From the regs -
In the Definitions section - Angling (Hook & Line Fishing) Fishing for
personal use (not for sale or barter) with a line
attached to a pole capable of being held in
hand while landing fish, or a hand-operated line
without a rod or reel.

In the statewide general rules section -
"You May:
Clean or portion fish or shellfish while in the field
with the following exceptions: It is unlawful for
an angler to fail to retain proof of compliance
with species, size, number, weight, sex, or wild
or hatchery origin restriction, if such restrictions
apply, until the angler is ashore and has finished
fishing for the day. For all ROCKFISH species
and for fish with a length restriction, anglers
must retain the fish carcass until coming ashore
to comply with the above rule. This does not
apply if the catch is in the process of being
prepared for immediate consumption.
Use a rodholder.
Leave your rod in a rodholder while playing or
landing a fish if the rod can be easily removed
from the holder.
Use an electric powered reel attached to a pole.
Use a downrigger if the line releases from the
downrigger while playing or landing the fish."