Recreational Lobster Fishing

California's coastal waters are home to a multitude of invertebrates (species lacking a bony skeleton). The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) takes a particularly special place within this group as a highly sought-after target of both California's recreational and commercial fisheries. Explore CDFW's Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (PDF)

Regulations

For the most current California spiny lobster regulations, consult the following sources: gear allowances and requirements, season, size and bag limit regulations, and report card requirements.

Return Lobster Report Cards

Return your report cards by April 30 following the season closure.

  • Season: Recreational lobster season opens at 6:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the first Wednesday in October and closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on the first Wednesday after the 15th of March.
  • Recreational Bag and Possession Limit: Seven lobsters per person.
  • Minimum Size Limit: 3 and ¼ inches carapace length, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. Please see the lobster measurement diagram (PDF) on how to measure your lobster.
  • License Requirements: CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and California sport fishing license, available at CDFW's Online License Sales and Service. An Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required if fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County), unless fishing under the authority of a one- or two-day California sport fishing license.
  • Skin and SCUBA Diver Gear Restrictions: All skin and SCUBA divers must only use their hands to take lobster.
  • Pier Fishing Gear Restrictions: You may use up to 2 hoop nets while fishing from a public pier.
  • Vessel Fishing Gear Restrictions: You may possess up to 5 hoop nets while fishing from a vessel, but the total number of hoop nets from a vessel cannot exceed 10, even if there are more than 2 people on the boat.
  • Fishing Locations: See the CDFW Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map.
  • Hoop Nets Prohibited 24 Hours Prior to the Season Opener: Hoop nets may not be deployed south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County during the 24 hours leading up to the recreational lobster season opener.

For more information, consult the General Ocean Invertebrate Fishing Regulations.

Harvest Data

Season # Cards Sold # Cards Reported Report Rate # of Reported Cards that Did NOT Fish Reported Catch (# of Lobsters) Average # of Lobsters Kept per Card Estimated Total # of Trips Estimated Total Catch (# of Lobsters) Estimated Weight (lbs) Percent of Total Landings (Commercial + Recreational)
2014-15 36,414 19,698 54% 4,265 114,562 7.5 111,552 215,295 344,472 26%
2015-16 32,666 15,299 47% 3,760 76,378 6.7 82,511 165,847 265,355 25%
2016-17 30,762 15,442 50% 3,733 84,065 7.3 80,680 169,428 271,085 29%
2017-18 32,500 16,342 50% 3,944 85,212 7.0 85,653 171,821 274,914 29%
2018-19* 32,758 16,958 52% 4,003 98,127 7.7 72,122 154,929 247,886 22%**
2019-20 34,804 17,563 50% 4,222 106,742 8.1 77,940 170,171 272,274 26%
2020-21 45,726 21,874 48% 5,720 108,188 6.8 96,779 178,334 285,334 27%
2021-22 35,475 16,901 48% 4,635 83,817 6.9 73,831 140,345 244,162 24%
2022-23 33,813 16,071 48% 4,461 92,795 8.1 68,980 154,621 247,394 20%
2023-24 35,323 17,090 48% 4,284 117,201 9.2 78,906 192,037 307,259 21%

*Starting this season, a new method of estimating total recreational catch was employed based off a survey conducted in summer 2019. More details on this method can be found in the spiny lobster Enhanced Status Report and a full writeup can be downloaded (PDF).

2023-2024 Top 10 Locations (by percent of reported catch)

  1. Catalina Island (14.9%)
  2. San Diego Bay (9.2%)
  3. Long Beach/Middle Breakwater (7.1%)
  4. Point Vicente up to King Harbor (6.8%)
  5. Santa Cruz Island (3.7%)
  6. Zuniga Jetty (3.2%)
  7. Dana Point Jetties (3.0%)
  8. Santa Monica up to Malibu Point (2.8%)
  9. LA County to San Pedro (2.7%)
  10. King Harbor up to Santa Monica (2.6%)

2023-2024 Catch by Gear Type (by percent of reported catch)

  1. Rigid Hoop Net (49.1%)
  2. Free Diving (22.5%)
  3. SCUBA Diving (21.3%)
  4. Traditional Hoop Net (7.1%)

2023-2024 Catch per Unit Effort by Gear Type (average number of lobsters per trip)

  1. SCUBA Diving (3.6 lobsters/trip)
  2. Rigid Hoop Net (2.6 lobsters/trip)
  3. Free Diving (2.3 lobsters/trip)
  4. Traditional Hoop Net (1.9 lobsters/trip)

CDFW Scientific Studies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If your questions are not answered below, please email CDFW at lobster@wildlife.ca.gov.

