two rods, two poles, fishing rod, second rod validation, pier fishing, CCR T14 sections 28.65, 28.20
Yes, in general this is legal. In California ocean waters, there is no limit on the number of fishing rods that may be fished as long as the poles are closely attended.
But there are some exceptions:
- Species exceptions: If you target the following species only one line with no more than two hooks may be used: rockfish (genus Sebastes), California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), kelp or rock greenlings (Hexagrammos decagrammus and Hexagrammos lagocephalus), or species listed in CCR T14, Section 28.49. If you are targeting salmon (genus Oncorhynchus) or Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) only one rod and line may be used by each angler.
- Public piers: If you are on a public pier, you can only use up to two rods, lines, and/or appliances (such as hoop nets) total per person.
- Fishing from the beach: When fishing from an ocean beach you can fish with more than one rod, with the exception of those species listed previously. While fishing from the shore in San Francisco and San Pablo bays between the Golden Gate Bridge and the west Carquinez Bridge, you may only use one line with no more than three hooks; you may also use up to 10 crab traps.
- Fishing from a vessel: When fishing aboard a vessel on the ocean you can fish with more than one rod, with the exception of those species listed previously.
Note: The second-rod or "2-pole" validation is not required for ocean waters. It is only applicable in certain inland freshwater fishing areas.