2024 CALIFORNIAOCEAN SPORT FISHINGREGULATIONSLAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

ATTENTION ANGLERS!

TAKE AND POSSESSION OF THESE SPECIES IS NOT ALLOWED
roundedtail finedges

raspy ridge
above eyeGiant Sea Bassalso known asBlack Sea BassSee Section 28.10(b) for possession requirements for giant
sea bass taken off Mexicochin smooth whenrubbed from back to
fronthigh, spiny
dorsal fin

Yelloweye Rockfish

Quillback Rockfish

deeplynotcheddorsal fin

bronze spots
on sidesCDFW

file photo

jaw
upturned

Garibaldi

Bronzespotted Rockfish

Cowcodrarely seen in recreational catch

Other prohibited saltwater species:• Coho Salmon• Steelhead (in ocean waters)• White Shark• Broomtail Grouper• Gulf Grouper• Green Sturgeon• All Abalone (red abalone fishery is currently closed)• Speckled (Bay) Scallop

See sportfishing regulations for complete information

Download the NEW CDFW License App for Mobile Devices!

• Display your sport fishinglicense and validations• Download and view CDFW
regulation booklets• Purchase your license andsubmit harvest reports on
the CDFW website

wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp
2

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Gavin Newsom, Governor
NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
WILDLIFE
Charlton H. Bonham, Director
FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
Samantha Murray, President
La Jolla
Erika Zavaleta, Vice President

Contents
Ocean Sport Fishing License Information ..................................5
CDFW Website - Useful Links ......................................................7
General Provisions and Definitions.............................................8
Finfish Gear Restrictions..............................................................13
Ocean Fishing Definitions ............................................................15
Minimum Size Limits, Bag and Possession Limits,

Santa Cruzand Seasons .................................................................................16

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin

Groundfish Definitions, Tables (Link), Management Areas........27

Member
McKinleyville

General Invertebrates, Sea Urchins.............................................35

Eric Sklar, Member

Mollusks (Clam, Scallop, Mussel, Whelk, Squid, etc.) ...................36

St. Helena

Crustaceans (Crab, Spiny Lobster, Shrimp, etc.)...........................40

Darius W. Anderson, Member
Sacramento

Marine Plants .................................................................................45

Melissa Miller-Henson

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish..........................46

Executive Director
P.O. Box 944209

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Invertebrates ...............51

Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Regulations Summary Table for Kelp and Ocean Plants...........54

Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Marine Protected Areas ................................................................55

Website: fgc.ca.gov
On The Cover: John T. Rieger withhis state diving record 94 lb. 6 oz.
white seabass

Public Health Advisories for Ocean Fish Consumption ............80
Measurement Methods..................................................................84
Ocean Fish and Clam Identification.............................................85

PARTICIPATING IN THE REGULATORY PROCESSThe Fish and Game Commission is composed of fivemembers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmedby the State Senate. The Commission establishes hunting
and fishing regulations including seasons, bag andpossession limits, methods of take, area descriptions
and any special conditions. In addition, the Commission
formulates general policies for the Department of Fish
and Wildlife. Monthly topical meetings are held to hearregulation change proposals. The public may makerecommendations in writing before a Commission meetingor present its proposals verbally at the meeting. The
Commission’s meeting schedule, including specific topics,
dates and locations, is posted on their web site fgc.ca.gov.

3

Written comments can be directed to the Fish and Game
Commission at P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 942442090, or by e-mail to fgc@fgc.ca.gov. Comments sent by
e-mail should include a full name and mailing address. The
Commission also has established a list server for information
distribution available on their website fgc.ca.gov.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

DO YOUR PART TO HELP MANAGECALIFORNIA’S RECREATIONAL OCEAN FISHERIES!
You’ve just returned to the dock after a fun (and hopefully
rewarding) day of ocean sport fishing. As you tie up theboat and get ready to disembark, a smiling person ina CDFW uniform strolls down the dock, clipboard andmeasuring board in hand, and asks about your trip. How
was the fishing today?
More than likely, you’ve just met a fishery sampler from the
California Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS), a surveyof saltwater sport anglers. The data that you provide to
CRFS helps fishery managers set size limits, bag limits,and fishing seasons, with the goal of maximizing yourfishing opportunities while conserving the fish species youcaught today for generations to come.
Fishery managers use CRFS data to estimate the total
catch (total number of fish caught) and fishing effort(number of fishing trips) of marine recreational anglers
CRFS sampler Samantha Whalen conducting an onboard sampling assignment
in California. CRFS was designed to meet specific manon the CPFV Jumpin’ Jack near Trinidad. CDFW photo by E.W. Roberts III
agement needs for all of California’s diverse recreational
marine fisheries and provide accurate and timely estiSay “Yes” when contacted by a CRFS telephonemates. The accuracy of the estimates generated by CRFS
surveyor or when you receive an email survey
depends heavily on your cooperation!
Licensed anglers are contacted randomly throughout the
There are two ways that you can contribute to the accuracy
year and asked questions about their fishing experiences.
of the data:
Data collected through these surveys is used to estimate
both fishing effort that cannot be estimated through field
Cooperate with the CRFS field samplers
observations and the economic importance of the fishery,
conducting the interview
and to learn about angler preferences. Your personal contact
Because every fishing trip is unique – different target
information and individual responses are kept confidential.
species, fishing locations, and catch – we ask that saltwater
Please do your part and say “Yes” when asked to participate
anglers cooperate each and every time they are approachedin this important survey. Thank you!
by a CRFS sampler. Answer the CRFS sampler’s questions
For more information about CRFS, including recreational
about your fishing trip truthfully and to the best of yourcatch and effort estimates, visit the CDFW website at
knowledge, and take the time to allow the sampler towildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/CRFS.
examine, measure, and weigh your catch.

REMINDERS FOR PARTY/CHARTER BOAT OWNERS, OPERATORS, and ANGLERS

The cooperation of owners and operators of party/charterboats, also known as commercial passenger fishing vessels(CPFVs) has been critical to the success of the California
Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS) since its inception
in 2004. The data collected by CRFS is used to estimate
the catch (total number of fish by species) and effort (total
number of fishing trips) of saltwater recreational anglers, andto help establish fishing regulations that will maximize fishing
opportunities while conserving fisheries for future use.

CRFS samplers interview anglers and crew, and examine
catch on CPFVs both at sea and dockside. CPFV owners andoperators are reminded that accurate catch and effort estimates
depend on CRFS samplers having access to both kept anddiscarded catch information. In addition, CRFS samplers mustobserve both open party and chartered trips, and must gather
effort data frequently to ensure the best possible estimates.

a trip is denied by the owner or operator of the vessel, the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife may request a written explanation
for the denial, and CPFV owners or operators who deny sampler
coverage of a trip may have their fishing permits or licenses revoked.
Anglers are encouraged to answer CRFS samplers’ questions;however, angler participation in the survey is voluntary. CRFS
samplers will ask anglers aboard CPFVs about the species they
kept and discarded, and their zip code. CRFS samplers will also
ask the crew about fishing target(s), descending device usage, andbottom depth.
Onboard the vessel, while anglers are fishing, CRFS samplers willcollect data on catch rates, species composition, fishing locations,and length of fish that the anglers do not keep. After anglers havecompleted fishing for the day, CRFS samplers will record thelengths and weights of fish that were kept.

Further information about CRFS, and a link to recreational catch andBy law (California Code of Regulations T-14, Section 105.5),
effort estimates, is available on the California Department of Fish and
CPFV owners or operators must carry and accommodate CRFS Wildlife website: wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/CRFS
samplers on fishing trips when asked. If sampler coverage of4

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

OCEAN SPORT FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION
Purchase Sport Fishing Licenses andSubmit Harvest Information Online!

System (ALDS) shall provide valid identification. Acceptable
forms of identification include:

You can now purchase California sport fishing licenses andvalidations and submit report card information online. For more
information, visit CDFW's license sales website at:•

Any license document or your permanent GO ID identification
number previously issued via ALDS•

A valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the
Department of Motor Vehicles or by the entity issuing driver’s
licenses from the licensee’s state of domicile•

U.S. birth certificate•

U.S. birth certificate or report of birth abroad•

A Tribal ldentification Card, issued by a sovereign tribal nation•

Birth certificate or passport issued by a U.S. territory•

U.S. passport•

U.S. military identification•

Certificate of naturalization or citizenship•

A foreign government-issued photo identification

ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

CDFW no longer accepts cash at regional offices, thoughcash transactions are available for all items sold at authorized
local sales agents. Search for a license agent near you at
ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales/OutletSearch/FindOutlet.

View sport fishing licenses and fees online at:wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing

License Mobile Display
AB 817 stipulated the ability to display sport fishing license
items on a mobile device.
Regulations allowing mobile display of sport fishing licenses
have been put in place (California Code of Regulations, Title
14 (CCR T14), Section 700.4), but technological infrastructurerevisions are still under development. You are not required tocarry your physical sport fishing license if you are using the
CDFW License App (see wildlife.ca.gov/LicenseApp) and yourmobile device is capable of displaying your sport fishing license
through the app. However, if you do not possess your physicallicense and are not able to display your license via the app for
any reason while engaged in activities requiring the license,
you will be in violation of Fish and Game Code (FGC) sections
1054.2 and 7145(a). If you are engaged in sport fishingactivities requiring a report card, the appropriate physical reportcard must be in your immediate possession.

Applicants less than 18 years of age may provide any form ofidentification described above, or a parent or legal guardian’s
identification as described above. (CCR T14, Section 700.4)

Possession of License
Every person, while engaged in taking any fish, amphibian or
reptile, shall have a valid sport fishing license on their personin their immediate possession except when diving as provided
in FGC Section 7145 and CCR T14, Section 700. Persons diving from a boat or shore may have their license on the boat orwithin 500 yards of shore, respectively. (FGC Section 7145)

Telephone Number Required for Angler
Surveys

Residency

Anglers are required to provide their telephone number whenpurchasing a sport fishing license. Collection of telephone

A resident is defined as any person who has resided
continuously in California for six months or more immediately
before the date of application for a license, or any person on
active military duty with the armed forces of the United States,or an auxiliary branch, or a Job Corps enrollee. (FGC, Section 70)

STAY CONNECTED TO CDFW
Having your e-mail address and mobile number will
enable CDFW to send you information you can use, suchas license renewal and courtesy report card deadline
reminders, and California fishing information. Whenpurchasing a license from a license agent or when you
log in on the Online License Sales and Services web
page, update your communication preferences andprovide your e-mail address and mobile number.

License Provisions, Public Piers
Any person who is 16 years of age or older must have a sport
fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate,amphibian or crustacean in California, except for persons
fishing from a public pier in ocean or bay waters. For a list of
public piers, see wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/beach-fishingca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales/

Identification Required for License
Purchase

FGC Section 1050.6 and California Government Code
Section 11015.5 prohibit CDFW from selling or sharing
your personal information with any third party.