General FAQs

When should I measure the lobster I catch?

All lobsters must be measured immediately, and any undersize lobster must be released immediately into the water (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.90(c)). If you are diving for lobster, you must measure lobsters while in the water and cannot remove any undersize lobsters from the water. If you are hoop netting for lobster, you must measure lobsters immediately upon removal of your hoop net from the water. No undersize lobster may be placed in any type of receiver, bag, or any other type of container; no undersize lobster may be kept on the person or retained in any person's possession or under his or her direct control.

Am I required to have a lobster gauge when I go fishing for lobster? Can I use a tape measure or a ruler?

Any person fishing or taking lobster must carry a device that is capable of accurately measuring the size of the lobster. Although not prohibited by law, a tape measure or ruler is not recommended since there is too much room for human error in using a tape measure or ruler compared to a lobster gauge. Lobster gauges are inexpensive and readily available at bait and tackle shops in areas where lobstering is popular.

What are the legal methods of take for spiny lobster? Can I use a "tickle stick" to coax a lobster from its hiding spot?

Are there any additional restrictions not listed in CDFW regulations, concerning recreational spiny lobster take in specific areas?

The Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Map provides a quick reference to state recreational fishing and marine protected area regulations. You may view the details about the regulations within a specific area by clicking on any area on the map. For information on health advisories and closures for spiny lobster, please see CDFW's Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories page.

For information on local restrictions, please check with your local harbormaster.

Can a sport fisherman use traps to take lobster? What about lobsters that are taken on hook and line while fishing for finfish?

In the recreational fishery, spiny lobsters can only be taken by hand (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(a)) or by hoop net (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)). Lobsters incidentally caught on hook and line while fishing for finfish cannot be taken and must be returned back into ocean waters immediately.

What is the possession limit for lobster?

Unless fishing under the authorization of a Multi-Day Fishing Permit, the bag and possession limit is seven lobsters per person (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.90(b)) regardless of whether they are fresh, frozen, or otherwise preserved. For example, if you have reached the limit or already have seven lobsters at home, you cannot go out and get more lobsters until the first limit is depleted (e.g., eaten or given away).

My son is 15 years old and will fish with me this year. We both have our report cards. Does he have to carry his own catch? Or can I be in possession of more than my legal 7 "bugs"?

Do I need a sport fishing license to catch lobsters from a public pier?

A sport fishing license is not required when fishing from a public pier as defined in Title 14, CCR, Section 1.88. A list of free fishing piers and a zoomable map of pier locations is available on CDFW’s California Beach Fishing page. Even though a fishing license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations apply (including minimum size, limit, Spiny Lobster Report Card).

May I tail my legally harvested lobsters while still at sea or at the boat launch ramp?

No. Spiny lobsters shall be kept in a whole, measurable condition, until being prepared for immediate consumption (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.90(e)).

Spiny Lobster Report Card FAQs

What is the purpose of the spiny lobster report card?

Data collection and analysis are integral in fisheries management. The Spiny Lobster Report Card helps CDFW actively monitor fishing effort, catch levels, location, and gear types used in the recreational spiny lobster fishery.

Who needs a Spiny Lobster Report Card?

The regulation requires all individuals have a Spiny Lobster Report Card in their possession while fishing for or taking spiny lobster (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.91(a)). This includes children under the age of 16 who are fishing for lobster or assisting with fishing or the take of spiny lobster (e.g., deploying and/or pulling hoop net, handling spiny lobster, etc.). A Spiny Lobster Report Card is not required for any person who is just observing and not helping with the fishing process in any way (e.g., deploying and/or pulling hoop net, handling spiny lobster, etc.).

How much does the spiny lobster report card cost?

