In
general: This link contains all the applicable
Santa Barbara County Municipal Codes that apply to County Parks and some
that apply specifically to Goleta Beach and Pier. If you have any questions
as to what is permitted or acceptable practice please click on the link.
The following section
identifies and explains those California Department of Fish and Game
(DFG) marine sportfishing regulations that apply to all fishing within
the Park including specific regulations when fishing
from the pier.
Fishing Licenses: The good news is that no
license is required when fishing strictly from the pier. But if you step
off the pier to retrieve a fish in the surf line a license is required
just as if you had caught the fish from shore in the first place.
Licenses can be purchased locally but must include a Ocean Enhancement
stamp if fishing south of Point Conception. If a license is required it
must be displayed on or above the waist. Best to buy your license at the
beginning of the year as there is no pro-ration of the fees for a partial
year license.
Tackle: You may only have two (2) lines in the water
at a time when fishing from the pier. This means two poles, two crabnets,
two handlines or any combination as long as it adds up to no more than
two (2) items.
Many pier anglers will bring two poles for fishing, a third for jigging
live bait and a crab net. So only one of the fishing poles can be used
while crabbing or jigging.. Special regulations apply to crabs
and lobsters which can only be taken by hand or by traps or nets attached
to a line ... they may not be taken by baited or unbaited hooks (snagging).
The use of castable crab snares (non-hook weighted loops) is permitted.
Making Bait: The overall rule when making bait is
to take no more than you can reasonably use. Commonly caught
live baits (smelt, herring, sardines and anchovies) have no daily or possession
limits and many anglers take advantage of their erratic availability by
drying or freezing large quantities for later use. To avoid a ticket
for 'waste of resource' it is important that all caught bait be
utilized and not just simply discarded.
Mussels and sandcrabs not only have individual possession limits (10#'s
mussel or 50 sandcrabs) but also require a fishing license if taken from
shore.
Worms and the small (non-cancer species) crabs found in mussel clumps
are legal as baits but only if they were obtained incidentally to the taking
of the mussels themselves. This means that no mussel clumps may be
damaged in order to get at the crabs and worms such as occurs when the
clump is slammed to the deck to shake the other baits free. Such
damage is also considered a 'waste of resource'.
DFG Regulations: It is always a good practice
to obtain and review a copy of the most recently released Ocean Sport Fishing
Regulations at the start of each season. The booklets are generally
released in March of each year and may be obtained at local Bait and Tackle
or sporting goods stores. The regulations and the mid-season supplements
are also available
online.
What's
Open: Up to date summary of current size and possession
regulations applicable to our area (Point Conception to the Mexican Border)
since there are some local species (lingcod, lobster, grunion) that have
seasonal limitations. The DFG distinguishes between 'boat-based'
and 'shore-based' anglers. Fortunately pier & shore anglers have the
fewest such restrictions.
DFG
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): This is another valuable
resource compiled by the Department of Fish and Game. It covers most
of the situations that may arise and should be consulted whenever in doubt.
Remember ... these rules and regulations
exist for the benefit of both anglers and the targeted species.
Please respect the concern and effort that has gone into developing them.
Fish responsibly so that the existing fishing stocks will be maintained
and improved for future generations.
Thank You
Questions or comments? ... email Pierhead
Copyright © 2007 by Boyd Grant. All Rights Reserved