Any person applying for any license, tag, permit, reservation,or other entitlement issued via the Automated License Data

5

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

OCEAN SPORT FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION
numbers allows California to comply with a federal mandate
for purposes of establishing a National Saltwater Angler
Registry and will spare California anglers from having to pay an
additional registration fee to the federal government each year.
(CCR T14, Section 700.3)

REGS ON THE GO
Did you know you can download state ocean
fishing regulations to your smart phone orLicense Formats

other mobile device? By utilizing iBooks on

Licenses issued through ALDS are printed on durable thermal
paper. They are waterproof, stainproof and tear resistant. All
licenses are imprinted with your GO ID number. Your GO ID
number can be used to retrieve your customer information in
the future.

Apple devices or your favorite book reader on
the Android platform you can download theregulations booklet for reference at any time.
Regulation booklets can be found online at

Report cards issued through ALDS have a different look andsize. All the information is printed on one side of the paper,so report cards can be quite long. They can be folded to fit inyour wallet. You must use indelible ink to make entries on yourreport card.

wildlife.ca.gov/regulations
You can also visit the Ocean Fishing Web Page

Protect Your License From Heatfor up-to-date fishing regulations and more atLicenses subjected to extreme or prolonged heat may darken
and become difficult to read. To protect your license, keep itaway from heat sources.

wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean
Fishing

Purchasing a License for Another Personboundaries,

marineprotected

areas, and the accompanying fishing regulations

Regulations provide that a person may purchase hunting or
sport fishing licenses, tags, or validations for another person,
as long as the licensee’s customer identification number issued
from ALDS and date of birth are provided. If a person wishes
to purchase a sport fishing license for another person but
does not have the required information, a gift voucher may bepurchased for that person that may be redeemed for a resident
sport fishing license. Gift vouchers are nonrefundable and valid
for 365 days from the date of purchase. (CCR T14, Section
700.3).

are also available on the Ocean Sport Fishing
Interactive Web Map atwildlife.ca.gov/OceanSportfishMap
regulatory deadline to report harvest information is January
31 each year (except Spiny Lobster Report Cards, which must
be reported by April 30, following the close of lobster season),even if anglers were unsuccessful or did not fish. You can also
return your report card via mail to the address printed on thereport card.

License Sales by Telephone
Sport fishing licenses, validations, and report cards may bepurchased via telephone from Active Network’s telephone license
sales line at (800) 565-1458. Items purchased by telephonesales will be delivered by mail within 15 days of purchase.

Important information—read before you report online

Online Sport Fishing Licenses andHarvest Reporting
You can purchase California sport fishing licenses, report cards
and validations online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales.
In addition, anglers can submit report card information online.
Report cards provide important harvest data critical to helping
fishery scientists better manage these fishing programs. Online
report card submission makes reporting faster and easier.
By providing harvest details more quickly, fishery managers
can more promptly put the information to use. Standard mailreporting is still available and can be done through the address
printed on the report card. To report online, go to CDFW’s
harvest reporting site at wildlife.ca.gov/reportcards. The

area

6

•

Accurate and complete data is required. If you report
online, all entries on the report card must be entered in theelectronic form, including sport fishing reports of activity
where no catches were made.

•Submission of report card data online must be completed
within 20 minutes to avoid a system time-out.

•

Sport fishing report cards may be reported online only after
the last day of the report card’s validity.

•

If you report online, you do not need to mail in your reportcard. You will be issued a report confirmation number. Afterreporting online, please retain your report card for 90 days
for survey purposes and write your report confirmation
number on it. Once a report card has been reported, it may
no longer be used in the field.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

HOW
TO USELICENSETHIS BOOK
OCEAN SPORTFISHINGINFORMATION
Report Card Requirements

service members can re-qualify for reduced-fee sport fishinglicenses via fax or by secure document upload. To pre-qualify,
submit a copy of your personal identification, GO ID number
and documentation of eligibility by fax to (916) 419-7585 or by
secure document upload. To upload documentation, please
send an email request to LRB@wildlife.ca.gov and follow thelink provided in the response.

Anglers who are not required to have a sport fishing license,such as anglers who are under 16 years of age and anglers
who will be fishing on Free Fishing Days, are required to havereport cards to fish for California spiny lobster and white sturgeon. (The red abalone fishery is closed.)

Return of Report Cards is Mandatory

After your customer record has been updated, you will beable to purchase a reduced-fee fishing license anywhere
licenses are sold. Free sport fishing licenses are available toeligible persons who are blind, low-income American Indians,developmentally disabled persons, and residents who are soseverely physically disabled that they are permanently unable
to move from place to place without the use of a wheelchair,
walker, forearm crutches, or comparable mobility-related
device. Eligibility for free and reduced-fee sport fishing licenses
will be verified. Applications and additional information areavailable online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing.

Report cards must be reported online at wildlife.ca.gov/
reportcards or returned to CDFW at the address specified on
the report card by January 31 of the following year (except
Spiny Lobster Report Cards, which must be reported by April
30, following the close of lobster season). Any person who fails
to report online or return his or her report card to CDFW by thedeadline may be restricted from obtaining the same type of cardin a subsequent license year or may be subject to an additional
fee for the issuance of the same type of card in a subsequent
license year (CCR T14, Section 1.74). A $21.60 non-return fee
will be charged when purchasing a Spiny Lobster Report Card
if the previous year’s report card is not returned or reported by
the April 30 deadline. To avoid the fee, you may either returnor report your card by the deadline, or skip one lobster fishingseason. After skipping one season, you can purchase a spiny
lobster report card the following season at no extra cost.

CDFW Website - Useful Links
In-Season Fishing Regulation Changes
wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Inseason
Ocean Salmon Information
wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon

A Spiny Lobster Report Card is required for any person taking
spiny lobster. Spiny Lobster Report Cards are valid for theentire spiny lobster season.

Groundfish Information (rockfish, lingcod, etc.)
wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/
Groundfish-Summary

A Sturgeon Fishing Report Card is required for any person
fishing for sturgeon.

Pacific Halibut Information
wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut

Duplicate Sport Fishing Licenses

Dungeness and Rock Crab Information
wildlife.ca.gov/Crabs

If you lose your sport fishing license and validations, visit any
license agent, CDFW License Sales Office or log in to thelicense sales service at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales toobtain low-cost duplicates and validations. Duplicate Sturgeon
Fishing Report Cards may only be purchased at CDFW license
sales offices.

CDFW Law Enforcement
wildlife.ca.gov/enforcement
Marine Protected Areas
wildlife.ca.gov/mpas

Refund Policy

Finfish and Shellfish Identification
wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/fish-id

Refunds will not be issued for sport fishing licenses, vouchers,
validations or report cards.

Declaration for Entry Formwildlife.ca.gov/enforcement/entry-declaration

Free and Reduced Sport Fishing Licenses
CDFW offers reduced-fee sport fishing licenses to honorablydischarged veterans with a service-connected disability ratingof at least 50 percent, to recovering service members, and toresident low-income seniors who are at least 65 years of age.
The term ‘‘recovering service member’’ means a member of theArmed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a
Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation,or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering froma serious injury or illness related to the member’s military
service (FGC Section 7150). Disabled veterans and recovering

Multi-Day Fishing Permit Formwildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Multi-Day-Permits
Marine Management News Blog
cdfwmarine.wordpress.com
Marine Region Electronic News Service
wildlife.ca.gov/regions/marine/news/subscribe
Ocean Sport Fishing and Marine Protected Area Map
wildlife.ca.gov/OceanSportfishMap

7

CDFW illustration of Dungeness crab by C. Makeyev

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

IT IS UNLAWFULTO DO ANDTHE DEFINITIONSFOLLOWING
GENERALPROVISIONSAll laws or regulations below are either reproduced verbatim from the Fish and Game Code (FGC) or from Title 14 (T14) of the
California Code of Regulations (CCR), as adopted by the Fish and Game Commission under authority of the FGC.

Anadromous Waters (T14 CCR §1.04)

Dip Net (T14 CCR §1.42)

Anadromous waters are inland waters that are accessible tofish migrating from the ocean.

Webbing supported by a frame, and hand held, not more thansix feet in greatest dimension, excluding handle.

Angling (T14 CCR §1.05)

Finfish Defined (T14 CCR §1.46)

Angling means take of fish by hook and line with the line heldin the hand, or with the line attached to a pole or rod heldin the hand or closely attended in such manner that the fishvoluntarily takes the bait or lure inside its mouth.

Finfish are defined as any species of bony fish or cartilaginous
fish (sharks, skates and rays). Finfish do not include
amphibians, invertebrates, plants or algae.

Highly Migratory Species (T14 CCR §1.47)

Authorization for Taking Fish (T14 CCR§1.14)

Highly migratory species means any of the following: albacore,
bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus spp.); skipjack
tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis); dorado (dolphinfish) (Coryphaena
hippurus); striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax); thresher sharks(common, pelagic, and bigeye) (Alopias spp.); shortfin mako
shark (Isurus oxyrinchus); blue shark (Prionace glauca), andPacific swordfish (Xiphias gladius).

Fish, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks and crustaceans may betaken only in the amounts, only during the open season andonly with the gear authorized and shall not be taken otherwise.

Bag and Possession Limit (T14 CCR§1.17)

Inland Waters (T14 CCR §1.53)

No more than one daily bag limit of each kind of fish,
amphibian, reptile, mollusk or crustacean named in theseregulations may be taken or possessed by any one person
unless otherwise authorized; regardless of whether they are
fresh, frozen, or otherwise preserved. Exceptions: See Sections
7.00, 7.50(a), 27.60(c), and 195, Title 14, CCR.

Inland waters are all the fresh, brackish and inland saline
waters of the state, including lagoons and tidewaters upstream
from the mouths of coastal rivers and streams. Inland waters
exclude open or enclosed bays contiguous to the ocean
including the waters of San Francisco Bay and the waters of
Elkhorn Slough, west of Elkhorn Road between Castrovilleand Watsonville. See Section 27.00 for the description of San
Francisco Bay.

Barbless Hook (T14 CCR §1.19)
A fish hook from which the barb or barbs have been removed
or completely bent closed, or which is manufactured withoutbarbs.

Limit (T14 CCR §1.59)
Refers to daily bag limit and possession limit per person, orboat limit authorized in Sections 27.60(c) and 195, Title 14,
CCR.

Bow and Arrow Fishing Tackle (T14 CCR§1.23)

Minimum and Maximum Size (T14 CCR§1.62)Such tackle must have the arrow shaft or the point, or both,
attached by a line to the bow or to a fishing reel (includes
crossbow).

That period during which the taking of fish, amphibians,
reptiles, mollusks or crustaceans is prohibited.