For the most up-to-date information on fees, please see CDFW's Sport Fishing Licenses and Report Cards page.

Where can I purchase a spiny lobster report card?

A Spiny Lobster Report Card may be purchased through CDFW’s Online License Service or at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent (such as a local bait and tackle shop or sporting goods store).

Is there a limit to the number of spiny lobster report cards I can buy?

If you have filled all the lines on your Spiny Lobster Report Card, an additional card may be purchased (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.91(d)). There is no limit to how many Spiny Lobster Report Cards you can have a season, but please remember that ALL cards need to be returned to CDFW or reported online (even if no lobsters were taken) by April 30 to avoid a non-return fee the following season.

How do I fill out my lobster report card?

Please carefully review and follow the instructions printed on your Spiny Lobster Report Card. Right before you enter the ocean or place a hoop net into the water to fish for spiny lobster, you must record the month, day, location, and gear code on the first available line on the card (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.91(b)). When you are either done fishing at that location or done fishing for the day, record the number of lobster(s) kept, then move to the next available line on the card. Use separate lines on the card for each location fished and each gear type used.

Where and when do I submit the card once it's filled out?

To avoid a non-return fee, Spiny Lobster Report Card holders must mail their cards or submit them online by April 30 after each season. CDFW recommends reporting online and saving your confirmation number, which provides verification that the report card was submitted and received by CDFW prior to the reporting deadline. If you cannot report online, drop off or mail your Spiny Lobster Report Card to:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Lobster Report Card
3883 Ruffin Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

A report card returned by mail shall be postmarked by the date the report card is due.

Am I required to have the spiny lobster report card in possession when I'm fishing for spiny lobsters?

Yes, you must have a Spiny Lobster Report Card in your possession while fishing for or taking spiny lobster (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.91(a)). If you are diving from a boat, the report card may be kept in the boat, or if you are diving from the shore, the report card may be kept within 500 yards from the point of entry.

If I'm fishing for crab from a public pier and I'm NOT fishing for spiny lobster, do I still need a lobster report card?

You do not need to purchase a Spiny Lobster Report Card if you are not fishing for lobster. By the same token, if you catch spiny lobster while fishing for rock crab, you cannot keep spiny lobster if you do not have a Spiny Lobster Report Card in your possession.

Why am I charged a non-return fee? I returned my Spiny Lobster Report Card last season.

You might be charged a non-return fee if your previous season’s report card was received after the April 30 reporting deadline or there is no record of receipt. If you had purchased multiple report cards, be sure to return or report each card by the April 30 deadline to avoid the non-return fee. CDFW does not have the authority to exempt the non-return fee for reports cards not received by the April 30 deadline. In lieu of the non-return fee, fishers have the option of sitting out one lobster season.

You may access your customer record at any time to view your report card status using the Online License Sales and Services website.

Am I required to report even if I did not fish or did not catch any lobster?

Yes. Even if you didn’t fish for lobster or didn’t catch any lobster, you must still report lack of effort or lack of catch by the April 30 deadline to avoid the non-return fee.

Hoop Netting and Diving for Spiny Lobster FAQs

The regulation states that the season opens at 6:00 p.m. On opening day, can I put my hoop nets in the water at 5:00 p.m. and pull them an hour later at 6:00 p.m.?

No. Hoop nets cannot be deployed and used in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County) within the 24-hour period immediately prior to the start of the recreational spiny lobster season (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)(6)). Since the recreational season starts on the Friday preceding the first Wednesday in October each year, this means that hoop nets cannot be placed in the waters south of Point Arguello from 6:00 p.m. on Thursday (the day before season opens) to 5:59 p.m. on opening day.

How many hoop nets can I use while fishing from a public pier?

You may use up to two hoop nets while fishing from a public pier (Title 14, CCR, subsection 28.65(b)).

How many hoop nets can I use on my boat?

Between Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County) and the United States-Mexico border, you may possess and use up to five hoop nets if you are the only person operating hoop nets on your boat; however, if there more than one hoop net operator, no more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed or deployed from your boat (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)(4)(A)). North of Point Arguello to the California-Oregon border, there is no limit on the number of hoop nets that may be possessed or deployed from your boat (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)(4)(B)).

