Rockfish
The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is open to divers and shore-based anglers year-round. The fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. These species may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. 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 (3 per person) and canary rockfish (2 per person), also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit. Yelloweye rockfish, 
bronzespotted rockfish, and cowcod (PDF) 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Cabezon
The recreational fishery for cabezon (PDF) (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open to divers and shore-based anglers year-round. The fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Cabezon may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Kelp and Rock Greenlings
The recreational fisheries for kelp and rock greenlings (PDF) (Hexagrammos spp.) are open to divers and shore-based anglers year-round. These fisheries are open to boat-based anglers from April 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Greenlings may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Lingcod
The recreational fishery for lingcod (PDF) (Ophiodon elongatus) is open to divers and shore-based anglers year-round. The fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Lingcod may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 ft (40 fm) deep. 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)
The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (PDF) (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. The fishery is open to boat-based anglers from April 15, 2018 through August 31, 2018. California scorpionfish may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. 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 of groundfish regulations.
Leopard Shark
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (PDF) (Triakis semifasciata) inside San Francisco Bay is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers and shore-based anglers. There is no depth limit inside San Francisco Bay. 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish
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 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. These species may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. The 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 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 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018. These species may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 240 feet (40 fathoms) deep. Refer to the California Ocean 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 of groundfish regulations.
View additional groundfish information.
Ocean Salmon
The recreational fishery for ocean salmon is open from June 17, 2018 through October 31, 2018.
The
daily bag and possession limit is 2 salmon of any species except coho, and 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 2018 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations flyer and the current Sport Fishing Regulations Supplement. 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 (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 Sanddab and Other Flatfish
The recreational fishery is open year-round to all anglers and divers for the following species: Pacific sanddab (PDF) (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 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 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 of groundfish regulations.
Pacific Halibut
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open during the following time periods, or until the annual quota is reached, whichever happens first:
- May 1-June 15*
- July 1-15*
- August 1-15*
- September 1-October 31*
*or until the quota is reached, whichever happens first
The catch will be reviewed weekly during the season to determine when the quota is projected to be taken. See the 2018 In-Season Tracking section of the Pacific Halibut web page to follow the progress of the fishery throughout the season. You can also call one of these fishing hotlines before going fishing for the up-to-date season status:
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 2018 Ocean 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. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
Read the 2015 California Halibut Fact Sheet.
Sturgeon
The recreational fishery for
white sturgeon (PDF) (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 27.90, 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).
Green sturgeon (PDF) (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 (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches in length. No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven gurdy or winch.
Surfperch
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open through March 31, 2019. The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch). Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish, and are exempt from the seasonal closure. Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Identification Guide: Common Surfperches of California (PDF)
White Seabass
The recreational fishery for white seabass (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.
Rock Crab
The recreational fishery for all rock crab species, including rock crab (Cancer antennarius), yellow crab (Cancer anthonyi) and red crab (Cancer productus) is open statewide, year-round. The daily bag limit is 35 crab, and the minimum size limit is 4 inches. Review crabbing regulations that went into effect on August 1, 2016, crab measurement methods (PDF), and other crabbing regulations in the current Saltwater Sport Fishing regulations booklet.
See additional information about rock crab and other species of crab.
Clams
Open all year from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 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. The limit on littleneck clams, soft-shell clams, chiones, northern quahogs, and cockles is 50 in combination. All softshell clams dug, regardless of size or broken condition, must be retained until the bag limit is reached.
Mussels
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health has issued its annual quarantine on the collection of mussels intended for human consumption. Please call the California Department of Public Health's toll-free
Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 for the latest information.
The recreational season for California sea mussel (PDF) (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 shellfish health advisories web 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 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.