No fish, mollusks or crustaceans less than the legal minimum
size or greater than the maximum legal size (total, fork or
alternate) may be possessed, except as otherwise provided.
Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from thetip of the head to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. Fork
length is the straight-line distance from the tip of the head to thecenter of the tail fin. Tip of the head shall be the most anterior
point on the fish with the mouth closed and the fish lying flaton its side. Alternate length is the straight-line distance fromthe base of the foremost spine of the first dorsal fin to the endof the longest lobe of the tail. Unless otherwise provided, allfish, mollusks or crustaceans less than the legal minimum
size or greater than the maximum legal size must be returned
immediately to the water from which they were taken.

Dates (T14 CCR §1.41)

Movement of Live Fish (T14 CCR §1.63)

Chumming (T14 CCR §1.32)
Placing any material in the water, other than on a hook whileangling, for the purpose of attracting fish to a particular area inorder that they may be taken.

Closed or Closure (T14 CCR §1.35)
Refers to waters or areas closed to all fishing unless otherwise
authorized.

Closed Season (T14 CCR §1.38)

Dates of seasons and closures are inclusive.

8

Except as provided in sections 4.00 through 4.30 and 230, live
fin fish may not be transported alive from the water where taken.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Multiple Hook (T14 CCR §1.65)(2) Steelhead trout.
(3) White sturgeon.

A hook with two or more points.

(4) Red abalone.

Open Season (T14 CCR §1.68)(5) California spiny lobster.

That period of time during which the taking of fish, amphibians,
reptiles, mollusks and crustaceans is authorized.

(c) General Report Card Requirements(1) Any person fishing for or taking any of the species
identified in this Section shall have in his immediate
possession a valid non-transferable report card issued
by the department for the particular species. See special
exemption regarding possession of report cards for lobster
divers in Section 29.91 of these regulations.

Opening Date and Bag Limit for Boundary
Waters (T14 CCR §1.70)
Waters, exclusive of their tributaries, on the boundary between
areas or districts with different opening dates or limits shallopen on the earlier date and have the larger limit unlessotherwise specified.

(2) All entries made on any report card or tag shall belegible and in indelible ink.

Stream (Includes Creeks and Rivers) (T14
CCR §1.72)(3) A report card holder fishing with a one, two, or tenday sport fishing license, may replace the expired fishinglicense without purchasing a new report card so long as thereport card is still valid.

A stream is a body of water that flows at least periodicallyor intermittently through a bed or channel having banks andsupports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses
having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has
supported riparian vegetation.

(4) Report cards are not transferable and shall not betransferred to another person. No person shall possess any
report card other than his own.

Salmon (T14 CCR §1.73)(5) A person may only obtain one abalone report card andone sturgeon report card per report card period.

(a) Salmon includes Chinook, coho, pink, chum, and sockeye
salmon.

(6) Any report card holder who fills in all available lines on
his steelhead, salmon or lobster report card shall return orreport the card to the department pursuant to subsection
1.74(e) prior to purchasing a second card.

(b) Any person in possession of a recreationally taken

salmon with a missing adipose fin (the small, fleshy fin on
the back of the fish between the back fin and tail) shallimmediately relinquish the head of the salmon, upon request
by an authorized agent or employee of the department, tofacilitate the recovery of any coded-wire tag. The head may
be removed by the fish owner or, if removed by the official
department representative, the head shall be removed in amanner to minimize loss of salmon flesh and the salmon shallimmediately be returned to the fish owner.

(7) Data recording and tagging procedures vary between
report cards and species. See specific regulations in
sections 5.79, 5.87, 5.88, 27.92, 29.16, and 29.91 that
apply in addition to the regulations of this Section.

(d) Report Card Return and Reporting
Requirements(1) Report card holders shall return or report their salmon,
steelhead, sturgeon, or abalone report cards to thedepartment pursuant to subsection 1.74(e) by January 31of the following year.

Sport Fishing Report Card Requirements(T14 CCR §1.74)(a) Purpose(A) Any report card holder who fails to return or report his
salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or abalone report card to
the department by the deadline may be restricted fromobtaining the same card in a subsequent license year or
may be subject to an additional fee for the issuance ofthe same card in a subsequent license year.

These regulations are designed to improve recreational
fishing effort and catch information in some or all areas
where the fisheries operate. Many of these species are ofhigh commercial value, and therefore, additional enforcement
mechanisms are needed to improve compliance with existing
bag limits and other regulations, and to reduce the potential
for poaching.

(2) Report card holders shall return or report their lobster
report cards pursuant to subsection 1.74(e) by April 30
following the close of the lobster season for which the card
was issued.

(b) Report card requirements apply to any person fishing foror taking the following species regardless of whether a sport
fishing license is required:(1) Salmon, in the anadromous waters of the Klamath,
Trinity, and Smith river basins. Anadromous waters aredefined in Section 1.04 of these regulations.

9(A) Any report card holder who fails to return or reporthis or her lobster report card by April 30 following theclose of the lobster season specified on the card shall2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

HARVEST REPORTING
EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE
Online Harvest Reporting is Available on These Dates:
Harvest Report Types
Spiny Lobster Report
Card
Sturgeon Fishing Report
Card

Reporting Dates
From the day after the last
day of the season throughApril 30Late Reporting*January 1 - January 31

February 1 - April 1

May 1 - July 1*Late reporting occurs after the regulatory deadline.
If you have not reported your harvest by the dates listed above, please mail your harvest report card to theaddress listed on the report card immediately.

•

Report your harvest online, using the Online License Service at wildlife.ca.gov/reportcards
or return your report card via mail to the address printed on the card. If you mail your card,consider using certified mail with tracking and retain the tracking number for proof of submittal
in case your card is lost in the mail. Cards that are lost in the mail are considered not returned.

•

Accurate and complete data is required. If you report online, all entries on the report card must
be entered in the electronic form, including sport fishing reports of activity when no catches
were made.

•Submission of report card data online must be completed within 20 minutes to avoid a system
time-out.

•

Sport fishing report cards may be reported online only after the last day of the report card’s
validity.

•

If you report online, do not mail in your report card. You will be issued a report confirmation
number. After reporting, please write your report confirmation number on your report card, andretain it as proof of submittal. Once a report card has been reported, it may no longer be used in
the field.

Remember, a $21.60 non-return fee will be charged when purchasing a spiny lobster report card if
the previous year’s report card is not returned or reported online by the April 30 deadline! To avoid
the fee, you may either return or report your card by the deadline, or skip one lobster fishing season.
After skipping one season, you can purchase a spiny lobster report card the following season at no
extra cost.

CDFW white sturgeon illustration by P. Johnson. California spiny lobster illustration by A. Bachar

102024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
be subject to a nonrefundable non-return fee specified in
Section 701, in addition to the annual report card fee, for
the issuance of a lobster report card in the subsequent
fishing season.

and issue only the number of tags that were reported asunused on the lost original report card.
(D) Report card holders shall verify that the harvest
information has been accurately transferred from theaffidavit to his or her replacement report card.

(e) Report Card Return and Reporting
Mechanisms(E) The replacement report card shall be reported
pursuant to the requirement for the original report card as
specified in subsection 1.74(d).

(1) By mail or in person at the address specified on thecard. A report card returned by mail shall be postmarked by
the date applicable to that card as specified in subsection
1.74(d)(1) or 1.74(d)(2).

Note: the original report card should not be reported.
(3) Reporting requirements. Except for lost abalone andsturgeon report cards for which a replacement card waspurchased, all lost report cards shall be reported by theharvest report submission deadline date applicable to thatcard as specified in subsection 1.74(d)(1) or 1.74(d)(2) by
one of the following methods:(2) Online through the department’s license sales service
website by the date applicable to that card as specified insubsection 1.74(d)(1) or 1.74(d)(2).
Report card holders reporting online will be provided aconfirmation number upon successful submission. The
report card holder must record the provided confirmation
number in the space provided on the report card and retain
the report card for 90 days after the reporting deadline.
Report cards submitted online must be surrendered to thedepartment upon demand.

(A) Online through the department’s license sales service
website; or(B) Submitting an affidavit, signed under penalty of
perjury, to a department license sales office containing
the following information:
1. The report card holder’s full name, GOID#, and astatement confirming that the originally issued reportcard is lost and cannot be recovered.

(3) If a report card is submitted by mail and not received
by the department, it is considered not returned unlessthe report card holder reports his or her report card as lost
pursuant to subsection 1.74(f ).

2. A statement containing the report card holder’s best
recollection of the prior catch records that were enteredon the report card that was lost.

(f) Lost report cards(1) Lobster, salmon, and steelhead. Notwithstanding
subsection 1.74(c)(5), any report card holder who loses
his or her report card during the report card period forwhich it is valid may purchase an additional report cardby submitting payment to an authorized license agent or
department license sales office. Catch information from thelost report card shall not be transferred to the new card.
Information from lost lobster, salmon, and steelhead reportcards shall be reported as specified in subsection 1.74(f)(3).
(2) Abalone and sturgeon. Notwithstanding subsection
1.74(c)(5), any report card holder who loses his or herreport card during the period for which it is valid maypurchase a replacement report card.
(A) The Department may issue a replacement reportcard for abalone and sturgeon upon completion of thefollowing:
1. Submitting an affidavit to any department license
sales office containing all the information specified insubsection 1.74(f)(3)(B); and2. Submitting payment of the report card fee and thenon-refundable replacement-processing fee specified
in Section 701.
(B) Department staff shall enter the harvest informationfrom the affidavit to the replacement report card.
(C) Based on the information provided on the affidavit,
department staff shall remove tags reported as used

3. A statement describing the factual circumstances
surrounding the loss of the report card.

Spearfishing (T14 CCR §1.76)
The taking of fish by spear or hand by persons who are in
the water and may be using underwater goggles, face plates,
breathing tubes, scuba or other artificial underwater breathing
device.

Take (T14 CCR §1.80)
Hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill fish, amphibians, reptiles,
mollusks, crustaceans or invertebrates or attempting to do so.

Waste of Fish (T14 CCR §1.87)
It is unlawful to cause or permit any deterioration or waste ofany fish taken in the waters of this state.

Public Pier (T14 CCR §1.88)
A public pier is a publicly owned man-made structure that has
the following characteristics: is connected, above the meanhigh tide, to the main coastline or to the landmass of a named
and charted natural island; has unrestricted free access for thegeneral public; and has been built or currently functions for the
primary purpose of allowing angling access to ocean waters.
Additionally, publicly owned jetties or breakwaters thatare connected to land, as described above, that have freeunrestricted access for the general public and whose purpose11

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
it is to form the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean
harbor are public piers. Jetties, breakwaters, promenades, sea
walls, moles, docks, linings, barriers and other structures thatare not the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean
harbor, are not public piers.

FREE

FISHINGDAYS!

Visit CDFW's public piers web page at:wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Beach-Fishing#freefishing

Saturday July 6, 2024
Saturday August 31, 2024

On these days only, ALL regulations apply and report cards
are required, but NO license is required for sport fishing.

