Drake

This is good info too, many people don't know that the law clearly states that although you are legally allowed to gift a salt water species, it is counted against the DONORS daily bag limit. The recipient is also breaking a law by accepting an illegaly harvested fish.

Sadly, a few years ago right around this time I was being "guided" by an experienced kayak angler for a small window WSB bite. I didn't even know these fish existed until I had one in my lap! The "guide" or let's just say mentor got his dates messed up and confirmed the limit was still three. I was dumb and naive and foolishly took his word for it. 30 minutes later fish number two was on board. I was stoked. I paddled around LJ with this big grin on my face bragging about my epic morning to everyone who would listen.

I couldn't have been having a better day. Lo and behold, I was a poacher, and I didn't even know it. Angler after angler congratulated me on my epic day, not a word about the limit. The fact that no one said anything makew me believe they didnt know either.

It wasn't until about four hours later, someone said something. I told him he was wrong and the "pro" I was with assured me. He pulled up his phone and confirmed my worst nightmare. My heart fell into my stomach and I felt like garbage. I've been fishing my whole life and have never broken a single fishing law. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to keep more than I was allowed, but the fish was already expired. So, I gave it away. Even that law, I didn't know existed. Man oh man that was easily my worst day on the water. In a court of law, ignorance is not a defense, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. The point of this story, which is hard to admit out loud, but if my screw up can serve as an example which may save at least one angler, is that you can not take anyones word for things like this, no matter how experienced. You need to stay educated. It could get you in a lot of trouble and "I didn't know" won't save you. I learned a valuable lesson that day. Since then, I have read and understood every word of the Cali regs and I encourage you all to do the same. Good guys like Wade won't be here to always post reminders. Maybe this is why I feel so obligated to release so many trophies. I owe it to the ocean. Every year since, my first WSB goes back. This year won't be any different. So I guess you can say....I'm "that" guy.

Have a great season everyone, and thanks Wade for raising awareness. A post like this a few years ago would have saved my ass. With the exponential growth of this sport and the blitz of trophy hungry new kayakers, this post will save a lot of fish and save someone from getting in trouble. Good on you.