Lobster season

[DHSDave]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I'm dropping my nets @ 2200 on Friday 9/30 and picking the 1st one up at 0001 on Saturday 10/1

Fyi-From what I was told on the regulations you cannot legally drop your nets until 001 on October 1.

[T-Rex]

Originally Posted by DHSDave

Fyi-From what I was told on the regulations you cannot legally drop your nets until 001 on October 1.

I don't think that's correct. You can drop early, but just can't have any bugs in your possession or under your control before 12:01 AM. I wouldn't even bring anything onboard your kayak for release before the official start time otherwise you're asking for trouble.

PapaDCh - I'll probably be going out of Dana. Be sure to bring a good light for visibility - the traffic on opening night at Dana point is always insane. Everything from kayaks to 60' luxury cruisers will be out in full force. There will probably be 100+ boats out working the jetties and headlands.

[DHSDave]

Originally Posted by T-Rex

I don't think that's correct. You can drop early, but just can't have any bugs in your possession or under your control before 12:01 AM. I wouldn't even bring anything onboard your kayak for release before the official start time otherwise you're asking for trouble.

PapaDCh - I'll probably be going out of Dana. Be sure to bring a good light for visibility - the traffic on opening night at Dana point is always insane. Everything from kayaks to 60' luxury cruisers will be out in full force. There will probably be 100+ boats out working the jetties and headlands.

I actually had emailed DFG a few days ago about this and just got their response.

"Hello my name is Dan Sforza I am the DFG captain for the LA/OC area. The answer to your question regarding the setting of hoop nets for lobster prior to the midnight opener is no. The definition of "Take" is "hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill, F&G Code 86. The setting of nets would be an attempt to take.

Hope this helps and good luck on the opener!"

[Siebler]

You can drop them unbaited but if there is bait you are in pursuit.

[maui jim]

A DF&G officer I spoke with told me this quite simply, If the lobster net is in the water...your fishing ...period....

Kinda like salmon fishing....the date is the date...and not a minute eariler... remember the State is BROKE and they need the money. so if you want to give a bonus check

unlees you want to donate....then hell... send me the cash

:lobs ter:

[JD]

If you drop early, baited or unbaited, you're much more likely to get DFG hassels. I won't chance it to be honest, it dont even thing dropping unbaited nets before midnight Oct 1st is legal.

[Siebler]

Technically you can say you are fishing for crab and you are legal. It is all a big hassle though and not worth it, i wouldnt drop before midnight personally.

Its kind of like Open Carry on Firearms. I used to open carry. Totally legal to carry with the firearm completely exposed. It however draws attention and eventually the hassle of uneducated officers I had to quote penal code to drove me to stop.

Is it worth it to you to risk having to deal with it over a couple minutes?

[danjor]

So which would be better for first time out for lobster? Dana harbor or Newport harbor? Going opening day.