CDFW flag rockfish illustration by C. Makeyev

2024

WARDENSTAMP
wildlife.ca.gov/wardenstamp Just $5!

12

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

FINFISH GEAR RESTRICTIONSGeneral (T14 CCR §28.65)(1) power gurdies or power winches used solely forhandling crab nets or traps.

Except as provided in this article, fin fish may be taken only on
hook and line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines may
be used in all ocean waters and bays except:(2) the use of downriggers where the downrigger line is not
used as a fishing line but is attached to the fishing line by abreakaway line; or(a) San Francisco Bay, as described in Section 27.00, where
only one line with not more than three hooks may be used.
(b) On public piers, no person shall use more than tworods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or otherappliances used to take crabs.

(3) the use of electric fishing reels manufactured for sport
fishing use.

Baited Traps for Shiner Perch, PacificStaghorn Sculpin and Longjaw Mud
Suckers (T14 CCR §28.75)(c) When rockfish (genus Sebastes), California scorpionfish(Scorpaena guttata), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), cabezon(Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), kelp or rock greenlings(Hexagrammos decagrammus and Hexagrammos
lagocephalus), or species listed in Section 28.49 are aboard
or in possession, only one line with not more than two hooks
may be used pursuant to sections 28.55, 28.54, 28.27, 28.28
28.29, or 28.49, respectively.

In San Francisco and San Pablo bays and their saltwater
tributaries, and in the open ocean and the contiguous bays of
Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties, traps not over threefeet in greatest dimension may be used to take shiner perch,
Pacific staghorn sculpin and longjaw mudsuckers. Any otherspecies taken shall be returned to the water immediately.

(d) No gaff hook shall be used to take or assist in landing

any finfish shorter than the minimum size limit. For the
purpose of this section a gaff hook is any hook with or withouta handle used to assist in landing fish or to take fish in sucha manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily inits mouth. No person shall take fin fish from any boat or otherfloating device in ocean waters without having a landing
net in possession or available for immediate use to assist in
landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits;
the opening of any such landing net shall be not less thaneighteen inches in diameter.

(e) North of Point Conception (34°27'00" N. lat.), where

only one rod and line may be used by each angler fishingfor salmon, or fishing from any boat or floating device withsalmon on board.

Dip Nets and Hawaiian Type Throw Nets
(T14 CCR §28.80)
Dip nets of any size and baited hoop nets not greater than
36 inches in diameter may be used to take herring, Pacificstaghorn sculpin, shiner perch, true smelt, topsmelt, anchovies,
shrimp and squid. Hawaiian type throw nets may be used northof Point Conception to take such species.

Beach Nets (T14 CCR §28.85)
Beach nets not over 20 feet in length with meshes at least 7/8
of an inch in length may be used to take true smelt north of
Point Conception.

Diving, Spearfishing (T14 CCR §28.90)
Persons who are floating or swimming in the water may use
spearfishing gear and skin or scuba diving equipment to takefin fish other than giant (black) sea bass, garibaldi, gulf grouper,broomtail grouper, trout, salmon, or broadbill [swordfish], except
that:(f) Mousetrap gear prohibited: It is unlawful to use, assist in
using, or to possess aboard any vessel, hook and line gear
commonly termed “mouse traps” constructed of a hook(s)or lure(s), attached to one end of a line that is attached to afloat, or floats at the other end, and that when fished, is not
attached directly to a person or vessel. Possession of suchgear aboard a vessel shall be prima facie evidence that thegear is being used in violation of this regulation.

(a) No person may possess or use a spear within 100 yardsof the mouth of any stream in any ocean waters north of
Ventura County.
(b) When spearfishing for or in possession of federal
groundfish species or all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos as authorized pursuant to subsection 27.20(b)(1)(D), in an area or during a season closed to the take ofthese species, no fishing gear except spearfishing gear may
be aboard the vessel or watercraft.

(g) North of Point Conception to 40°10'00" N. lat. (near Cape

Mendocino), subsection 27.80(a)(3) applies to each angler
fishing for salmon or fishing from any boat or floating device
with salmon on board.

Weight, Power Driven Gurdies or Power
Driven Winches (T14 CCR §28.70)(a) No sinker or weight weighing more than four pounds, nor

any power driven gurdy or power driven winch, may be usedin any ocean waters or saltwater bays north of Point Arguello.
This regulation does not apply to

Slurp Guns (T14 CCR §28.91)
Slurp guns may be used to take fin fish except that bag andpossession limits shall not be exceeded wherever they apply
and no species of fin fish may be taken for which a minimum
size limit has been established (see Sections 27.60 and
28.00-28.55).

13

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

FINFISH GEAR RESTRICTIONS
Spears, Harpoons, and Bow and Arrow
Fishing Tackle (T14 CCR §28.95)
Spears, harpoons and bow and arrow fishing tackle may be
used for taking all varieties of skates, rays, and sharks, except
white sharks. Harpoons may be used to assist in taking Pacifichalibut as specified in Section 28.20. Such gear may not be
possessed or used within 100 yards of the mouth of any stream
in any ocean waters north of Ventura County, nor aboard any
vessel on any day or on any trip when broadbill swordfish or

marlin have been taken. Bow and arrow fishing tackle may be
used to take fin fish other than giant (black) sea bass, garibaldi,
gulf grouper, broomtail grouper, trout, salmon, broadbill[swordfish] and white shark.

Gear Used in Taking Grunion (T14 CCR§29.00)No appliances of any kind may be used to take grunion, and noholes may be dug in the beach to entrap them.

How to Release FishFollow these five points to release fish unharmed:. an your fish as care ully anuickly as possi le.

. Try to a oi remo ing the fish rom the water. n erwater
unhooking an release is pre erre .
.

o not s uee e the fish, or touch its eyes or gills.

. emo e only those hooks that you can see an remo eeasily, otherwise clip the line near the mouth on a eeply
hooke fish.
. se artificial lures no ait to minimi e eep hooking.
ar less hooks or hooks with attene
ar s making unhooking easier an less stress ul on the fish.

CDFW Fish
Identification
Resources

wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Fish-ID

14

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

OCEAN FISHING DEFINITIONSDefinition (T14 CCR §27.00 )(A) Place, date and time of departure of the boat.
(B) Place, date and estimated time of return of the boat.

The Ocean and San Francisco Bay District consists of the
Ocean and San Francisco Bay, as described herein. The
Ocean is the open seas adjacent to the coast and islands
and the waters of open or enclosed bays contiguous to theocean, including the waters of Elkhorn Slough, west of Elkhorn
Road between Castroville and Watsonville. San Francisco
Bay is the waters of San Francisco and San Pablo bays plus
all their tidal bays, sloughs, estuaries, and tidal portions of
their rivers and streams between the Golden Gate Bridge
and the west Carquinez Bridge. For purposes of this section,waters downstream of the Trancas Bridge on the Napa River,downstream of the Highway 121 Bridge on Sonoma Creek,
and downstream of the Payran Street Bridge on the Petaluma
River are tidal portions of the Napa River, Sonoma Creek, andPetaluma River, respectively. Also see Section 1.53.

(C) Name of the boat.
(D) Date and hour Declaration mailed or delivered to thedepartment.
(F) Additional requirements for Commercial Passenger
Fishing Vessels:
1. The Commercial Boat Registration Number issued
pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 7880.
2. Copy of passenger manifest if fishing within 10 milesof the mainland shore of California.
(2) The Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip must be
submitted to the nearest department office in order for
any person aboard such boat to possess more than one
bag limit of saltwater fin fish, ... lobster and rock scallops.
If mailed, the Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip must
be received at least 48 hours prior to the date of theboat’s departure. If the 48-hours advance notice is notmet, the original copy of the form signed by an authorized
department representative must be aboard the vessel
during the trip. Forms will be accepted for authorization
only during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Chumming (T14 CCR §27.05)
Chumming, including chumming with live bait, is permitted.
[Note: New legislation prohibits chumming for sharks when
white sharks are present. See Sharks, White, Take of.]Live Bait Restrictions (T14 CCR §27.10)
Tilapia may not be used or possessed for use as bait in ocean
waters.

(3) A Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip may not be filed
for a trip unless the trip is continuous and extends for aperiod of 12 hours or more on the first and last days of thetrip and no berthing or docking is permitted within five milesof the mainland shore.

Note: For Multi-Day Fishing Permit applications see
wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Multi-Day-Permits

Multi-Day Fishing Trips (T14 CCR §27.15)(4) The owner or operator of a boat filing a Declaration for
Multi-Day Fishing Trip shall prepare such form in duplicate,and shall require the duplicate to be posted in full view ofthe passengers aboard the boat.

The following provisions apply to anglers and to boat owners
and operators when a Declaration for a Multi-Day Fishing Trip
has been filed with the department.

(a) Provisions related to the angler(5) All passengers must disembark at place of return as
stated on the Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip.

Up to three daily bag and possession limits of saltwater fin
fish, lobster and rock scallops ... are allowed for a person
fishing during a multi-day trip in ocean waters from a boat
whose owner or operator has filed a Declaration for MultiDay Fishing Trip, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)below.

ChristianImperial Beach(1) The provisions of this section do not authorize any
person to take more than one daily bag limit of fish during
one calendar day.
(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to the taking
and possession of salmon, steelhead, striped bass andsturgeon.

(b) Provisions related to the boat owner or
operator who has filed for a Declaration for a
Multi-Day Fishing Trip
(1) The owner or operator of a boat shall submit to thenearest department office a Declaration for Multi-Day
Fishing Trip and payment as specified in Section 701. The
Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip shall include thefollowing information:15

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

AND
BAIT REGULATIONSMINIMUM SIZEFISHING
LIMITS, HOURSBAG ANDPOSSESSION
LIMITS, AND SEASONSTake General (T14 CCR §27.56)(A) Over limits(B) Possession of prohibited species

Except as otherwise provided, there are no closed seasons,closed hours or minimum size limits on fin fish in the Pacific
Ocean including all saltwater bays except that in San Francisco
Bay between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Carquinez Bridge
and in saltwater tributaries to the bay within the area boundedby Interstate 80 and Highways 17, 101 and 37 fin fish may not
be taken between one hour after sunset to one hour before
sunrise except from shore or piers.

(C) Violation of size limits(D) Fish taken out of season or in closed areas.
(4) Upon completion of a fishing trip aboard a vessel, eachlicensed angler or person otherwise authorized to sport
fish may not possess more than the individual daily bag
and possession limits. For purposes of this section, a trip iscompleted at the time a person disembarks from a vessel
and individual possession limits apply. Special boat limit
provisions apply to persons fishing aboard commercial
passenger fishing vessels reporting pursuant to Section
195, Title 14, CCR.

