There are several new regulatory and legislative changes that affect sport fishing license requirements for 2008. The synopsis below highlights the changes:
SECOND-ROD STAMP (EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2008)
The second-rod stamp will now be valid in inland waters except those waters in which only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used. See sections 7.00 and 7.50 of the sport fishing regulations for the waters where only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used and Section 1.53 for the definition of inland waters.

CHANGES AFFECTING SPORT FISHING REPORT CARD AND TAGGING REQUIREMENTS
New report card and tagging requirements apply for those fishing for, or taking the following species, in the following areas:
1. Salmon, in the Klamath-Trinity River System only.
2. Steelhead trout, in all anadromous waters where take is authorized.
3.Sturgeon, in all areas where take is authorized. Tagging of retained white sturgeon is also required.
4. Red abalone, in all areas where take is authorized. Tagging of retained abalone is also required.
5. California spiny lobster, in all areas where take is authorized.

REPORT CARDS REQUIRED FOR ALL FISHERMAN, INCLUDING CHILDREN, PIER FISHERMAN, AND FREE FISHING DAYS, (EFFECTIVE IN EARLY SPRING) Any person fishing for, or taking the five species listed above, is required to have an appropriate report card in possession. Specifically, this report card requirement is for all persons including those exempt from license requirements, such as those under 16 years of age, those fishing from a public pier, or those fishing on free fishing days. Report cards are also required for lifetime licensees.

NEW ABALONE TAGGING REQUIREMENT (EFFECTIVE IN EARLY SPRING)
Each abalone report card now includes 24 detachable tags, one of which must be affixed to any abalone taken in the sport fishery. The date, time, and location of each abalone taken must be recorded on both the tag and the card. Every abalone must be tagged immediately after exiting the water, and each tag must be securely fastened to the shell of the abalone by passing a "zip tie," string, line or other suitable material through a siphon hole in the shell. While abalone taken and tagged by a cardholder may still be given to another person, the rules require that all abalone possessed must be tagged. This means that even if the person checked with an abalone in possession is not the person who actually caught the abalone, the tag must link to the record on the cardholder's card that harvested the abalone. This regulation will help to ensure that all abalone are taken within daily bag and possession limits. Refer to the new regulations for complete reporting and tagging requirements.

SPINY LOBSTER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (EFFECTIVE IN FALL 2008)
People fishing for, or taking spiny lobster, will need to have a lobster report card in possession. The purpose of the new reporting requirement helps to monitor recreational catch, effort and the gear used in the recreational lobster fishery. Refer to the new regulations for complete reporting requirements.

CHANGES TO SALMON REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (EFFECTIVE IN EARLY SPRING)
Anglers fishing for salmon in ocean waters will no longer need a Salmon Report Card. In early 2008, a Klamath-Trinity Salmon Report Card will be required only for anglers fishing in the Klamath-Trinity watershed. The format of the card has been changed to collect Chinook salmon retention and release information, coho salmon release information, fishing effort information, and fin clip information.