[Bill McIntyre]

Thanks. I too see it as a matter of what is defined as a "spear." Its just too bad that well meaning citizens who actually want to obey the law have to struggle over poorly written regulations such as these. And then the fact that DFG employees can't read the regulations doesn't help.

While I'm complaining, there is similar uncertainty over gear restrictions for lobster. We aren't allowed to use hooked devices to help get them out of holes. Is a speargun with a flopper shaft a hooked device?

A lot of guys who dive from the beach at night for lobster would like to take a gun along in case they spot a halibut, but they are not sure if its legal. They report asking DFG wardens and getting different answers. Some say the gun would be illegal, some say it wouldn't be, and others say its up to the warden.

As you said, with this and the marlin question we could just go to court if cited, but that could be an expensive way to get a determination. If I want to obey the law, it should be easier to find out what the law is.