Limit (T14 CCR §27.60)(a) General
No more than 20 finfish in combination of all species withnot more than 10 of any one species, may be taken or
possessed by any one person except as otherwise provided
or as defined in subsection (c) below or in Section 195. See
sections 27.70 through 28.62 for special bag limits, minimum
size limits and poundage restrictions for certain species that
apply in addition to the general bag limit.

(5) Species for which no daily bag limit exists are notcounted as part of a boat limit.
(6) Boat limits are not authorized for sturgeon fishing andshall not apply to the take, possession or retention ofsturgeon.

Filleting of Fish on Vessels (T14 CCR§27.65)(b) There is no limit on the following species: anchovy,
jacksmelt, topsmelt, Pacific butterfish (pompano), queenfish,
sanddabs, skipjack, jack mackerel, Pacific mackerel, Pacificstaghorn sculpin, round herring, Pacific sardine, petrale soleand starry flounder.

(a) Definition of Fillet
For the purpose of this section a fillet is the flesh from one
side of a fish extending from the head to the tail which has
been removed from the body (head, tail and backbone) in asingle continuous piece.

(c) Boat limit
When two or more persons that are licensed or otherwise
authorized to sport fish in ocean waters off California or in
the San Francisco Bay District, defined in Section 27.00, areangling for finfish aboard a vessel in these waters, fishing by
all authorized persons aboard may continue until boat limitsof finfish are taken and possessed aboard the vessel as
authorized under this section or Section 195, Title 14, CCR.

(b) Fish That May be Filleted
No person shall fillet on any boat or bring ashore as fillets any
fish, except in accordance with the following requirements:(1) Kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass: Allfillets shall be a minimum of seven and one half inches inlength. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patchof skin.

(1) The authorization for boat limits aboard a vessel does
not apply to fishing trips originating in California where fish
are taken in other jurisdictions.
(2) A boat limit for a species or species group is the numberof persons aboard a vessel that are licensed or otherwise
authorized to sport fish in ocean waters off California, orin waters of the San Francisco Bay District, (see special
conditions of Section 195, Title 14, CCR, applicable tooperator and crew members of vessels licensed pursuant
to Fish and Game Code 7920) multiplied by the individual
daily bag limit authorized for a species or species groupin those waters. With the exception of species listed insubsection (b) above, the total fish aboard a boat may
not exceed the aggregate per-person daily bag limit of
20 finfish in combination of all species times the numberof anglers licensed or otherwise authorized to sport fish
aboard the vessel. It is unlawful to exceed the boat limit at
any time.
(3) All persons aboard a vessel may be cited where
violations involving boat limits are found, including, but notlimited to the following violations:

16(2) Barracuda: Fillets must be a minimum of 17 inches inlength. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patchof silver skin.
(3) Lingcod. Lingcod fillets must be a minimum of 14 inches
in length. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square
patch of skin. The minimum size and minimum fillet size forlingcod may be changed during the year or in-season by
the department under the authority of subsection 27.20(e).
See subsection 27.20(f) for additional information.
(4) White sea bass: Fillets must be a minimum of 19 inches
in length. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square
patch of silver skin.
(5) Pacific bonito: No more than 10 fillets of any length
may be possessed. All bonito fillets possessed shall beconsidered a part of the allowable undersized toleranceof five bonito per day less than 24 inches fork length orweighing less than five pounds as provided in Section
28.32 of these regulations. All fillets shall bear intact a oneinch square patch of skin.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS(6) California halibut taken from or possessed aboard a
vessel south of Point Arena (Mendocino County): Fillets
must be a minimum of 16 and three-quarter inches inlength and shall bear the entire skin intact. A fillet from a
California halibut (flesh from one entire side of the fish withthe entire skin intact) may not be cut in half fillets. However,a fillet may be cut lengthwise in a straight line along the
midline of the fillet where the fillet was attached to thevertebra (backbone) of the fish only if the two pieces of afillet remain joined along their midline for a length of at least
two inches at one end of the fillet.
(7) Yellowtail: Fillets must be a minimum of 17 inches inlength, except not more than 10 fillets may be less than 17
inches. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patchof skin.
(8) Rockfish: Fillets must have the entire skin attached. The
minimum size and minimum fillet size for rockfish may bechanged during the year or in-season by the department
under the authority of subsection 27.20(e). See subsection
27.20(f) for additional information.
(9) California scorpionfish (commonly termed “sculpin”):
Fillets must be a minimum of 5 inches. Each fillet shall bearintact a one-inch square patch of skin. The minimum size
and minimum fillet size for California scorpionfish may bechanged during the year or in-season by the department
under the authority of subsection 27.20(e). See subsection
27.20(f) for additional information.

specified in these regulations. California halibut may befilleted or brought ashore as fillets south of Point Arena(Mendocino County).

Anchovy, Northern see Limit (T14 CCR§27.60(b))
Barracuda, California (T14 CCR §28.25)
Minimum size: Twenty-eight inches total length or seventeen
inches alternate length.

Bass - Barred Sand, Kelp, and Spotted
Sand (T14 CCR §28.30)(a) Minimum size
Fourteen inches total length or ten inches alternate length.

(b) Limit
Five in any combination of species.

Bass, Striped (T14 CCR §27.85)(a) Open season
All year.

(b) Limit
Two.

(c) Minimum size(10) Ocean whitefish: Fillets must be a minimum of 6 andone half inches in length and shall bear the entire skinintact.

(1) North of Pt. Conception, 18 inches total length.
(2) South of Pt. Conception, no minimum size limit.

(d) Methods of take(11) For all species of tuna filleted on any boat or brought
ashore as fillets south of a line running due west true from
Point Conception, Santa Barbara County (34°27' N. lat.)each fish must be individually bagged as follows:

No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing
over four pounds, or while using any power driven gurdy or
winch. Striped bass may only be taken by angling as definedin Section 1.05, Title 14, CCR, spearfishing pursuant to
Section 1.76, and bow and arrow fishing tackle; snagging is
an illegal method of take.

(A) The bag must be marked with the species’ common
name.
(B) The fish must be cut into six pieces with all skinattached. These pieces are the four loins, the collar
removed as one piece with both pectoral fins attached
and intact, and the belly fillet cut to include the vent andwith both pelvic fins attached and intact.

Bonito, Pacific (T14 CCR §28.32)(a) LimitTen.

(12) California sheephead: Fillets must be a minimum of 6
and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire
skin intact.
(13) All other species except those listed in subsection(c) of this section: Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inchsquare patch of skin. The fillets may be of any size.

(c) Fish That May Not be Filleted, Steaked or
ChunkedNo person shall fillet, steak or cut into chunks on any boator bring ashore as fillets, steaks or chunks the following:
any species with a size limit unless a fillet size is otherwise(b) Minimum size
Twenty-four inches fork length or five pounds except that:Five fish less than twenty-four inches fork length or weighing
less than five pounds may be taken and possessed.

Butterfish, Pacific (Pompano) see Limit(T14 CCR §27.60(b))
Cabezon (T14 CCR §28.28)(a) Open areas, seasons, and depth restrictions
See Section 27.20 through Section 27.50 for definitions,17

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS
special closure areas, and exceptions. Take or possession is
authorized as follows:(1) Northern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.25.

Flounder, Arrowtooth (Arrowtooth Turbot)
see Shark, Soupfin (T14 CCR §28.49)
Flounder, Starry see Sole, Petrale (T14
CCR §28.47)(2) Mendocino Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.30.

May not be taken or possessed.

(3) San Francisco Groundfish Management Area: Openand closed dates and depth restrictions as defined by
Section 27.35.

Greenling, Kelp and Rock (Genus
Hexagrammos) (T14 CCR §28.29)

Garibaldi (T14 CCR §28.05)(4) Central Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.40.

(a) Open areas, seasons, and depth restrictions
for greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos(including kelp and rock greenlings)(5) Southern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.45.

See Section 27.20 through Section 27.50 for definitions,special closure areas, and exceptions. Take or possession is
authorized as follows:(6) Groundfish Exclusion Areas: Closed to take of cabezon
year-round as specified by Section 27.50.

(1) Northern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.25.

(b) Limit
10 fish, within a Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling complex(RCG complex, as defined in Section 1.91) limit of 10 fish.

(2) Mendocino Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.30.

(c) Minimum size(3) San Francisco Groundfish Management Area: Openand closed dates and depth restrictions as defined by
Section 27.35.

15 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(c) for fillet
regulations.

(d) Method of take(4) Central Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.40.

When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two
hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook isa single hook, or double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

(5) Southern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.45.

(e) Fishing rules for cabezon may be changed during theyear or in-season by the department under the authorityof subsection 27.20(e) or Section 52.10. See subsection
27.20(f) for additional information.

(6) Groundfish Exclusion Areas: Closed to take ofgreenlings of the genus Hexagrammos year-round as
specified by Section 27.50.

(b) Limit

Cod, Pacific see Shark, Soupfin (T14 CCR§28.49)For greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos, ten fish within aRockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling complex (RCG complex,
as defined in Section 1.91) limit of 10 fish.

Cod, Black (Sablefish) see Shark, Soupfin(T14 CCR §28.49)(c) Minimum size
12 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet
regulations.

Codling, Finescale see Shark, Soupfin (T14
CCR §28.49)(d) Method of take
When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two
hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook isa single hook, or double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

Corbina, California see Limit (T14 CCR§27.60(a))
Dogfish, Spiny see Shark, Soupfin (T14
CCR §28.49)

18(e) Fishing rules for greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS(c) Minimum size

may be changed during the year or in-season by thedepartment under the authority of subsection 27.20(e)or Section 52.10. See subsection 27.20(f) for additional
information.

None.

(d) Methods of Take

Grenadiers, All see Shark, Soupfin (T14
CCR §28.49)(1) When angling, no more than one line with two hooks
attached may be used.
(2) A harpoon, gaff, or net may be used to assist in taking a
Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling. See
Section 28.95 of these regulations for additional restrictions
on the use of harpoons.

Grouper, Gulf and Broomtail (T14 CCR§28.12)May not be taken or possessed.

Grunion, California (T14 CCR §28.00)(a) It shall be unlawful to take grunion from April 1 through(3) Take by spearfishing is allowed pursuant to Section
28.90 of these regulations.

Herring Eggs (T14 CCR §28.60)

June 30.

(a) Limit(b) Limit

Twenty-five pounds (including plants) wet weight of Pacificherring eggs may be taken per day for recreational purposes.

30.

Halibut, California (T14 CCR §28.15)

Herring, Pacific (T14 CCR §28.62)
Limit: Ten (10) gallons of Pacific herring may be taken per day(a) The following restrictions apply to the recreational taking for recreational purposes.

of California halibut:(1) Daily Bag and Possession Limit:(A) In waters south of a line extending due west
magnetic from Point Sur, Monterey County: Five
(B) In waters north of a line extending due west
magnetic from Point Sur, Monterey County: Two

Herring, Round see Limit (T14 CCR§27.60(b))
Jacksmelt see Limit (T14 CCR §27.60(b))
Lingcod (T14 CCR §28.27)(a) Open areas, seasons, and depth restrictions(2) Minimum size: Twenty-two inches total length.

