Some of you may remember a couple weeks back when I posted up about a new program from the CA DFG (Department of Fish and Game).  The campaign provides resident sportsmen an opportunity to ask questions of the DFG, and get answers back in a weekly Q&A format. 

I posted the first one, I think, but haven’t done one since.  The questions seemed a little lightweight to me, what with the issues that sportsmen in this state have to face.  But I thought I’d put up one more, just to see what folks thing about it.  I’m not sure it’s offering as much value to Hog Blog readers as i’d hoped it would.  I’d like to see some meatier questions, but maybe folks don’t know they can ask them here.

Anyway, I’ll see what kind of feedback this one generates.  If I decide not to continue posting these, you can always find them online at the CA DFG website. 

Department of Fish and Game

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  June 26, 2008

Contact: Carrie Wilson, DFG Office of Communications, CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov

California Outdoors Q&As
www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/
When a stream becomes a lake

Question:  I like to fish in lakes where there is freshwater stream inflow. But since regulations differ depending on whether you’re fishing in a stream or in a lake, at what point does a stream become a lake? (Stan J. via e-mail)

Answer:  Technically, where there’s a current, the body of water is considered to be a “stream.” At the point where the water backs up and becomes slack (no current), the body of water is defined as a “lake.” Remember that this is defined by the water flow and not necessarily by a geographical area; therefore, this point can change depending on the elevation and time of the year. For example, if it’s the end of the summer and you’re standing in a half-full reservoir, if the water has a current, you’re fishing in a stream!
Question:  When I hunt in California, I normally take my nine-year-old son. Can my son carry a BB gun legally with him? He will not be using the BB gun to shoot at any wildlife. It mainly gives him that feeling that he is part of the hunting party. Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. (Jose R. via e-mail)

Answer:  I applaud you for introducing your son to the outdoors and including him in your hunting excursions at such a young age! Unless there is a county ordinance prohibiting the discharge of a BB gun or air rifle in the area where you’re hunting, and as long as he is not shooting at wildlife, it should be fine for your son to legally carry his BB gun with you and the rest of your hunting party. Enjoy your time together!
Question:  I heard this past week that NOAA Fisheries Service is planning to require anglers who want to fish in federal waters to now sign up on their federal registry, too. I already have my lifetime California fishing license and have to ask why I may need to now register with the federal government also? Isn’t all of this just double-dipping to generate more money? (Joe A. via e-mail)
 
Answer:  This new angler registration requirement is proposed primarily for states that do not currently require state fishing licenses.

According to NOAA Fisheries Service, anglers may be exempt from the federal registration requirement if they hold a fishing license or registration issued by a state, such as California, that already has a program.

According to Marty Golden, the NOAA Pacific Coast Recreational Fisheries Coordinator, this registry is geared most toward those states in the country that do not account for all its saltwater recreational anglers through a comprehensive saltwater fishing license program or via regional angler survey programs. In addition, under the new proposed rule, anglers fishing from party or charter boats (fishing for hire
vessels) will be exempt from the registry requirement because this fishing activity is already accounted for in current surveys of party and charter boat fishing.

The proposed rule is available, as well as a lot of good background information about the benefits and value of the proposed Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) , on the Web site at www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov. NOAA is accepting public comment on this new registry until Aug.11, 2008. 

Question:  I know that trout may not be maintained or possessed in a live condition in any container on or attached to any boat, but is it also illegal to have trout on a stringer? We like to keep our catch on a stringer and the stringer in the water to preserve the meat. We do not attempt to keep trout alive with the intent of changing out the smaller ones. We just enjoy a good fish fry. Thank you for any help. (Stas and Holly A., Buena Park)

Answer:  Keeping your fish on a stringer in the water is perfectly fine. The fish cannot swim freely when on a stringer, and this method does help to keep them fresh until you’re ready for your fish fry!
Question:  Can children under the age of 16 fish without a license, and alone without a licensed adult? (Jennifer P. via e-mail)

Answer:  Yes. Although no license is required, keep in mind that no matter their age, everyone who fishes must know what the fishing regulations are that apply to the type of fishing they are doing, and have the good judgment to abide by them.

* * *

Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question-and-answer column appears weekly at  www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week.
Please contact her at cwilson@dfg.ca.gov.

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