Taken from the California Department of Fish And Game Regulations:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/08-09-inland-fish-regs.pdfArticle 1. Fishing
Methods and Gear
Restrictions
2.00. Fishing Methods--General.
(a) All fish may be taken only by angling with
one closely attended rod and line or one hand
line with not more than three hooks nor more
than three artificial lures (each lure may have
three hooks attached) attached thereto. Anglers
in possession of a valid two-rod stamp and
anglers under 16 years of age may use up to two
rods in inland waters which regulations provide
for the taking of fish by angling, except those
waters in which only artificial lures or barbless
hooks may be used. See District Trout, Salmon
and Special regulations for exceptions.*
(b) Snagging is prohibited. Snagging is defined
as impaling or attempting to impale a fish in
any part of its body other than the mouth by
use of a hook, hooks, gaff, or other mechanical
implement. This definition does not include
activities otherwise authorized under these
regulations for the lawful use of a gaff, bow and
arrow, or spear.
(c) It is unlawful to kill, or retain in possession
any fish which has not voluntarily taken the bait
or artificial lure in its mouth. Any fish not taken
pursuant to these regulations, shall be released
immediately back into the water.