Rockfish
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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 black rockfish (4 per person) and canary rockfish (3 per person), also included in the 10-fish RCG Complex aggregate limit. Yelloweye rockfish, 
bronzespotted rockfish, 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
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of cabezon is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as defined in federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C). The daily bag and possession limit is 3 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
These fisheries are currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of greenlings is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of lingcod is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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)
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of California scorpionfish is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
The recreational fishery for California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of California sheephead is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling.
The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (PDF) (Caulolatilus princeps) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of ocean whitefish is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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
This fishery is currently open for boat-based angling outside of Elkhorn Slough.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of leopard shark is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as defined in federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C).
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.
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
These fisheries are currently open for boat-based angling
The recreational fisheries for soupfin shark (PDF) (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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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
These fisheries are currently open for boat-based angling.
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, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Take of these species is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), as 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.
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 (Isopsetta isolepis),
curlfin sole
(Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole
(Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata),
and
sand sole (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.
Ocean Salmon
The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (PDF) is open from May 1, 2020 through October 4, 2020. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 salmon of any species except coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 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 2020 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations flyer (PDF) and the current California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet. 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 web page.
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) (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.
Pacific Halibut
NOTE: The remaining recreational season for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) runs through 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2020. The National Marine Fisheries Service recently took action to close the fishery as of Wednesday, August 12, 2020 following consultation with CDFW. The catch has been reviewed weekly during the season to determine when the quota of 39,000 net pounds was projected to be taken. Read the press release announcing the end of the season.
You can also read the 2020 In-Season Tracking section of the Pacific Halibut web page, and/or call one of these fishing hotline phone numbers before going fishing for the latest information:
- National Marine Fishery Service Halibut Hotline - (800) 662-9825
- CDFW Recreational Groundfish Regulations Hotline - (831) 649-2801
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 the current Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
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 (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 (Cancer productus), yellow crab (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) and the current California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for more rock crab fishing information.
See additional information about rock crab and other species of crab.
Mussels
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health 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. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health has issued a warning not to consume sport-harvested bivalve shellfish such as clams and whole scallops taken from San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey county beaches.
The recreational season for California sea mussel (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 to prevent human cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid 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 the California Department of Public Health's Shellfish Biotoxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133. You can also review CDFW's Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories web page.
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.