Halibut, Pacific (T14 CCR §28.20)

See Section 27.20 through Section 27.50 for definitions,special closure areas, and exceptions. Take or possession is
authorized as follows:(a) Season(1) Pacific halibut may be taken only from May 1 throughNovember 15, or until the quota is reached, whichever isearlier. Pacific halibut take is regulated by a quota thatis closely monitored each year in alignment with federal
regulations.

(1) Northern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.25.
(2) Mendocino Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.30.

(2) The Pacific halibut quota is published in the Federal
Register 88 FR 21503, April 11, 2023. The department
shall inform the commission, and the public via a press
release, prior to any implementation of restrictions
triggered by achieving or expecting to exceed the quota.
Anglers and divers are advised to check the current rules
before fishing. The latest fishing rules may be foundon the department's website at: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/
Ocean, or by calling the Recreational Groundfish Fishing
Regulations Hotline (831) 649-2801 or the National
Marine Fisheries Service Area 2A Halibut Hotline (800)662-9825 for recorded information, or by contacting adepartment office.

(3) San Francisco Groundfish Management Area: Openand closed dates and depth restrictions as defined by
Section 27.35.
(4) Central Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.40.
(5) Southern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.45.
(6) Groundfish Exclusion Areas: Closed to take of lingcod
year-round as specified by Section 27.50.

(b) Limit(b) Limit

One.

19

Two.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS(c) Minimum size(6) Groundfish Exclusion Areas: Take or possession of all
rockfish is prohibited within the Groundfish Exclusion Areas
as specified by Section 27.50.

22 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet size
limit.

(b) Limit(d) Method of takeTen, within the Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling complex(RCG complex, as defined in Section 1.91) limit of 10 fish, in
any combination of species, except as provided below.

When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two
hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook isa single hook, or double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

(1) The limit on bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, quillback
rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish is zero. These species
shall not be taken or possessed as part of the RCG limit.

(e) Fishing rules for lingcod may be changed during theyear or in−season by the department under the authority ofsubsection 27.20(e). See subsection 27.20(f) for additional
information.

(2) The limit on vermilion rockfish:(A) In waters of the Northern Groundfish Management
Area is four fish within the RCG limit.

Mackerel, Pacific Chub and Jack see Limit(T14 CCR §27.60(b))(B) In waters of the Mendocino Groundfish Management
Area, San Francisco Groundfish Management Area,
Central Groundfish Management Area, and Southern
Groundfish Management Area is two fish within the RGC
limit, regardless of which Groundfish Management Area
the vermilion rockfish was taken in.

Marlin (T14 CCR §28.50)(a) Limit(3) The limit on copper rockfish is one fish, within the RCG
limit.

One.

Mudsucker, Longjaw see Limit (T14 CCR§27.60(b))(c) Size limit

Prickleback, Monkeyface see Limit (T14
CCR §27.60(a))(d) Method of takeNone. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet regulations.
When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks
and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook is asingle hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

Queenfish see Limit (T14 CCR §27.60(b))
Ratfish see Shark, Soupfin (T14 CCR§28.49)(e) Fishing rules for rockfish may be changed during theRockfish (Sebastes) (T14 CCR §28.55)

year or inseason by the department under the authority ofsubsection 27.20(e). See subsection 27.20(f) for additional
information(a) Open areas, seasons, and depth restrictions
See Section 27.20 through Section 27.50 for definitions,special closure areas, and exceptions. Take and possession
is authorized as follows:(1) Northern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.25.

Sablefish (Black Cod) see Shark, Soupfin(T14 CCR §28.49)
Salmon (T14 CCR §27.80)(a) Methods of take(2) Mendocino Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.30.

(1) General Provisions. Only by angling as defined in
Section 1.05. No sinkers or weights exceeding four pounds
may be used, except that a fishing line may be attached
to a sinker or weight of any size if such sinker or weightis suspended by a separate line and the fishing line isreleased automatically by a mechanical device from thesinker or weight when any fish is hooked. See sections
28.65 and 28.70.

(3) San Francisco Groundfish Management Area: Openand closed dates and depth restrictions as defined by
Section 27.35.
(4) Central Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.40.
(5) Southern Groundfish Management Area: Open andclosed dates and depth restrictions as defined by Section
27.45.

20(2) Barbless Hooks. No more than two (2) single point,
single shank barbless hooks shall be used in the ocean
north of Point Conception (34° 27'00" N. lat.) when salmon
fishing or fishing from any boat or floating device withsalmon on board.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS(3) Other Hook Restrictions. When fishing with bait in
the ocean between the 40°10'00" N. lat. (near Cape
Mendocino) and Point Conception, if angling by any meansother than trolling, then no more than two (2) single point,
single shank, barbless circle hooks shall be used. The
distance between the two hooks must not exceed fiveinches when measured from the top of the eye of the top
hook to the inner base of the curve of the lower hook, andboth hooks must be permanently tied in place (hard tied).
A circle hook is defined as a hook with a generally circularshape, and a point which turns inwards, pointing directly
to the shank at a 90 degree angle. Trolling is defined as
angling from a boat or floating device that is making way bymeans of a source of power, other than drifting by meansof the prevailing water current or weather conditions. See
Section 28.65(g).
(4) One Rod Restriction north of Point Conception. Salmon
may be taken by angling with no more than one rod in
ocean waters north of Point Conception. See Section
28.65(e).

(b) Statewide Coho (Silver) Salmon Restrictions
No coho (silver) salmon may be retained.

(c) Open Fishing Days, Daily Bag Limits, andMinimum Size in effect on or after May 16, 2024
(1) North of 40°10'00” N. lat. (near Cape Mendocino) and in
Humboldt Bay.
(A) Closed.
(2) Between 40°10'00” N. lat. and Point Arena (38°57'30” N.
lat.).
(A) Closed.
(3) Between Point Arena and Pigeon Point (37°11'00” N.
lat.).

(B) Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon per day. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing. See subsection (b) above andsubsection (e) below.
(2) Between 40°10'00” N. lat. and Point Arena (38°57'30” N.
lat.).
(A) Open to salmon fishing beginning April 5, 2025.
Fishing is authorized 7 days per week. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing.
(B) Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon per day. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing. See subsection (b) above andsubsection (e) below.
(3) Between Point Arena and Pigeon Point (37°11'00” N.
lat.).
(A) Open to salmon fishing beginning April 5, 2025.
Fishing is authorized 7 days per week. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing.
(B) Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon per day. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing. See subsection (b) above andsubsection (e) below.
(4) Between Pigeon Point and Point Sur (36°18'00” N. lat.).
(A) Open to salmon fishing beginning April 5, 2025.
Fishing is authorized 7 days per week. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing.
(B) Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon per day. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing. See subsection (b) above andsubsection (e) below.

(A) Closed.
(4) Between Pigeon Point and Point Sur (36°18'00” N. lat.).
(A) Closed.

(5) South of Point Sur.

(5) South of Point Sur.

(A) Open to salmon fishing beginning April 5, 2025.
Fishing is authorized 7 days per week. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing.

(A) Closed.

(d) Open Fishing Days, Daily Bag Limits, andMinimum Size in effect on or after April 1, 2025
Inseason action to close fisheries, modify season dates,or modify the bag limit may be considered when total sport
harvest is approaching a harvest guideline. Public notificationof any in-season change to state salmon regulations toconform to in-season changes to federal regulations is madethrough the National Marine Fisheries Service ocean salmon
hotline at (800) 662-9825.
(1) North of 40°10'00” N. lat. (near Cape Mendocino) and in
Humboldt Bay.
(A) Open to salmon fishing beginning April 5, 2025.

Fishing is authorized 7 days per week. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing.

21(B) Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon per day. Anglers areadvised to call the ocean salmon hotline at (800) 6629825 before fishing. See subsection (b) above andsubsection (e) below.

(e) Ocean salmon possession limit
No more than two daily bag limits may be possessed whenon land. On a vessel in ocean waters, no person shallpossess or bring ashore more than one daily bag limit. See
Section 1.17 and 27.60(c) of these regulations.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS
Salmon Closures (T14 CCR §27.75)

butter sole, curlfin sole, rex sole, and flathead sole may bechanged during the year or in-season by the department
under the authority of subsection 27.20(e). See subsection
27.20(f) for additional information.

(a) No salmon may be taken at any time in ocean waters at

the Smith River mouth bounded on the north by 41°59'36'' N.
lat. (approximately 3 nautical miles north of the Smith Rivermouth), on the west by 124°16'24" W. long. (approximately
3 nautical miles offshore), and on the south by 41°53'30" N.
lat. (approximately 3 nautical miles south of the Smith Rivermouth).

Sardine, Pacific see Limit (T14 CCR§27.60(a))(b) No salmon may be taken at any time in ocean waters
at the Klamath River mouth bounded on the north by
41°35’30” N. lat. (approximately 3 nautical miles north of theKlamath River mouth), on the west by 124°08'54" W. long.
(approximately 3 nautical miles offshore), and on the south by
41°29'24" N. lat. (approximately 3 nautical miles south of theKlamath River mouth). In August, the ocean salmon closure
expands into the "Klamath Control Zone." The Klamath
Control Zone is defined in federal regulations as the oceanarea at the Klamath River mouth bounded on the north by
41°38'48" N. lat. (approximately 6 nautical miles north of theKlamath River mouth), on the west by 124°23'00" W. long.
(approximately 12 nautical miles offshore), and on the southby 41°26'48" N. lat. (approximately 6 nautical miles south of
the Klamath River mouth).

Scorpionfish, California (Sculpin) (T14
CCR §28.54)(a) Open year-round in all depths, except in the Groundfish
Exclusion Areas where these species may not be taken or
possessed at any time. See section 27.50.
(b) Limit
Five.

(c) Minimum size
10 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet size
limit.

(d) Method of take
When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two
hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook isa single hook, or double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

(c) No salmon may be taken during the months of Augustand September in ocean waters at the Eel River mouthbounded on the north by 40°40'24" N. lat. (approximately 2
nautical miles north of the Eel River mouth), on the west by
124°21'24" W. long. (approximately 2 nautical miles offshore),and on the south by 40°36'24" N. lat. (approximately 2
nautical miles south of the Eel River mouth).

Sanddab, Pacific; Rock Sole, Sand Sole,
Butter Sole, Curlfin Sole, Rex Sole, andFlathead Sole (T14 CCR §28.48)(e) Fishing rules for California scorpionfish may be changed
during the year or in-season by the department under theauthority of subsection 27.20(e). See subsection 27.20(f) for
additional information.

Sea Bass, Giant (Black) (T14 CCR §28.10)(a) May not be taken off California. All fish taken incidental
to other fishing activity shall be immediately returned to thewater where taken.

