Chris, the section below is taken from the CA DFG 2003 regs.
They are only legal above Pt Conception in saltwater:
From DFG 2003 Saltwater Regs. PG 28:
"28.80 Dip Nets & Hawaiian Throw Nets,
Dip nets of any size and Baited Hoop Nets not greater than 36" in Dia. May be used to take Herring, Pacific Staghorn Sculpin, Shiner Surfperch, Surfsmelt, Topsmelt, Anchovies, Shrimp, & Squid. Hawaiian Type Throw Nets may be used North of Point Conception to take such species."
To Paraphrase, You can only use CAST Nets (Hawaiian Type Throw Nets) ABOVE PT. CONCEPTION. no sizes were mentioned for those types of nets.
There was no mention of Cast Nets,or Hawaiian type throw nets in the Freshwater regs. only "Dip Nets"
1.42. Dip Net.
Webbing supported by a frame, and hand held, not more than six feet in greatest dimension,
excluding handle.
Read them yourself Here:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fg_comm/2003/freshfish03.pdf
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fg_comm/2003/oceanfish03.html
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