CA DFW Regulations

No minimum size. Cowcod prohibited. Canary rockfish sub-limit 2 fish. Jul–Sep you must stay shoreward of the 50-fathom (300ft) line. Oct–Dec flips — you must be seaward of 300ft. Jan–Mar fully closed. Always verify CDFW emergency orders.

No minimum size. Part of the 10-fish RCG Complex aggregate.

No minimum size. 2-fish sub-limit within RCG Complex. Shelf species — open Oct–Dec but only seaward of the 50-fathom (300ft) line.

No minimum size. 1-fish sub-limit within RCG Complex. Nearshore species — closed Oct 1 through Mar 31.

Total length. Shelf/slope species — open Oct–Dec but only seaward of the 50-fathom (300ft) line. Part of the RCG Complex aggregate.

No minimum size. Part of the RCG Complex. Closed Oct 1 through Mar 31 same as nearshore rockfish.

No size limit. Common at offshore banks and islands.

Combined 5-fish bag with barred sand bass and spotted bass. Max 4 may be barred sand bass. Total length.

Combined 5-fish bag with kelp bass and spotted bass. No more than 4 may be barred sand bass. Total length.

Total length. Only 1 fish per day may be taken south of Pt. Conception between March 15 and June 15.

Total length. Boat-based anglers: March 1 – December 31. Shore-based anglers and divers: year-round.

Total length. Most sought-after flatfish in SoCal.

No minimum size. Much more restricted than CA halibut. Verify season dates each year before targeting.

Fork length. Typically mid-spring through fall in SoCal.

No size limit. 10-fish limit applies south of Pt. Conception (SoCal). Typically available July–October offshore.

No size limit. Bag limit has changed in recent years — always verify current rules before heading offshore.

No size limit. Bigeye tuna also counted in this 10-fish limit.

No size limit. Warm-water season July–October SoCal.

Must be 24" fork length or 5 lbs, except up to 5 fish under that size may be kept. Great light-tackle target.

No size or bag limit. Often used as live bait for larger tuna.

Total length. Best in summer months SoCal.

No size limit. Common offshore target, especially in summer.

No size limit. Harpoon and rod-and-reel only for sport. Verify current CDFW rules.

Offshore species often caught incidentally while targeting tuna.

No size limit. Offshore species, typically summer–fall. Highly prized light-tackle target.

No size or bag limit. Excellent live bait for yellowtail and tuna. Common nearshore spring–fall.

No limit. Great live bait, especially for tuna and yellowtail.

No minimum size. Nearshore species — closed Oct 1 through Mar 31. Part of the RCG Complex aggregate.

No size limit. Common around kelp beds and rocky structure.

Measured from tip of horn to rear of carapace. No shorts. Hoop net, hand, or hook & line only.

No size or bag limit. Excellent bait and table fare. Jigging at night near dock lights.

Measured edge to edge across the carapace. Males and females may be taken.

Males only. Measured edge to edge directly in front of lateral spines. Season dates vary by area and year. Check CDFW before targeting.

Combined bag limit with purple sea urchin. Uni is prized for sushi.