[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by addicted2sp33d

I'm not trying to be confrontational here, but I don't think your "Target Species" exemption claim is legal. According to DFG, you're not allowed to keep any fish that does not voluntarily take the bait into its mouth (including foul hooks), regardless of it being your target species or not. I've heard this from Rangers, Conservationists, Game Wardens, you name it. The only exemptions are spearos and maybe some other guys.

Here's the Saltwater Regulations, Chapter 1, Section 1.05: http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.as...28&inline=true
Excerpt:
1.05. ANgLiNg. To take fish by hook and line with the line held in the hand, or with the line attached to a pole or rod held in the hand or closely attended in such manner that the fish voluntarily takes the bait or lure in its mouth.

Here's the Freshwater Regulations:
http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshF...-ch2-art1.html

If you plan to keep a foul hooked barn door, PapaDCh has the right idea. Alternatively, you can call it-in, be completely forthright, and have it confiscated when you hit the beach. As some have mentioned above, this is Letter vs. Spirit... and knowingly or not, your "Target Species" foul hook exemption actually leans toward the Spirit side of enforcement.

I'm sure the dfg won't be wasting their time with a 30lb halibut, its not worth $700k. Besides, my hali's ALWAYS hook themselves in the mouth