FISHERMEN CAN'T IGNORE REGULATIONS.

Byline: Brett Pauly Daily News Staff Writer

In light of allegations that a winning bass at a recent regional team-angling tournament was snagged - not only a slap in the face of everything sacred in angling, but illegal in the eyes of the law - it might be time to review state regulations on bass fishing.

Codes established by the Department of Fish and Game, including size and bag limits, are designed to preserve species and ensure adequate reproduction opportunities, said Joe Williams, a game warden with the DFG in Long Beach.

For example, the bag limit, or number of fish that can be kept, for largemouth bass is five per day. The minimum size is 12 inches. Biologists have determined that the fish reaches maturity at that length, so anything shorter must be released. ``You want to allow every fish the chance to produce offspring,'' Williams explained.

Other regulations, such as those involving fishing methods, are put on the books ``so you don't catch a whole gob of fish, which depletes the resource, too,'' Williams said.

There are several regulations of specific concern to bass anglers. Following are ``the big ones'' - the four violated most often:

No chumming. Material other than what is held on a hook - typically cut-up fish or other animals parts or blood - cannot be used to attract bass.

Trout cannot be used as bait. Initiated to protect the trout fishery, not only is the baiting of trout prohibited but also the possession of live trout on or attached to any boat.

No snagging. No device may be used to deliberately snag - hook in a spot other than the mouth area - a game fish or baitfish.

No throw nets allowed. Nets designed for tossing over and entrapping baitfish or game fish are illegal. Baitfish can be captured with handheld dip nets or small seines.

All violations are misdemeanors, with a maximum fine of $2,500 and six months in jail, plus court costs.

Williams said one of the biggest problems he faces is when anglers target several species in an outing and don't consider the codes for each one.

``People come into an area and fish for bass, and then they try for trout,'' he said. ``They don't realize there may be different size and bag limits or that fishing for a certain species isn't allowed at all.''

The solution is simple: Read the regs.

Williams said it's also important to have the public police the fisheries, for state resources are limited. For example, there are only about 20 wardens for all of Los Angeles County.

``You get as many people in this county out recreating, and people are going to want to take the shortcuts,'' he said.

Those who report poaching - any resource violation - should be commended, Williams said. ``You are deterring an unlawful activity, but you are also promoting the outdoors and fishing. Playing by the rules are all a part of it.''

To report poachers, phone [phone]. Callers can remain anonymous.

For further information on fishing regulations, refer to the ``California Sport Fishing Regulations'' handbook or call the Department of Fish and Game at [phone].

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Photo

Photo: Playing by the DFG's rules will help insure a healthy bass fishery for future generations.

Brett Pauly / Daily News