Arthur,
I spoke with Carrie Wilson (DFG) and she confirmed the following:
28.80. Dip Nets and Hawaiian Type Throw Nets. Dip nets of any size and baited hoop nets not greater than 36 inches in diameter may be used to take herring, Pacific staghorn sculpin, shiner surfperch, surf smelt, topsmelt, anchovies, shrimp and squid. Hawaiian type throw nets may be used north of Point Conception to take such species.
This means the nets cannot be used south of Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) at all.
North of Pt. Conception they can only be used to take herring, Pacific staghorn sculpin, shiner surfperch, surf smelt, topsmelt, anchovies, shrimp and squid
So.......... these guys were certainly SOUTH of Point Conception..... and uh, unless that guy throwing the cast net has his sportfishing license pinned to the front of his shorts........ he was POACHING in more ways than one!
Good looking out Arthur........... EVERYONE SHOULD REPORT POACHERS!
57