used to take...fish...shall be exhibited upon demand to any

person authorized by the department to enforce this code or any law relating to the protection and conservation of birds,

mammals, fish, reptiles or amphibians.

Notice of FGC2012 is given in the Handbook as well.

While I have never been asked to present anything other than my license and the tackle in use after multiple encounters with F&G Code enforcement, I recognize it is my obligation to permit reasonable inspection of all my gear while fishing waters under the authority of the State of California. I have no problem with that.

 

I always fish barbless on regulated waters (and typically barbless on waters not requiring so), but not all the flies on my person are barbless. I have never felt cause for concern that I am not following the law.

[troutguy 0]

I would contact Sheriff Bud Boomer he knows.

[artimus001 0]

thanx for the info Bugsy.

[FIN-ITE 34 0]

All US citizens should read the "Open Field Doctrine" as it pertains to the 4th Amendment.

[whatfly 0]

Mike: What river in CA? I've often heard the old rumor about the warden who checked with a cotton ball, and I suspect that the story is mostly based on a single warden who retired quite some time ago...the legend continues, because I guess this guy was quite the character. Today's wardens, a very rare commodity, do not walk around with pockets full of cotton balls.

 

The regs says "1.19. BARBLESS HOOK. A fish hook from which the barb or barbs have been removed or completely bent closed, or which is manufactured without barbs." So smash the barb down with a pair of forceps before your cast, and you are set.

[mikechell 0]

Mike: What river in CA? (1)

 

The regs says "1.19. BARBLESS HOOK. A fish hook from which the barb or barbs have been removed or completely bent closed, or which is manufactured without barbs." So smash the barb down with a pair of forceps before your cast, and you are set. (2)

(1) I'll be on the Stanislaus River, Oakdale. The interesting thing is, Oakdale is the divider. Upstream of Oakdale, it's all barbless. Downstream to the mouth, no regulation.

(2) I read that part of my book ... and I read through the whole of it ... and nowhere did it answer my question. I found out, today, one of the employees at the facility I am teaching in, is a part time Game Warden. He answered my question and we had a good talk.

The regulation only pertains to the fly or lure tied to your line. AND, you actually have to be fishing with it at the time. If you are walking along the river bank, and your fly is hooked in a rod guide (you're just carrying your rod), the Warden cannot check any of your gear.

Some of the Wardens in this part of the State DO carry a cotton ball with them. They insert the fly into the cotton and withdraw it. If it catches on the cotton, you aren't barbless. He said, if it looks like you tried to mash the barb, they usually give it back and make you mash it again until it doesn't catch cotton. If you don't have something with you to mash, you're busted.

 

So, I only have to mash barbs on the flies I use. This is WONDERFUL news for me !!! I can leave the beautiful barbs on all the rest of my flies !!! YEAH !!!!

[bellevue.chartreuse.trout 0]

After all THIS, I hope you catch a big fish of whatever sort you fish for on a 'barbless' hook, be it smashed down or whatever method you choose to make it barbless, and you get a picture of it to post here! lol Good luck when you are there Mike and have fun.

 

BCT

[artimus001 0]

show the warden what's on your line.

 

what is in your box is your business.

you had your answer 14 posts in, lol.

[troutguy 0]

Actually CA game wardens may search you, your vehicle and land without a warrant.

 

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/2013/601Betchart.pdf

 

http://blogs.findlaw.com/california_case_law/2012/03/scotus-denies-review-of-game-warden-warrantless-search.html

[mikechell 0]

 

from the fishing regs for ONT...

 

– Conservation officers enforce fisheries regulations in the Province of Ontario. They have powers of inspection, arrest, search and seizure under the various statutes they enforce,including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Fisheries Act.

When carrying out their duties, conservation officers may:

• Search without a warrant in circumstances requiring immediate action

Actually CA game wardens may search you, your vehicle and land without a warrant.

According to Art's post ... they can in Canada, too.

[mikechell 0]

After all THIS, I hope you catch a big fish of whatever sort you fish for on a 'barbless' hook, be it smashed down or whatever method you choose to make it barbless, and you get a picture of it to post here! lol Good luck when you are there Mike and have fun.

 

BCT

Thank you. I will definitely be taking pictures of everything I can bring to the net.

[FlickNdip 0]

I've seen game wardens randomly pick flies out of a box and stick them in a shirt. If it gets hung up, then they consider it barbed.

[Adam Saarinen 0]

I hope it's not a tappered leaders only fishing spot Mike!?!

[JSzymczyk 0]

california. 'nuf said.