San Bernardino County Fish and Game Commission receives 50% of all fines received in the County for Fish and Game violations issued by State Fish and Wildlife Game Wardens
With the approval from the County Board of Supervisors the Commission
awards Grants for fish and game youth education events and programs that benefit wildlife
Past events include Youth fishing events, Youth Qual hunting and Guzzler repairs in our desert areas

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area
December 9, 2020 by marinenews, posted in Exploring California's MPAs, Marine Protected Areas
Russian Gulch SMCA
Russian Gulch SMCA
photo by C. Shen
Imagine a place along the California coast where redwood trees and ferns stand peacefully, securely rooted in the soil. Beneath the adjacent turquoise waters, kelp and other seaweeds are firmly attached to the rocky seabed, swaying and swirling with the churning of the ocean. A visit to Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and Russian Gulch State Park, located just two miles north of the charming coastal town of Mendocino, brings this vision to life.

Russian Gulch SMCA map
Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area map (click to enlarge)
Map by CDFW Marine Region
Among California’s statewide network of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs), 35 are located next to a State Park. While the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the lead management agency for the MPA Network, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is a co-manager. California MPAs limit fishing and other forms of natural resource take, but coastal access and general recreation are encouraged at most MPAs. In some MPAs, like Russian Gulch SMCA, recreational fishing is allowed. This balance between promoting both conservation and public recreation makes for a natural partnership between CDFW and State Parks.

A small MPA has existed at Russian Gulch since 1970 as part of the State Park, but in 1999 the Marine Life Protection Act directed the state to redesign its existing MPAs into a more comprehensive and cohesive network. The new Russian Gulch SMCA was established in 2012, along with 19 other north coast MPAs. Although it remains small compared to other MPAs, covering only about one quarter square mile, its area has nearly tripled from its previous size. The regulations for Russian Gulch SMCA allow both recreational and commercial take, consistent with historical regulations. As only commercial take of bull kelp and giant kelp is prohibited, it is one of the least restrictive MPAs in California’s MPA Network.

Kelp forests are one of the key habitats that California’s MPAs aim to protect. They are a vital feature of California’s coastal seascape and form the foundation of a rich community of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Kelp forests help regulate the environment in a way that is beneficial to humans by taking up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and moderating wave energy, which reduces coastal erosion.

bull kelpPurple urchins take over a kelp forest
Left: Healthy bull kelp, photo by C. Teague. Right: Purple urchins take over a kelp forest during a “perfect storm” of ecological events, CDFW photo by A. Weltz
The calmer waters maintained by kelp forests also creates excellent conditions for diving and kayaking. Unfortunately, in recent years, kelp forests have declined by over 90 percent along the northern California coast, caused by a “perfect storm” of events linked to climate change. Although MPAs are intended to reduce human impacts on marine ecosystems, they can’t be the only solution. This year, the state has launched the Kelp Recovery Research Program to jumpstart kelp restoration efforts.

While large decreases in kelp are a recent trend at Russian Gulch SMCA, another iconic marine species has been absent from Russian Gulch SMCA for two centuries. Southern sea otters once thrived in the dense kelp forests lining these shores. Their abundance drew the interest of early Russian explorers, who may have been the first non-Native people to arrive in the area, giving Russian Gulch its name. Russians sailed down to California from Alaska to expand the fur trade in the early 1800s, and in 1812, the southernmost Russian settlement in North America was established at Fort Ross, about 75 miles south of Russian Gulch.

Southern sea otter
Southern sea otter
USFWS photo
If you have ever touched a sea otter pelt, it is easy to understand why they were so highly valued. Sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal, as they don’t have blubber to help keep warm like other marine mammals. They were so heavily exploited that in the span of just a few short years, their populations were decimated.

After being hunted nearly to extinction, a colony of 50 to 150 sea otters was spotted by the public in 1938 off the remote coast at Big Sur. Their number has now grown to around 3,000 animals. Although they have not made it back to Russian Gulch SMCA or any other part of the north coast, sea otters are a common sight along the central coast, including at Elkhorn Slough SMCA in Moss Landing, Edward F. Ricketts SMCA and Lovers Point-Julia Platt State Marine Reserve (SMR) in Monterey, Point Lobos SMR in Carmel, and Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area.

tidepool at Russian Gulch SMCA
Tidepool full of life at Russian Gulch SMCA
photo by C. Shen
Despite the absence of sea otters at Russian Gulch SMCA, there is still plenty to see and do in the area. A picturesque concrete arch bridge named after state bridge engineer, Frederick W. Panhorst, spans Russian Gulch Creek on Highway 1 and serves as a prominent landmark for the State Park and SMCA. Under the bridge, a sandy beach lies at the mouth of Russian Gulch Creek and provides a gateway to the SMCA. Popular water activities include swimming, diving, kayaking, tidepooling, and ocean fishing (fishing is not permitted in the creek). Be mindful that the ocean in this area is very cold and the waves and currents can be dangerous. Devil’s Punchbowl, a sea cave eroded by wave action and collapsed into a sinkhole, is a clear example of Russian Gulch SMCA’s turbulent setting. Always check local ocean conditions before entering the water.

Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge

Devil's Punchbowl at Russian Gulch SMCA
Coastal inlet at Russian Gulch SMCA
trees
Waterfall at Russian Gulch State Park
If you prefer to admire the ocean from the safety of land, Russian Gulch State Park offers two short headland trails, one north and one south of the bridge, for breathtaking views and ceaseless photo opportunities. The headland trail north of the bridge features Devil’s Punchbowl, where you can marvel at the ocean’s relentless surge and listen to its roiling echo. Lush trails leading inland up Russian Gulch Creek meet with a scenic 36-foot waterfall, best viewed in winter and spring. Camping is available in the park, and more accommodation options can be found nearby in the quaint town of Mendocino or the larger city of Fort Bragg. Please check park closures and local ordinances regarding COVID-19 before planning a visit.