Pacific sanddab, rock sole, sand sole, butter sole, curlfin sole,rex sole, and flathead sole are federal groundfish, also known
in the aggregate as “other flatfish” pursuant to subsection
1.91(a)(10) and are subject to special regulations as follows.
Regulations of this section do not apply to other species of
sanddabs, flounders, or sole.

(b) Limit
Two per angler per trip when fishing south of United StatesMexico border. A valid fishing permit or license from the
Mexican government constitutes proof that fish were taken
legally.

(a) Open year-round in all depths, except in the Groundfish
Exclusion Areas where these species may not be taken or
possessed at any time. See section 27.50.

Seabass, White (T14 CCR §28.35)(a) Minimum size(b) Limit

Twenty-eight inches total length or twenty and one-half
inches alternate length.

There is no limit on Pacific sanddab. The general bag limit of
not more than 20 finfish in combination of all species with not
more than 10 of any one species applies to rock sole, sandsole, butter sole, curlfin sole, rex sole, and flathead sole.

(b) Season
Open all year.

(c) Method of takeSee subsection 27.20(b)(2) for descending device regulations.

(d) Fishing rules for Pacific sanddab, rock sole, sand sole,

22(c) Limit
Three, except that only one fish may be taken in waters southof Pt. Conception between March 15 and June 15.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS
Shark, Leopard (T14 CCR §28.56)

finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish,
longspine thornyhead and shortspine thornyhead.

(a) Open year-round in all depths, except in the Groundfish
Exclusion Areas where leopard shark may not be taken or
possessed at any time. See Section 27.50.

(c) Method of take
When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks
and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook is asingle hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points
connected to a common shank. See subsection 27.20(b)(2)for descending device regulations.

(b) Limit
Three.

(c) Minimum size(d) Fishing rules for soupfin shark, Dover sole, English

36 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet
regulations.

sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, all skates, ratfish,
all grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting,sablefish, longspine thornyhead and shortspine thornyhead
may be changed during the year or in-season by thedepartment under the authority of subsection 27.20(e). See
subsection 27.20(f) for additional information.

(d) Method of takeSee subsection 27.20(b)(2) for descending device
regulations.

(e) Fishing rules for leopard shark may be changed during

the year or in-season by the department under the authorityof subsection 27.20(e). See subsection 27.20(f) for additional
information.

Shark - Shortfin Mako, Thresher, and Blue
(T14 CCR §28.42)

Shark, White (T14 CCR §28.06)
White shark may not be taken, except under permit issued by
the Department pursuant to Section 1002 of the Fish and Game
Code for scientific or educational purposes.

Shark, White, Taking of (FGC §5517)

Limit: Two of each species.

(a) Except as authorized by a permit issued pursuant to
Section 1002, or as provided in subdivision (b) of Section
8599, it is unlawful to do any of the following:

Shark, Sixgill and Sevengill (T14 CCR§28.41)(1) Take any white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

Limit: One of each species.

(2) Use any shark bait, shark lure, or shark chum to attract
any white shark.

Shark, Soupfin; Dover Sole, English Sole,
Arrowtooth Flounder, Spiny Dogfish,
Skates, Ratfish, Grenadiers, Finescale
Codling, Pacific Cod, Pacific Whiting,
Sablefish and Thornyheads (T14 CCR§28.49)(3) Place any shark bait, shark lure, or shark chum into thewater within one nautical mile of any shoreline, pier, or jetty
when a white shark is either visible or known to be present.
(4) Place any shark bait, shark lure, or shark chum into thewater for the purpose of viewing any shark when a white
shark is visible or known to be present.

(b) For purposes of this section, “shark bait, shark lure, orSoupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder,
spiny dogfish, all skates, ratfish, all grenadiers, finescale
codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, longspine
thornyhead, and shortspine thornyhead are federal groundfish,
as defined in subsection 1.91(a), and are subject to special
regulations as follows. Regulations of this section do not apply
to other species of flounders, sole, sharks, or codlings unlessotherwise specified.

shark chum” means any natural or manufactured productor device used to attract sharks by the sense of taste,smell, or sight, including, but not limited to, blood, fish, orother material upon which sharks may feed, and surface orunderwater decoys.

Sheephead, California (T14 CCR §28.26)(a) Closed season(a) Open year-round in all depths, except in the Groundfish

January 1 through the last day in February with the following
exceptions:Exclusion Areas where these species may not be taken or
possessed at any time. See section 27.50.

(b) Limit(1) The limit on soupfin shark is one fish.
(2) The general bag limit of not more than 20 finfish incombination of all species with not more than 10 of any
one species applies to Dover sole, English sole, arrowtoothflounder, spiny dogfish, all skates, ratfish, all grenadiers,

23(1) Shore Based Angling: When angling from shore(including beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters,
docks, and other artificial structures connected to theshore), California sheephead may be taken and/or
possessed year-round. No vessel or watercraft (motorized
or non-motorized) may be used to assist in the take,transport and/or possession of California sheephead whileangling from shore under this provision.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONS(2) Diving or Spearfishing: When diving or spearfishing,
California sheephead may be taken and/or possessed
year-round. During the closed season, January 1 throughthe last day in February, all types of fishing gear, except
spearfishing gear, are prohibited to be aboard the vessel orwatercraft (motorized or non-motorized) when taking and/or
possessing California sheephead under this provision.

(b) Limit
Two.

Sturgeon Closure (T14 CCR §27.95)
Green sturgeon and white sturgeon may not be taken in thefollowing described area between January 1 and March 15:
That portion of San Francisco Bay included within the following
boundaries: A direct line between Pt. Chauncey (National
Marine Fisheries Laboratory) and Pt. Richmond, the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and a direct line between Pt.
Lobos and Pt. Bonita.

Sturgeon, Green (T14 CCR §27.91)(c) Minimum size(a) Green sturgeon may not be taken or possessed.

12 inches total length. See subsection 27.65(b) for fillet size
limit.

(b) Green sturgeon may not be removed from the water andshall be released immediately.

(d) Fishing rules for California sheephead may be changed
during the year or in-season by the department under theauthority of Section 52.10.

(c) Green sturgeon taken and released incidentally to whitesturgeon fishing shall be reported on a Sturgeon Fishing
Report Card issued by the department, in accordance withprocedures defined in Sections 1.74 and 27.92, Title 14,
CCR.

Skates, All see Shark, Soupfin (T14 CCR§28.49)White Sturgeon Catch and Release Sport
Fishing for Ocean Waters (T14 CCR§27.93)

Smelt, True (Night Smelt, Surf Smelt,
Whitebait Smelt) (T14 CCR §28.45)(a) Limit
Twenty-five pounds in combination.

Sole - Butter, Curlfin, Flathead, Rex, Rock,and Sand see Sanddab, Pacific (T14 CCR§28.48)Notwithstanding sections 27.90 and 27.92, white sturgeon may
not be taken in ocean waters statewide except as authorized
below.

Sole - Dover and English see Shark,
Soupfin (T14 CCR §28.49)

From October 1 through June 30 except as described in
Section 27.95.

(b) Daily limit
Zero fish per day.

Sole, Petrale and Starry Flounder (T14
CCR §28.47)(c) Annual bag limit
Zero fish per calendar year statewide.

Petrale sole and starry flounder are federal groundfish, as
defined in subsection 1.91(a), and are subject to special
regulations as follows. Regulations of this section do not apply
to other species of flounders or sole.

(d) Methods of take
Only one single point, single shank, barbless hook shall be
used on a line when taking 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 or snare to take any sturgeon.

(a) Open year-round in all depths, except in the Groundfish
Exclusion Areas where these species may not be taken or
possessed at any time. See section 27.50.
(b) Limit

For the purposes of this section, a snare is a flexible loop
made from any material that can be tightened like a noose
around any part of the fish.

There is no limit on petrale sole or starry flounder.

(c) Method of take(e) Handling and removal from water

See subsection 27.20(b)(2) for descending device
regulations.

(d) Fishing rules for petrale sole and starry flounder may
be changed during the year or in-season by the department
under the authority of subsection 27.20(e). See subsection
27.20(f) for additional information.

(a) Open season

Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be
removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
Sturgeon of any size shall not be held out of water suspended
by the gills, gill plates, mouth, or solely by the tail, and shallnot be dragged across the ground, boat decks, or piers.

24

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONSWhite Sturgeon Fishing Opens October 1: Catch-and-Release Only
As of July 12, 2024 white sturgeon is a candidate for listing as a threatened species under the California Endangered
Species Act.
The white sturgeon fishing season will open October 1, 2024, as catch-and-release only. Anglers may continue to fish using
2024 Sturgeon Fishing Report Cards purchased earlier in 2024, but all remaining 2024 sturgeon harvest tags are invalid andno sturgeon harvest is permitted under any circumstances.
Sturgeon shall not be held out of the water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth, or solely by the tail, and shall not be
dragged across the ground, boat decks, or piers.
Please see pages 24-25 for full ocean sport fishing sturgeon regulations.
For more information, visit CDFW's sturgeon web page at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Fishes/Sturgeon/White-Sturgeon
Questions may be sent via email to sturgeon@wildlife.ca.gov(f) Sturgeon Fishing Report Card Required

For all other areas, the aggregate limit is 20 surfperch, notincluding shiner perch. Not more than 10 surfperch may beof any one species.

All anglers must have a valid Sturgeon Fishing Report
Card in their possession while fishing for white sturgeon.
Cardholders must complete and return the card pursuant tothis section and Section 1.74.

(2) The special limit for shiner perch is 20, which may betaken or possessed in addition to the overall daily bag
limitof 20 finfish specified in subsection 27.60(a).

(g) Reporting Requirements for Released Fish(d) Minimum size

(1) Whenever the cardholder catches and releases asturgeon, the cardholder shall immediately record themonth, day, location code, length, and species of sturgeon.

Redtail surfperch, ten and one-half inches total length. Allother surfperch, none.

(2) If all lines in the “sturgeon released” field of the reportcard are filled, any additional sturgeon caught and released
may be recorded on the back of the card.
(3) If the sturgeon has a department reward disk attached,write the reward disk number in the space provided on thereport card.

(h) The annual fee for the Sturgeon Fishing Report Card isspecified in Section 701.
(i) For regulations on take and possession of sturgeon in

inland waters as defined in Section 1.53, see Section 5.78.

Swordfish, Broadbill (T14 CCR §28.40)(a) Limit
Two.

Thornyheads (Longspine and Shortspine)see Shark, Soupfin (T14 CCR §28.49)
Topsmelt see Limit (T14 CCR §27.60)
Trout in the Ocean (T14 CCR §27.70)(a) Methods of take

Surfperch (T14 CCR §28.59)

The trout must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth.

(a) For purposes of this Section, the term "surfperch" refers

to all species of the family Embiotocidae, in any combination.

(b) Limit(b) Open season

Three, except the take of steelhead rainbow trout in theocean is prohibited.

