Rods in use vs rods in boat

[PeterKroll]

Couldn't find clarification on this.

The regulations state :

Fishing lines
In tidal waters, up to three fishing lines with up to six hooks in total (in any configuration) are permitted.

Does this mean rods in use (ie being actively in use), or does it mean rigged rods in the boat?

If I have extra rods, do I have to have them un rigged, or with reels completely off?

Is the a definitive answer to this?

[PeterKroll]

Just spoke to fisheries. The rule applies to rods actually being used to fish. If a rod in a rod holder is freshly baited, it may be interpreted that you intend to fish with it, and are therefore in breach of regulations. So extra rods can be rigged, but cannot be baited. Rods need to be stowed when travelling through a green zone, but this again can just be a rod holder, and it can be rigged but not baited.

I asked about lures and plastics, and he summed it up by saying that if they pull up next to me and I am only using three rods and no more than 6 holds (2 & 4 in a yellow zone), all is good.

[PeterKroll]

6 hooks, that is..