CA Fish & Game Code Section 8582

(a)

The Legislature finds and declares that the intent of this article is not to permit or encourage the taking of marlin for commercial purposes.

(b)

It shall be a misdemeanor for any person operating under a permit pursuant to this article to sell or possess for sale or personal use any marlin. In the event a marlin is taken incidentally in a drift gill net, the permittee shall notify the department immediately that the fish is on the boat. No marlin may be removed from the boat except for delivery to the department.