Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations for 2018

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Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Visit the MPA website for more information.

• Northern Management Area
  The California-Oregon border to Cape Mendocino (40°10' N. latitude)
• Mendocino Management Area
  Cape Mendocino (40°10' N. latitude) to Point Arena (38°57.5' N. latitude)
• San Francisco Management Area
  Point Arena (38°57.5' N. latitude) to Pigeon Point (37°11' N. latitude)
• Central Management Area
  Pigeon Point (37°11' N. latitude) to Point Conception (34°27' N. latitude)
• Southern Management Area
  Point Conception (34°27' N. latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border
• Cowcod Conservation Areas

NOTICE! In-season Depth Restriction Change Effective August 25, 2018. See shaded text in tables below for details.

Northern Management Area

Ocean waters between 42°00' N. latitude (CA-OR Border) and 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino)
Includes all of Del Norte County and most of Humboldt County

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Note: Before engaging in ocean sportfishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for more information.
2. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
3. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken.
4. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
6. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Humboldt Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish (Section 28.56).

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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Mendocino Management Area

Ocean waters between 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) and 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena)
Includes a portion of Humboldt County and most of Mendocino County

View a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sportfishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for more information.
2. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
3. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken.
4. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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San Francisco Management Area

Ocean waters between 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena) and 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point)
Includes a portion of Mendocino County, all of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and most of San Mateo County

View a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sportfishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website (see information for the open ocean coast or San Francisco Bay). You may also send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office.
2. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
3. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken.
4. Per federal regulations, the waters of Cordell Bank less than 100 fathoms (600 ft.) in depth are closed at all times for all groundfish species except Pacific sanddab and "Other Flatfish". Divers and shore-based anglers are not exempt from the closures. See 50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G in federal regulations for more information.
5. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
6. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
7. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside San Francisco Bay, Bodega Harbor, Tomales Bay, Bolinas Bay, and Drakes Estero Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish (Section 28.56).

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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Central Management Area

Ocean waters between 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point) and 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception)
Includes all of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, and parts of Santa Barbara and San Mateo Counties

View a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sport fishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for more information.
2. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
3. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as “Other Flatfish” in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken.
4. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
6. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Elkhorn Slough is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish (Section 28.56).

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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Southern Management Area

Ocean waters between 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception) and the U.S.-Mexico Border, excluding the Cowcod Conservation Areas³
Includes a portion of Santa Barbara County, and all of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties

View a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sportfishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for more information.
2. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
3. See the Cowcod Conservation Areas table and/or Section 27.50 for further information on fishing regulations in these areas.
4. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as “Other Flatfish” in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken.
5. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
6. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
7. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Newport Bay, Alamitos Bay, Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish (Section 28.56).

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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Cowcod Conservation Areas

Ocean waters between 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception) and the U.S.-Mexico Border:
Area 1 is located south of the northern Channel Islands. Area 2 is located west of San Diego.
View a map and exact location coordinates.

In these areas, only the groundfish listed within this table may be caught or possessed (See EXCEPTION at end of table).

View a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sportfishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 3 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

1. "Nearshore rockfish" as described in Section 1.91(a)(1) means black rockfish, black-and-yellow rockfish, blue rockfish, brown rockfish, calico rockfish, China rockfish, copper rockfish, gopher rockfish, grass rockfish, kelp rockfish, olive rockfish, quillback rockfish, and treefish.
2. "Shelf rockfish" as described in subsection 1.91(a)(3) means bocaccio, canary rockfish, chilipepper rockfish, dusky rockfish, flag rockfish, greenblotched rockfish, greenspotted rockfish, greenstriped rockfish, harlequin rockfish, honeycomb rockfish, Mexican rockfish, pink rockfish, redstripe rockfish, rosethorn rockfish, rosy rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, silvergray rockfish, speckeled rockfish, squarespot rockfish, starry rockfish, stripetail rockfish, tiger rockfish, vermillion rockfish, widow rockfish, and yellowtail rockfish. Take and possession of bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish is prohibited.
3. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for the latest information.
   
   Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Check the current ocean sport fishing regulations booklet or the CDFW website, send an e-mail to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov, or call your nearest CDFW office for more information.
4. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:
   • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
   • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
   • Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
5. During the closed season, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as “Other Flatfish” in subsection 1.91(a)(10)) may be taken
6. See regulations for information on gear restrictions (sections 28.65, 28.70, 28.90, 28.91, and 28.95) and fillet lengths (Section 27.65).
7. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement method illustration (PDF) is available in the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See Section 27.20(b).

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Marine Region (Region 7)
Regional Manager: Dr. Craig Shuman
Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA  93940
AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov  |  (831) 649-2870
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