So we need to wait for the lawyers, it seems. I said rockfish was open today because the California Fish and Game Commission voted it so. But the Office of Administrative Law hasn't had their say, so it ain't legal, yet. As pointed out by a sharp-eyed reader, "Willie,

 

First, thank you for helping keep everyone up to speed on the latest regulations.  Your last post on March 28^th posted, in part, a Fish and Wildlife statement, “Once the regulations become effective, CDFW’s Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page will be updated with 2024 regulations. Before fishing, anglers should refer to this web page for the season openings and other regulatory information.”

 

     You followed with a statement,  “ So, you can fish for rockfish outside of the 50 fathom line starting Monday.”

 

Unfortunately the regulations have not been updated because they have not completed the administrative law review process yet.  I am told that usually takes 10 days, so that would put us around April 8^th before we can legally fish for deep water rockfish.  My 89 year old dad has a limited number of fishing days left in him.  I schedule a day off work to take advantage of Tuesday’s rare April weather off shore.  I now have to cancel because the regulations have not become effective.  I don’t know if wardens are going to be enforcing this technicality, but if they are there is going to be some really pissed off fishermen.

 

Regards,

 

Brad Stompe" Thank you Brad. I guess you have to fish for bluefin, black cod, sand dabs or petrale sole until the administrative lawyers have spoken.