Situated along northern California’s sparsely populated coast, it is hard to imagine a more scenic place than Russian Gulch. With the State Park trails, a beach, a campground and an SMCA that does not restrict recreational take, there are plenty of options for you to decide how to enjoy your visit. While you are there taking in the magnificent coastal views, set aside a moment to imagine what Russian Gulch looked like in the past, and how you would like for it to look in the future.

New Autorenewal Function Available for Fishing Licenses
You no longer need to worry about when your California fishing license expires if you sign up for the new autorenewal option. All you need to do is go online to the CDFW licensing website, set up a password, provide a payment method, purchase 2021 sport fishing items and choose the items you want to have auto renew. CDFW will then automatically send your fishing permits to your door before the others expire. Reminder emails will be sent prior to any charges hitting your payment method.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTORENEWAL >

You are so right I sent the wrong link hope this is better
New Recreational Groundfish Regulations for 2021
Multiple changes to the recreational groundfish regulations will take effect in the new year. CDFW worked closely with recreational stakeholders to develop the changes, effective January 1, 2021. See CDFW's summary of recreational groundfish regulations for Management Area boundary definitions.
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fclick.mail.ca.wildlifelicense.com%2ff%2fa%2fdIiaHbpAColv5nrA9lB3mQ~~%2fAANRywA~%2fRgRh5AJnP0TAaHR0cHM6Ly9jZGZnbmV3cy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLzIwMjAvMTIvMjkvbmV3LXJlY3JlYXRpb25hbC1ncm91bmRmaXNoLXJlZ3VsYXRpb25zLWZvci0yMDIxLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Q0FfQUxEUyZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249Q0FhbmdsZXJ1cGRhdGVfMjAyMTAxJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PWdyb3VuZGZpc2gtYnV0dG9uVwNzcGNCCl_8aH0BYL0vhJZSDVJPTElOQEJDTUcuVVNYBAAAAAY~&c=E,1,8n_f4d6afcur0KMKGtHWyKdBbU5SIsLxT32szXeTi6vEXUv5K8n_GOVLDmL06woflb8yUUTnvuY5dLB9OB7CdQ23JM0daBbgZeBiI_WmybHN3A,,&typo=1

New Recreational Groundfish Regulations for 2021
Multiple changes to the recreational groundfish regulations will take effect in the new year. CDFW worked closely with recreational stakeholders to develop the changes, effective January 1, 2021. See CDFW's summary of recreational groundfish regulations for Management Area boundary definitions

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_EE-xO0nhYCJ7_yGAYzRLlNKk0NT5tpZTFrX46lXaxVgZ-OpeYqVbC4qblDg8bntrfbwUg0vq9SoX4dNvt0LoihYH27yJScB3G3ruNv5JSCrspPv0WuFkNAzGDNvM-X2xJVeiouoHmk2YCM5Xj88r9uwsp20KUQ9q3MVjHOwEl5OFc_BPSt8GisY6k3nF7cJ&c=2ClvpFKhUnJ3iXt7kJlEPahVPo82iuKL_seJ7e6FsUZqjvHA5KqPlg==&ch=1lHySirwUu2ewIeuxwKjfeeNY70nyUpY0AUgkzI35S66VFbhspXa4Q==

Ask them to show you the fart mode
It’s just Tesla humor
It will make passing gas sounds coming from who you wish in the car
But all tricks aside it is the fastest and the most fun to drive car I have ever had
And the self driving option is unbelievable just don’t fall asleep

This is too cool the attached photo
Is from the dash computer screen

Getting in here a little late but definitely Avalon on Catalina island
The casino where in the 1930s through the 1950s Glen Miller Benny Goodman and all the best of the big bands big bands
And some of the best ocean fishing in the state of California Tuna, Monster Marlin, Black Sea-bass and yes Mako Sharks next to the black sea bass the best eating fish in the in the ocean
The Mako in the photo was first place in the Southern California Mako Shark Fishing Tournament grand prize was just over $17,000 +or- it was a long time ago

ALL BLACK LAB LOVERS
this video is a must my two year old lab Lil loves to play soccer


https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f_RQw-SCIQwBX4_jEXK775gQ

What do you think yes no or
maybe the answer is not sure
could be sex while fishing

𝖠𝗌 𝖺 𝖿𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗀𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗋 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗎𝗉𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝗒 𝖢𝖺𝗅𝗂𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗇𝗂𝖺 𝖥𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖦𝖺𝗆𝖾 biologist 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗁𝖺𝗍𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗄𝖾𝖾𝗉 𝗇𝖾𝗐𝗅𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗍𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗎𝗉 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 prior to release that is why a full recovery will take up to two years
In three fish hatcheries all fish were euthanized





Biologist

𝗐𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗍𝗁 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖽𝗈 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖽𝗈𝗀 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗀𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗎𝗉 𝗂𝗍𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾𝖼𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗐𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝗅𝗅 𝗂 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾

Also a must is the giggling marlin drink until you drop and when you pick yourself up head out to lands end
And one last thing when in Cabo I always go to the local Catholic Church not because it’s catholic but I think it’s the only church in town and make a donation do not just drop money in the collection box put it in the priests hand it’s the right thing to do

Just saying
Take out the amount of money your are willing to tip
Show it to the skipper and tell him it is his if you catch the type of fish you want
Often times the skipper will not work too hard the first day knowing if you don’t get what you want you will come back the next day
I know that sounds rude but do you want
to do catch fish or be polite
I used to show them $100 and say I want a big marlin if it took until dark a plus or minus 200 pound marlin I would then give him $150
All were happy

Watch the video