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Recreation
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- Written by: Carrie Wilson
Dropping Dungeness crab traps before the opener?
Question: Is it legal to drop Dungeness crab gear prior to opening day?
I’ve heard it’s legal to drop gear the day or night before opening day to let it soak overnight.
I looked in the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet but couldn’t find anything indicating whether this is legal or not.
If it is legal, how long before opening day can it be dropped? And how early can it be retrieved? (Fred S.)
Answer: Dungeness crab gear may not be set prior to the recreational fishing season opening date, which this year is Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12:01 a.m. (See California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 29.85(a) and the definition of take in Fish and Game Code section 86.)
Anyone setting gear prior to this date and time may be cited for attempting to take crab out of season.
Electronic spinning decoys for doves?
Question: I have contacted you before and you have always been very helpful on hunting and fishing questions.
This time I have one regarding dove hunting as a friend of mine wants to purchase a battery-powered spinning decoy for dove hunting for the next dove opener.
Is it legal to use that type of a powered decoy for doves? They don't seem to be the smartest of birds and may be too easily attracted to that decoy. Thanks for your help. (Joe A., Antioch)
Answer: There are NO prohibitions on electronic spinning decoys for dove hunting. The prohibitions for electronic vs wind-driven decoys are only for waterfowl from the beginning of the waterfowl season through Nov. 30.
So, tell your buddy he has the thumbs-up to go out and buy a battery-powered spinning decoy to use for dove hunting. Eurasian collared-doves are now open all year with no limits.
The season for mourning, white-winged, spotted and ringed turtle doves reopens Nov. 8 and runs through Dec. 22.
Kite fishing?
Question: I live in the San Francisco Bay/Delta region and was wondering if there are any Fish and Game restrictions regarding “kite fishing.”
We would like to use these specially modified kites to help us get our lines out farther than the distance we could normally cast them.
Outside of local ordinances regarding powerlines and second rod licensing, is there anything that would prevent me from using a kite to get my line further away from the shore into deeper water? (Neil N.)
Answer: There are no specific regulations prohibiting the use of a kite or other windborne device (a helium-filled balloon, for example) to help you to get your line out to where the fish are.
Littering is a concern, however. Anglers have been cited for using a balloon and then releasing the balloon when a fish is hooked, or when the line reaches the desired distance from shore.
As long as you are not releasing (or losing) your kite in the process, there is nothing in Fish and Game regulations that would prevent you from using a kite in this manner. There may be local (city or county) ordinances that pertain to this, however, so please check with local authorities.”
Shotgun hunting for upland game during archery-only deer season?
Question: I have located a number of good band-tailed pigeon roosts in a remote area where I hunt with my A31 late season archery tag. It's so remote that this year I plan to backpack in and camp in the area.
If a friend wants to come with me who does not bow hunt but wants to take their shotgun to take a band-tailed pigeon, would I be allowed to use their shotgun to take band-tail if I left my A31 tag and bow back at camp for a morning?
I feel confident this would be legal if we were “car camping” but I am not sure how this would be viewed legally as I will still technically be "in the field" on an archery hunt. (Stephen M.)
Answer: This would be fine once the season for band-tailed pigeons reopens unless you in an area of Los Angeles County where firearms might be prohibited.
Collecting sea palm that’s washed up on the beach?
Question: If I find some sea palm washed up on shore, can I keep it?
I know you can't pick sea palm recreationally, but since this was already dead, I see no harm in gathering.
But is it legal? I know you can keep bull kelp when it washes up, so I was wondering if this was similar. (Hank S.)
Answer: The law prohibits cutting or disturbing sea palm (CCR Title 14 section 30.10).
While possession of dead sea palm is technically not prohibited, removing live sea palm from the water would likely result in a citation.
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
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- Written by: Editor
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) projects that the Upper Trinity River anglers will have met their upper Klamath River catch quota of 681 adult fall-run Chinook salmon above Cedar Flat by sundown on Friday, Oct. 24.
Starting Saturday, Oct. 25, anglers may still fish but can no longer keep adult Chinook salmon more than 22 inches. They may still keep a daily bag of three Chinook salmon under 22 inches in the Trinity River above Cedar Flat.
The fall-run Chinook salmon quota on the Lower Trinity River is 681 adult Chinook salmon from the confluence with the Klamath River up to Cedar flat. This sub-area quota has not been met yet, and anglers may retain one adult Chinook salmon as part of their three fish daily bag limit.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the Klamath River from the Interstate 5 bridge up to Iron Gate Hatchery reopens to the take of Chinook salmon over 22 inches.
The Iron Gate Hatchery has met the 8,000 adult fish number needed for spawning purposes. This means anglers can keep one Chinook more than 22 inches as part of the three-fish daily bag limit in this section of the Klamath River.
CDFW reminds anglers that a salmon report card is required when fishing for Chinook salmon in anadromous portions of the Klamath basin.
Steelhead fishing remains open in all areas, with a daily bag of two hatchery steelhead or trout and possession limit of four hatchery steelhead or trout.
Hatchery steelhead or trout are defined as fish showing a healed adipose fin clip (the adipose fin is absent).
Anglers also are required to possess a steelhead report card when fishing for steelhead.
Anglers may keep track of the status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling 800-564-6479.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, has announced that DKI franchise member company First Pick Builders Inc. of Lakeport is proudly sponsoring a local youth soccer team.
First Pick Builders is proud to sponsor and coach the 2014 Konocti Youth Soccer League.
