Although it is legal to recreationally harvest spot prawns in Southern California, it is not currently feasible. South of Point Conception the largest trap opening for any recreational shrimp or prawn trap cannot be greater than ½ inch. This regulation is in place to protect juvenile lobster.
The regulations regarding legal gear can be found in the California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(f), and are as follows: “Shrimp and prawn traps may be used to take shrimp and prawns only. Trap openings may not exceed ½ inch in any dimension on traps used south of Point Conception nor five inches in any dimension on traps used north of Point Conception”.
To catch spot prawns recreationally it may be better to fish for them north of Point Conception, where traps with up to 5-inch openings are allowed.