First off, the Director of the CDFW has not yet spoken, so the final, actual rules are not known. We find out on Monday. But what the CDFW public relations department seems to be saying is to prepare for a Dungeness season start on time but without traps. What does that mean? Well, let me copy and paste the regulations that go into effect on Monday as well:

(b) Hoop nets may be used to take spiny lobsters and all species of crabs. Between Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County, and the United States-Mexico border, not more than five hoop nets shall be possessed by a person when taking spiny lobster or crab, not to exceed a total of 10 hoop nets possessed when taking spiny lobster or crab per vessel. The owner of the hoop net or person who placed the hoop net into the water shall raise the hoop net to the surface and inspect the contents of the hoop net at intervals not to exceed 2 hours. 

(1) Hoop Net Defined: There are two types of hoop nets allowed for use: 

(A) Type A: Fishing gear that is comprised of one to three rigid ring(s), with each ring measuring no greater than 36 inches in inside diameter nor less than 10 inches in inside diameter, which is/are connected to soft mesh thereby forming a circular-shaped net with an enclosed bottom. Lift lines shall be attached only to the top ring. A second and third rigid ring(s) may be connected by soft mesh to the top ring; however, each ring must be equal in size to or smaller than the ring above it. When the net is being raised the top ring shall be above and parallel to all other rings, with the enclosed bottom portion of the soft mesh even with or hanging below all other rings. All parts of the hoop net shall collapse and lie flat when resting on the ocean floor in such a manner that the gear does not entrap or restrict the free movement of crustaceans until lifted. When suspended from lift lines, the entire hoop net shall measure no taller than 36 inches. The ring material shall not be thicker than one inch in any dimension. 

(B) Type B: Fishing gear that is comprised of two to three rigid rings (not including the bait ring), with each ring measuring no greater than 36 inches in inside diameter and the top ring measuring no less than 15 inches in inside diameter. The upper ring or rings shall be connected to the bottom ring and supported by no more than six rigid support arms, and the assembled frame shall measure no more than 10 inches tall. The rings and support material shall not be thicker than one inch in any dimension. All rings shall be connected by soft mesh, thereby forming a net with an enclosed bottom, and lift lines shall be attached only to the top ring. When suspended from lift lines the enclosed bottom portion of the net shall be even with or hanging below all other rings, and the entire net shall measure no taller than 30 inches. A bait ring may be attached to the net as long as the ring is not part of the rigid frame. 

(2) Any hoop net abandoned or left unchecked for more than 2 hours shall be considered abandoned and seized by any person authorized to enforce these regulations. 

(3) Hoop nets used south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County, shall be marked with a surface buoy. Except as provided below, the surface buoy shall be legibly marked to identify the operator's GO ID number as stated on the operator's sport fishing license or lobster report card. This section does not apply to hoop nets deployed by persons on shore or manmade structures connected to the shore. 

(A) The surface buoy of hoop nets deployed from commercial passenger fishing vessels shall be legibly marked to identify the commercial boat registration number of the vessel. 

(B) The surface buoy of hoop nets provided by a licensed guide to clients for use on guided trips shall be legibly marked to identify the guide license number of the accompanying guide.

So as I read it (and I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, just my understanding of the regulations as posted) you are allowed any number of nets and they don't need to be marked in any particular way. I would probably still put your GO I. D. number on the buoy as well as your phone number (in the rare case somebody finds your net and wants to return it. It actually happens. Help them help you). As I read it you probably don't need the numbers here, north of Point Arguello, but hey, who does it hurt? Why have that argument with a man or woman with a gun on their hip? And how do you prove to the douchebag that pulled your net that is is, in fact, your net? Number the buoy. It may help get your sentence reduced when you knock someone's teeth out (honestly, someone who needs a tooth number reduction, IMHO. Again, not legal advice, just dreams of instant karmic fulfillment). Ring net use does not require the Recreational Crab Trap Validation. If you are seeking validation, seek it elsewhere. Ring nets also do not require a 3" by 5" red buoy, as the buoy designates a trap and you have a net. Basically, putting a red buoy on your ring net isn't illegal as I read it but it tells the wardens that you are using a trap during a trap closure and is probably more attention from people with guns than you want. Nice people, but hey, let's not get them excited for no reason. 

   As catching large numbers of crab early this season just got more complicated, if you had a good day and wish to brag, this is a safe space for that. Email your photos and reports to lawsonslanding@gmail.com and I'll (eventually) post them. Even yours, Russ.