This year’s team consists of girls ages 10 to 12 and are happily named the Lakeport Squirrels.
Dean and Cheryl Pick proudly represent youth sports in an effort to better their community through teamwork, perseverance and excellence.
Their hope is that these young girls will grow and become strong, active women in their Lake County area community.
While Dean Pick is the head coach, his wife Cheryl serves on the board of directors for KYSL.
“We are honored in being part of the sports program and enjoy each of these young girls. The parents are wonderful and supportive, and it shows in each of them as they grow into young ladies. Thank you to all those who help support our youth programs,” the Picks said.
First Pick Builders, Inc. encourages you to be the change you want to see in your community.
For more information about First Pick Builders visit www.firstpickbuilders.com .
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- Written by: Editor
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Participants in the 25th Annual Vineyard Run for Literacy, held Oct. 12, raised more than $5,000 for the Lake County Literacy Coalition.
An exceptionally warm and sunny morning greeted 270 race participants, 70 more than last year.
Top 18 finishers were awarded major prizes in the 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs.
Additionally age group ribbons were awarded and more prizes were awarded by random drawing.
The following wineries donated prizes: Brassfield Estate Winery, Cougar’s Leap Winery, Gregory Graham Wines, Langtry Estates, Laujor Estate Winery, Robledo Family Winery & Vineyards, Rosa D’Oro Vineyards, Steele Wines, Thorn Hill Vineyards, Wildhurst Vineyards.
The following businesses & literacy supporters also donated prizes: Amy Patton, Linda Guebert, Marie Lamy, Debbie Villegas, Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso, Benbow Inn, Campos Casuals, Chalern Thai Bistro, Cheese’s Game Shop, Cheese’s Pizza, Disney Boat Rentals, Iron Worker Gym, Ladies of the Library Basket, Lake Co. Wine Studio, Lakeport English Inn, Main Street Bicycles, Park Place, Pet Country, Pilates to the Core by Tina, the Record-Bee, Riviera Common Grounds, Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro, TJ’s Bar & Grill, TNT on the Lake, Twin Pines Casino, Vichy Springs Resort, Watershed Books, Westamerica Bank and World of Gifts.
Bruno’s in Lakeport, Food’s, Etc. in Clearlake, Ray’s Foods in Clearlake and Riviera Market donated refreshments for race participants and volunteers.
The Literacy Coalition greatly appreciates the support and donations from the community.
Funds raised will support literacy tutoring activities, tutor trainings and the purchase of books for children under 6 to break the cycle of illiteracy throughout Lake County.
For more information about the programs call 707-263-7633.
The results are posted below.
10K Run
Male–Overall: First: Kirk Sills; Second: Matt Odom; Third: Aaron Gavino.
14 and Under: NA.
15 – 19: NA.
20 – 29: First: Kirk Sills; Second: Victor Garcia; Third: NA.
30 – 39: First: Aaron Gavino; Second: Jeremy Jessen; Third: NA
40 – 49: First: Matt Odom; Second: Micheel Augustine; Third: NA
50 - 59: NA.
60 - 69: First: Harry Lyons; Second: Michael Papin;
70+: NA
Overall Female: First: Megan Buffalo; Second: Kortni Knight; Third: Julie Kelley
14 & Under: NA
15 – 19: NA
20 – 29: First: Kortni Knight; Second: Rebeeka Walters; Third: Veronica Stovall
30 – 39: First: Megan Buffalo; Second: Charis Rippe; Third: Erika Galvan
40 – 49: First: Julie Kelley; Second: Jennifer Chwialleawsk; Third: NA
50 – 59: First: Cheri Farrell; Second: Leah Solon; Third: Sinda Knight
60 – 69: First: Rita Mackubbin; Second: NA
5K Run
Overall Male: First: Milo Powers; Second: Alan Sardella; Third: Sam Mason
14 & Under: First: Travis Howe; Second: Max Madrzyk; Third: Colin Jensen
15 – 19: First: Milo Powers; Second: Keegan Huffman; Third: NA
20 – 29: First: Paul Welsh; Second: Greg Panella; Third: NA
30 – 39: First: Zach Pehling; Second: Michael Garrity; Third: Dan Buffalo
40 – 49: First: Roger Mayo; Second: Ben Farrell; Third: Scott Spivey
50 – 59: First: Alan Sardella; Second: Sam Mason; Third: Mark Curran
60 – 69: First: Stephen Bradley; Second: Jim Holmes; Third: David Hagberg
70+: NA
Overall Female: First: Tammy Lisk; Second: Shelly Crayne; Third: Heather Steton
14 & Under: First: Bailey Couey; Second: Laurel Weller; Third: Emma Larsen
15 – 19: NA
20 – 29: First: Jennifer Montgomery; Second: Nikole Brown; Third: Helena Welsh
30 – 39: First: Tammy Lisk; Second: Shelly Crayne; Third: Heather Steton
40 – 49: First: Heather Weller; Second: Cindy Jassar; Third: Kelly Taylor
50 – 59: First: Katie Mansell; Second: Jeanine Burnett; Third: Erin Smith-Hagberg
60 – 69: First: Gayle Kompf; Second: Ginny Cholez; Third: Deborah Harmer
70+: NA
5K Walk
Overall Male: First: Justin Gentle; Second: Chris Borg; Third: Jim Campbell
Overall Female: First: Wendy Gonzalez; Second: Shirley Campbell; Third: Maura Anderson