California Code, Fish and Game Code - FGC § 8623

(a) It is unlawful to use any purse seine or round haul net to take yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass.

(b) It is unlawful to possess any yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass, except those taken south of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, and imported into the state under regulations of the commission as provided in Section 2362, on any boat carrying or using any purse seine or round haul net, including, but not limited to, a bait net as described in Section 8780.

(c) Gill nets with meshes of a minimum length of 3 1/2 inches may be used to take yellowtail and barracuda.

(d) Gill nets with meshes of a minimum length of six inches may be used to take white sea bass; however, during the period from June 16 to March 14, inclusive, not more than 20 percent by number of a load of fish may be white seabass 28 inches or more in total length, up to a maximum of 10 white seabass per load, if taken in gill nets or trammel nets with meshes from 3 1/2 to 6 inches in length.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the department may issue permits to hook and line commercial fishermen to possess a bona fide bait net on their vessels for the purpose of taking bait for their own use only.