Rockfish
NOTE: Quillback rockfish(opens in new tab) may not be retained effective August 7, 2023, for the remainder of the year. Read the press release announcing the regulation change.(opens in new tab) More Information(opens in new tab)
NOTE: Read the press release announcing the shift to an offshore-only groundfish fishery for boat-based anglers in this area, beginning September 1, 2023.
Please see the current San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table(opens in new tab) for current recreational rockfish fishing regulations.
Rockfish Identification Guides (PDFs)(opens in new tab)
Cabezon
NOTE: Read the press release announcing the shift to an offshore-only groundfish fishery for boat-based anglers in this area, beginning September 1, 2023.
Please see the current San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table(opens in new tab) for current cabezon(opens in new tab) fishing regulations.
Kelp Greenling, Rock Greenling
NOTE: Read the press release announcing the shift to an offshore-only groundfish fishery for boat-based anglers in this area, beginning September 1, 2023.
Please see the current San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table(opens in new tab) for current kelp greenling(opens in new tab) and rock greenling(opens in new tab) fishing regulations.
Lingcod
NOTE: Read the press release announcing the shift to an offshore-only groundfish fishery for boat-based anglers in this area, beginning September 1, 2023.
Please see the current San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table(opens in new tab) for current lingcod(opens in new tab) fishing regulations.
Leopard Shark
The recreational fishery for leopard shark(opens in new tab) (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit 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.
Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish
The recreational fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab(opens in new tab) (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 groundfish sport fishing regulations 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 table of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Petrale Sole and Starry Flounder
The recreational fisheries for petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) and starry flounder(opens in new tab) (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 groundfish sport fishing regulations for complete 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.
California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)
The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish(opens in new tab) (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths. 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.
Other Federally Managed Groundfish
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark(opens in new tab), Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish(opens in new tab), skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish(opens in new tab), and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths. Refer to groundfish sport fishing regulations 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.
California Halibut
The recreational fishery for California halibut(opens in new tab) (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. As of June 2, 2023, the daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
Sturgeon
Take the White Sturgeon Angler Survey! (through August 15, 2023)
The recreational fishery for white sturgeon(opens in new tab) (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 Section 27.92, Title 14 California Code of Regulations.
Sturgeon may not be taken in the following described area between January 1 and March 15: That portion of San Francisco Bay included within the following boundaries: A direct line between Pt. Chauncy (National Marine Fisheries Laboratory) and Pt. Richmond, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and a direct line between Pt. Lobos and Pt. Bonita.
View a map of the sturgeon closure area (PDF)(opens in new tab).
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.
Striped Bass
The recreational fishery for striped bass(opens in new tab) (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length. No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven gurdy or winch.
White Seabass
The recreational fishery for white seabass(opens in new tab) (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish. The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Sharks (State-managed)
Open year-round, except that white sharks(opens in new tab) (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 broadnose sevengill shark(opens in new tab) (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark(opens in new tab) (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark(opens in new tab) (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark(opens in new tab) (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Surfperch
The recreational fishery for
surfperch(opens in new tab)(PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open from August 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch).
Shiner perch(opens in new tab) (
Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Redtail surfperch(opens in new tab) (
Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
View surfperch regulations for outside of San Francisco Bay.
Identification Guide: Common Surfperches of California(opens in new tab) (PDF)
Pacific Herring
The recreational fishery for Pacific herring (PDF)(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(opens in new tab) (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 for more rock crab fishing information.
See additional information about rock crab and other species of crab.
Clams
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning not to eat sport-harvested bivalve shellfish including mussels, clams, or whole scallops from San Mateo County beaches(opens in new tab) due to dangerous levels of PSP toxin found in mussels. For the latest advisory information, 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).
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.
Mussels
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued its annual quarantine on the collection of mussels(opens in new tab) 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 is advising consumers not to eat sports-harvested mussels, clams, or whole scallops from San Mateo County(opens in new tab) beaches due to dangerous levels of PSP toxin found in mussels. For the latest advisory information, 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).
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.
Bay Shrimp (Grass Shrimp)
Limit: Five pounds.
Ghost Shrimp and Blue Mud Shrimp
Limit: 50 in combination of species.
Herring Eggs
There is a 25-pound (including plants) wet weight limit on the take of herring eggs.
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 eelgrass(opens in new tab), surfgrass(opens in new tab), or sea palm(opens in new tab) may be cut or disturbed at any time.
Other Species
See California ocean sport fishing regulations for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.