Yes it is (basket a container). But under the law the live trout have to be in a container (basket, livewell, cooler, etc.) attached to a boat. The section only prohibits live trout in some container in a boat. Check Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 4.00 (e). There are no restrictions on sharing any container for your fish under the state laws and regulations. Some pay lakes require fishermen to use their own stringer, basket, etc., but it is not a state law. When in doubt read the regs.