Carry Sidearm while fishing, where allowed.

[deephouse]

Hi there, sorry if this is in the wrong section. Please move if needed.
Also, did a quick search and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. I'm sure it has been discussed before, but is probably buried in the search results.

If you are fishing in CA, and have a valid/current fishing license, is it legal to open carry while fishing?

Was reading this http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outp...d-game-qa.html (somewhat dated, I know)

And they way I understand it, is that open carry is legal while fishing, as long as it is not prohibited in the area you are fishing. And that you must unload it while going to and from your fishing spot.

Thank you in advance for the explanation...

[glockman19]

The article is correct.

[Librarian]

Concealed carry, not open. PC 26540.

25640. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.

Though if it is legal in that area to carry loaded, should be able to carry either openly or concealed. The language of the section distinguishes 'while engaged in' from 'transporting', with the latter requiring 'unloaded'.

[deephouse]

OK I think the confusing part for me on PC 26540 is the "capable of being concealed upon the person"

[edgerly779]

Legal to carry. I fish the high sierras from time to time and I load the handgun as soon as I am out of sight of civilization. I do not say that is correct but that is what I think is right especially if if I am going to camp in an area and sometimes I leave too late to get there in decent light. Of course I have a monster handgun. It is chambered in 6.8 spc and my back up is a model 29 smith 44 mag 83/8" barrel . think it is the best wheel gun ever invented

[Librarian]

OK I think the confusing part for me on PC 26540 is the "capable of being concealed upon the person"

That's a sort of running gag with the legislators. Whenever one wants to amend the Penal Code in those areas, ordinarily the first 'place holder' version goes through the section and replaces 'handgun' with 'firearm capable of being concealed on the person' or, if it already has 'firearm capable of being concealed on the person', replaces it with 'handgun'.