This law explains what a set net or set line is when fishing. A set net or set line is a net or line tied to the ocean floor at both ends and doesn't float with the tide or current. It's specifically used to trap fish in areas like bays, estuaries, or against the shore as the tide goes out. However, it makes clear that fyke nets, shrimp nets, and crab nets are not considered set nets.

This law requires that fishermen mark their set nets and lines with buoys showing their ID number, and each section of the net must also be marked with the ID number. These markings must be no more than 45 fathoms apart. If a net is lost or abandoned, the owner may have to pay recovery costs, and their permit could be revoked if they don't comply. Also, if a fisherman loses a net, they must report the loss within 72 hours after returning to port. This report should include details like the date and time of the loss, the location, a description of the net, and both the fisherman’s and the vessel’s identification numbers.

This law requires that the bottom part of a fishing net, known as the footrope or leadline, must be weaker than the top part by at least 50 pounds. This rule started being enforced on August 15, 1990.

This law explains how to measure the size of net meshes for fishing. You should measure at least four meshes, focusing on the inside of the knots. For nets without knots, measure where the mesh is connected, making sure they're pulled tightly together while measuring.

This law makes it illegal to use any net, trap, line, spear, or similar tool to catch fish unless it's specifically allowed by another part of the law. The law permits only angling, which is fishing with a rod and line, as a legal method for catching fish under normal circumstances.

This law makes it illegal to deliberately damage or interfere with any legally-used fishing equipment in California waters. However, this rule does not apply to department employees doing their job duties.

This law allows the department, or anyone they authorize, to use nets or other equipment to rescue fish stranded in places like sloughs or ponds when flooding or receding water levels have trapped them.

If you have or use nets, traps, or lines for fishing that are regulated by federal laws on groundfish, you cannot have or unload fish that go against those federal rules.

This law allows the commission, following a public hearing, to make rules about using nets near structures like piers and docks for fishing. They can permit nets at least 75 feet from private structures and limit nets within 750 feet of public piers. However, they can't expand this restricted area or ban net usage where it's already permitted by law.

This law section expresses concern about the rapid growth of two specific fishing techniques—nearshore gill and trammel net fishing—for catching California halibut and white croaker. The legislature notes that this increase might be unintentionally harming seabirds and marine mammals, which could threaten their populations.