Rockfish
The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes species) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in combination of all species within the RCG Complex (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings) per person, with a sub-limit on vermilion rockfish (5 fish per person), also included in the 10-fish RCG Complex aggregate limit. There is no size limit for rockfish. Yelloweye rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish(opens in new tab), and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero).
Rockfish are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Cabezon
The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of cabezon is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the 10-fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 15 inches total length.
The cabezon fishery is managed under both state and federal groundfish management plans. The state manages this fishery in concert with the federally managed groundfish group, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Kelp and Rock Greenlings
The recreational fisheries for rock greenling and kelp greenling (Hexagrammos spp.) are open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. These fisheries are open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of cabezon is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the 10-fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length.
The kelp greenling fishery is managed under both state and federal groundfish management plans, while the rock greenling fishery is managed under California’s Nearshore Fishery Management Plan. Although not a federally managed groundfish species, rock greenlings are often encountered by fishermen targeting federally managed groundfish. Thus, the rock greenling fishery is managed in concert with the federally managed groundfish group, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Lingcod
The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of lingcod is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 22 inches total length.
The lingcod is part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)
The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of California scorpionfish is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with a minimum size limit of 10 inches total length.
The California scorpionfish is part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
California Sheephead
The recreational fishery for California sheephead(opens in new tab) (Semicossyphus pulcher) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of California sheephead is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish, with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length.
The California sheephead fishery is managed under California’s Nearshore Fishery Management Plan. Although not a federally managed groundfish species, California sheephead is often encountered by fishermen targeting federally managed groundfish. Thus, California sheephead is managed in concert with the federally managed groundfish group, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Ocean Whitefish
The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (PDF)(opens in new tab) (Caulolatilus princeps) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of ocean whitefish is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish, with no minimum size limit.
The ocean whitefish fishery is managed by the state of California. Although not a federally managed groundfish species, ocean whitefish are often encountered by fishermen targeting federally managed groundfish. Thus, the ocean whitefish fishery is managed in concert with the federally managed groundfish group, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Leopard Shark
Outside of Elkhorn Slough: The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Within Elkhorn Slough, this fishery is open year-round to all anglers and divers, except that in Elkhorn Slough State Marine Conservation Area only hook-and-line fishing is allowed. Also note that in Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve no fishing of any kind is allowed. There is no depth limit for this species within Elkhorn Slough.
Outside of Elkhorn Slough, take of leopard shark is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit for leopard shark is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
The leopard shark is part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish
The recreational fisheries for soupfin shark (PDF)(opens in new tab) (Galeorhinus zyopterus) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) are open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. These fisheries are open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
The daily bag and possession limit for soupfin shark is one fish with no minimum size limit. The daily bag and possession limit for spiny dogfish is 10 fish within the 20-fish general bag limit, and there is no minimum size limit.
Soupfin shark and spiny dogfish are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Other Federally Managed Groundfish
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species are open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. These fisheries are open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
The groundfish group includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Sharks (state-managed)
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time. The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube)(opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and sevengill shark (PDF) (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Ocean Salmon
The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (PDF)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab) is open from April 3, 2021 through September 30, 2021. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 salmon of any species except coho. As of May 15, 2021 the minimum size limit is 20 inches total length.
No more than two daily bag limits may be in possession when on land. On a vessel in ocean waters, no person shall possess or bring ashore more than one daily bag limit.
For important information on gear restrictions and other ocean salmon sport fishing regulations, see the 2021 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations flyer (PDF)(opens in new tab) and current California ocean sport fishing regulations. You may also call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for ocean salmon sport fishing information.
For more information about the ocean salmon fishery, please visit the California Ocean Salmon Seasons page.
Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish
The recreational fishery is open year-round to all anglers and divers for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus),
butter sole(opens in new tab) (Isopsetta isolepis),
curlfin sole(opens in new tab)
(Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole(opens in new tab)
(Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF)(opens in new tab) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole(opens in new tab) (Lepidopsetta bilineata),
and
sand sole(opens in new tab) (Psettichthys melanostictus). Refer to the
California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Pacific sanddab and other flatfish are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Petrale Sole and Starry Flounder
The recreational fisheries for petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) are open year-round to all anglers and divers. There are no depth restrictions or bag limits for petrale sole or starry flounder. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete sport fishing regulations information.
Petrale sole and starry flounder are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View a summary table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Pacific Halibut
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) has reopened as of September 3, 2021 and will continue until November 15, 2021 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit. When angling, no more than one line with two hooks attached may be used. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations. For further information about Pacific halibut, please visit the CDFW Pacific halibut page.
California Halibut
The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County, and five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
White Seabass
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish except that only one fish may be taken in waters south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15. The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Surfperch
The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Identification Guide: Common Surfperches of California (PDF)
Sturgeon
The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish that must be between 40 inches and 60 inches fork length. The annual limit is three (3) sturgeon per person.
Short or oversized sturgeon must be released unharmed immediately; note that white sturgeon greater than 68 inches fork length may not be removed from the water prior to their immediate release. No snare may be used to assist in taking sturgeon. Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm to assist in landing or killing any sturgeon. Any person fishing for sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card and complete it in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.92.
Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time. Green sturgeon must be released immediately without being removed from the water.
Tunas
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for bag limits, possession limits, filleting procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Pacific Herring
The recreational fishery for Pacific herring(opens in new tab) (Clupea pallasi) is open year-round. Ten gallons of Pacific herring may be taken per day (approximately 100 lb. or 520 fish). No specialized measuring device is required.
Rock Crab
The recreational fishery for all rock crab species, including red crab(opens in new tab) (Cancer productus), yellow crab(opens in new tab) (Metacarcinus anthonyi) and brown crab (Romaleon antennarium) is open year-round, statewide. The daily bag limit is 35 crab, and the minimum size limit is 4 inches. Review crab measurement methods (PDF)(opens in new tab) and the current California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for more rock crab fishing information.
Read about new crab trap regulations that go into effect on November 1, 2021. See additional information about rock crab and other species of crab.
Mussels
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued its annual
quarantine on the collection of mussels intended for human consumption. The quarantine is usually in effect from May 1 through October 31 each year.
The recreational season for California sea mussel(opens in new tab) (Mytilus californianus) and bay mussel (Mytilus trossulus) remains open year-round. Currently, mussels should only be collected for non-consumptive uses (for example, fish bait). The daily bag and possession limit is 10 pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination.
Note that the California Department of Public Health monitors and annually quarantines mussels(opens in new tab) to prevent human cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid(opens in new tab) poisoning; however, warnings advising consumers not to eat recreationally taken shellfish may be issued at any time. The annual quarantine is usually in effect from May through October, and applies only to sport-harvested mussels intended for human consumption. For updated information on warnings, advisories, and quarantines concerning naturally-occurring shellfish toxins, call CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or check CDPH's recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map(opens in new tab). You can also review CDFW's Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories page.
Clams
During the open season, clams may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Each person must dig only their own limit of clams. Each person is required to keep a separate container for their clams and not commingle with clams taken by another person. Hydraulic pumps may not be used to take clams(opens in new tab), and may not be possessed anywhere clams may be taken. It is unlawful to be on any clam beach with any instrument capable of being used to dig clams during the closed night time hours.
Review ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, seasons, and other regulations that apply for various species of clam.
Kelp
The daily bag limit on all marine aquatic plants for which the take is authorized is 10 pounds wet weight in the aggregate, except that 25 pounds of herring eggs on kelp may be collected. No eel grass, surf grass, or sea palm may be cut or disturbed at any time.
Other Species
See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.