If I'm sharing hoop nets with a friend or several friends on my boat, do all of our GO ID numbers need to be on the buoys, or can I just have one GO ID number on each of the buoys?

A valid Spiny Lobster Report Card is required for any person who operates (i.e., deploys and/or pulls) a hoop net to catch lobster from your boat. If there are multiple hoop net operators, the surface buoy of any deployed hoop net must be marked with the GO ID number of at least one operator (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)). If you are a commercial passenger fishing vessel (CPFV) operator or a licensed guide, your hoop net buoys must be marked with your CPFV registration number or guide license number, respectively.

I sometimes lend my hoop nets to friends. Can I mark my GO ID number on the buoys with something removable, like tape?

You may use tape to adhere your GO ID number to a hoop net buoy; however, your GO ID number must still be clear and legible. Please be advised that if the tape falls off the buoy or if the GO ID marking becomes otherwise not legible, you will be in violation of the marking requirements for hoop nets (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80(b)(5)).

I'm a scuba diver and a kayak fisherman. I want to use a hoop net this season, and bring my scuba gear on the kayak at the same time. Another diver told me it was illegal to have more than one type of hunting device on the kayak (hoop net and scuba). Is this statement correct?

Both gear types (hoop net and scuba gear) may be on the kayak with you only when fishing for spiny lobster south of Yankee Point (Monterey County). Be advised that north of Yankee Point, scuba cannot be used to take any invertebrates except sea urchins, rock scallops, and crabs of the genus Cancer (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.05(d)).

Can I carry a pole spear or a spear gun while diving for lobsters?

Divers may be in possession of spearfishing equipment so long as possession of such equipment is otherwise lawful and is not being used to aid in the take of crustaceans (Title 14, CCR, subsection 29.80 (g)). This means that, while you can hunt for finfish using a spear, you may only catch lobsters by hand on the same dive – the use of any spearfishing equipment to take lobster is illegal.

Spiny Lobster Management FAQs

Why are people allowed to keep lobsters with eggs? This just doesn’t make sense to me.

The lobster season start and end dates were carefully chosen with spawning in mind. The season opens after the majority of lobsters have already spawned, and the season closes before the stock moves back into shallow water to repeat the cycle all over again. While it is true that a few lobsters with eggs are caught each year, the season provides more than ample protection for spawning lobsters.

Why hasn't a slot limit been established for lobsters? People need to let the big breeders go!

A slot limit (minimum and maximum size limit) was considered and determined to provide only marginal reproductive benefits for this species. The current fishing regulations are designed to protect the spawning potential of spiny lobster. The current minimum size limit allows many lobsters to reproduce for 1 to 2 years before reaching the legal-size limit, and the seasonal closure protects individuals from harvest during the sensitive spawning period of the species. Also, a Harvest Control Rule was adopted to provide CDFW with flexibility to adjust the management approach as threats to the sustainability of the spiny lobster fishery are identified.

Why can commercial fishermen use traps when recreational fishermen are restricted to using hoop nets? It just doesn’t seem fair!

CDFW strives to make regulations as equitable as possible. The use of traps in the recreational spiny lobster fishery has been prohibited since 1963. The rules and regulations (including fishing gear restrictions) for recreational and commercial fishing are different due to major differences in the purpose of fishing, impacts, management, and enforcement. Recreational fishing for spiny lobster is for sport purposes as opposed to commercial fishing which is for market sale.

How is CDFW managing the spiny lobster fishery?

Fishery management is an ongoing and iterative process. CDFW is actively engaged with research partners and stakeholders to improve our understanding of spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) and better manage the commercial and recreational fisheries. Over the years, these efforts have accumulated into a substantial body of work.

With input from stakeholders, CDFW developed the California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) that was adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission on April 13, 2016. The FMP serves as the foundation for managing the spiny lobster fishery. More information is available on CDFW's California Spiny Lobster FMP page. In 2020, CDFW published the California Spiny Lobster Enhanced Status Report with the most up-to-date information on the species and the fisheries. In 2023, the state further refined spiny lobster fishing regulations to improve management of the fisheries.

Marine Region (Region 7)
Regional Manager: Dr. Craig Shuman
Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA  93940
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