Open all year, except surfperch may not be taken or
possessed by a person in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo
Bay between April 1 and July 31, inclusive. Shiner perch(Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from this seasonal
closure and may be taken and possessed up to their daily
bag limit in these areas during the closure period.

Tunas (T14 CCR §28.38)
The following daily bag limits apply:(a) Albacore(1) South of a line running due west true from 34°27' N. lat.
(at Point Conception, Santa Barbara County) – The special
limit for albacore is 10, which may be taken or possessedin addition to the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish
specified in subsection 27.60(a).

(c) Daily bag limits(1) In San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, theaggregate limit is five surfperch, not including shiner perch.

252024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS, AND SEASONSWhitefish, Ocean (T14 CCR §28.58)(2) North of a line running due west true from 34°27' N. lat.
(at Point Conception, Santa Barbara County) – The special
limit for albacore is 25, which may be taken or possessedin addition to the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish
specified in subsection 27.60(a).

(a) Open year-round in all depths.
(b) Limit
The general bag limit of not more than 20 finfish incombination of all species with not more than 10 of any one
species applies to ocean whitefish. See subsection 27.65(b)for fillet size limit.

(b) Bluefin tuna
The special limit for bluefin tuna is 2, which may be taken or
possessed in addition to the overall general daily bag limit of
20 finfish specified in subsection 27.60(a). This limit applies
to all bluefin tuna possessed, regardless of where taken.

Whiting, Pacific see Shark, Soupfin (T14
CCR §28.49)(c) There is no limit on skipjack tuna.
(d) For yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and other tunas not listed

Yellowtail (T14 CCR §28.37)

above, the limit is 10. Unlike albacore and bluefin tuna, fish
taken under this limit shall apply toward the overall generaldaily bag limit of 20 finfish specified in subsection 27.60(a).

(a) Limit
Ten(b) Minimum size
Twenty-four inches fork length except that: Five fish less thantwenty-four inches fork length may be taken or possessed.

Steve S.
Morro BayRay S.
Bolsa Chica

26

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

WHAT’S NEW
IN 2024
GROUNDFISH
DEFINITIONS
Nearshore Fish Stocks, Nearshore
Fisheries, Nearshore Waters, and Shallow
Nearshore Rockfish Defined (T14 CCR§1.90)

species of rockfish: black rockfish (Sebastes melanops),
black-and-yellow rockfish (S. chrysomelas), blue rockfish(S. mystinus), brown rockfish (S. auriculatus), calico
rockfish (S. dallii), China rockfish (S. nebulosus), copper
rockfish (S. caurinus), gopher rockfish (S. carnatus), grass
rockfish (S. rastrelliger), kelp rockfish (S. atrovirens), olive
rockfish (S. serranoides), quillback rockfish (S. maliger),
treefish (S. serriceps)(a) Under the authority of Section 8587.1 of the Fish andGame Code, Section 8586 of the Fish and Game Code ismade inoperative.

(2) "California Scorpionfish" (Scorpaena guttata)(b) "Nearshore fish stocks" means any of the following:(3) "Shelf Rockfish" which means the following species of
rockfish: bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis), bronzespotted
rockfish (S. gilli), canary rockfish (S. pinniger), chilipepper(S.goodei), cowcod (S. levis), dusky rockfish (S. ciliatus),
flag rockfish (S. rubrivinctus), greenblotched rockfish(S. rosenblatti), greenspotted rockfish (S. chlorostictus),
greenstriped rockfish (S. elongatus), harlequin rockfish(S. variegatus), honeycomb rockfish (S. umbrosus),
Mexican rockfish (S. macdonaldi), pink rockfish (S. eos),
redstripe rockfish (S. proriger), rosethorn rockfish (S.
helvomaculatus), rosy rockfish (S. rosaceus), shortbelly
rockfish (S. jordani), silvergray rockfish (S. brevispinis),speckled rockfish (S. ovalis), squarespot rockfish (S.
hopkinsi), starry rockfish (S. constellatus), stripetail rockfish(S. saxicola), tiger rockfish (S. nigrocinctus), vermilion
rockfish (S. miniatus), widow rockfish (S. entomelas),yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus), yellowtail rockfish (S.
flavidus).

(1) black rockfish (Sebastes melanops),(2) black-and-yellow rockfish (Sebastes chrysomelas),(3) blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus),(4) brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus),(5) cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus),(6) calico rockfish (Sebastes dallii),(7) California scorpionfish (sculpin) (Scorpaena guttata),(8) California sheephead (Bodianus pulcher),(9) China rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus),(10) copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus),(11) gopher rockfish (Sebastes carnatus),(12) grass rockfish (Sebastes rastrelliger),(13) greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos,(4) "Slope Rockfish" which means the following speciesof rockfish: aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora), bankrockfish (S. rufus), blackgill rockfish (S. melanostomus),darkblotched rockfish (S. crameri), Pacific ocean perch(S. alutus), redbanded rockfish (S. babcocki), rougheye
rockfish (S. aleutianus), sharpchin rockfish (S. zacentrus),
shortraker rockfish (S. borealis), splitnose rockfish (S.
diploproa), yellowmouth rockfish (S. reedi)(14) kelp rockfish (Sebastes atrovirens),(15) monkeyface eel (Cebidichthys violaceus),(16) olive rockfish (Sebastes serranoides),(17) quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger), and(18) treefish (Sebastes serriceps).

(c) "Nearshore fisheries" means the commercial orrecreational taking, possession, or landing of any species ofnearshore fish stocks.

(5) "Sharks", including only leopard shark (Triakis
semifasciata), soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus), andspiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi)(d) "Nearshore waters" means ocean waters including(6) "Skates", which means big skate (Raja binoculata),
California skate (R. inornata), longnose skate (R. rhina),
roughtail/black skate (Bathyraja trachura), Aleutian skate(B. aleutica), Bering/sandpaper skate (R. interrupta) andall other genera and species of skates in the families
Arhynchobatidae and Rajidae that occur off California.

around offshore rocks and islands extending from the shore
to a depth of 20 fathoms.

(e) "Shallow nearshore rockfish" means a subgroup of

rockfishes (genus Sebastes) including only black-and-yellow
rockfish, China rockfish, gopher rockfish, grass rockfish, andkelp rockfish.

(7) "Roundfish", including only cabezon (Scorpaenichthys
marmoratus), kelp greenling (Hexagrammos
decagrammus), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), Pacificcod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific whiting (Merluccius
productus), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

Federal Groundfish and Rockfish,
Cabezon and Greenling (RCG) Complex(T14 CCR §1.91)(a) The species or species groups listed in subsections

1.91(a)(1) through 1.91(a)(12) constitute "federal groundfish"
and are managed under the Federal Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery Management Plan:(1) "Nearshore Rockfish," which means the following

27(8) "Thornyheads", which means longspine thornyhead(Sebastolobus altivelis), and shortspine thornyhead(Sebastolobus alascanus)(9) "Federally Managed Flatfish", including only arrowtoothflounder (arrowtooth turbot)(Atheresthes stomias), Doversole (Microstomus pacificus), English sole (Parophrys

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

FOREWARD
LINKS TO GROUNDFISHREGULATION SUMMARY TABLES

The California groundfish regulation summary tables are located online.
Tables are available as images, and as downloadable PDFs.
Groundfish regulations are subject to in-season change.
It is each person's responsibility to know and abide by all
regulations in effect at the time of fishing activity.
Check for current regulations prior to fishing.
To access the online tables, click the following link
wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary
OR
Scan the QR code below with your smart device:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights
U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

28

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH DEFINITIONS, MANAGEMENT AREAS
vetulus), petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani), and starry flounder(Platichthys stellatus).
(10) "Other Flatfish", including only butter sole (Isopsetta
isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flatheadsole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), Pacific sanddab(Citharichthys sordidus), rex sole (Glyptocephalus
zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole
(Psettichthys melanostictus).
(11) "Other fish", including only ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei),
finescale codling (Antimora microlepis), Pacific grenadier(rattail) (Coryphaenoides acrolepis) and all other generaand species of grenadiers in the family Macrouridae that
occur off California(12) All genera and species of the family Scorpaenidaethat occur off California and not specifically listed in (a)(1)through (a)(4) or (a)(8) above(B) Federal groundfish exempt from seasons and depth
constraints: “Other Flatfish” as defined in subsection
1.91(a)(10), petrale sole, starry flounder, California
scorpionfish, leopard shark, and the federal groundfish
species listed in Section 28.49 may be taken or
possessed in all GMAs and depths year-round except as
described in subsections 28.49(a) and 28.56(a).
(C) Shore Based Angling: When angling from shore(includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters,
docks, and other man-made structures connected tothe shore), all species, except those listed in subsection
28.55(b)(1), may be taken or possessed year-round. No
vessel or watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) may
be used to assist in the take, transport or possession ofthese species under this provision.

(b) "RCG Complex" means all species of rockfish(Sebastes), cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), andkelp and rock greenlings (genus Hexagrammos).

Groundfish Management Areas, Seasons,
Depths, Exceptions, and Fishery Closure/
Rule Change Process Described. (T14
CCR §27.20)(D) Diving or Spearfishing: When diving or spearfishing,as authorized in Section 28.90, all species, except
those listed in subsection 28.55(b)(1), may be taken or
possessed year-round. When boat-based groundfish
fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except
spearfishing gear, are prohibited to be aboard the vesselor watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) when taking or
possessing these species under this provision.

Regulations that follow in sections 27.25 through 27.50 define
fishing seasons and depth constraints that are effective withineach Groundfish Management Area (GMA). These sections
apply to take and possession of federal groundfish species
as defined in Section 1.91 and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos.

(2) Descending Devices: No person shall take or possess
any federal groundfish as defined in Section 1.91 andall greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos from any boat
or other floating device in ocean waters without having
a descending device in possession and available for
immediate use to assist in releasing rockfish to the depthof capture.

(a) Depth Restrictions
In a GMA the take, retention or possession of certain federal
groundfish and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
may be authorized or prohibited in waters shallower than,or deeper than, the identified depth restriction dependingon the defined areas and seasons specified in sections
27.25 through 27.50. “Depth” is defined by approximating aparticular depth contour by connecting the appropriate setof waypoints adopted in Section 35.00 of these regulations
for the 20-fathom boundary line, and Federal regulations (50
CFR Part 660, Subpart C) for all other depth boundary lines.

(c) Closed Season
During any closed season in any GMA, it is unlawful to takeor possess all species of rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, andgreenlings of the genus Hexagrammos regardless of depth
except as provided in subsections (b)(1)(A) through (b)(1)(D)above and sections 27.25 through 27.50 of these regulations.

(b) General Provisions(d) California Rockfish Conservation Area

(1) Take or possession of federal groundfish species
or species groups and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos is authorized or prohibited as provided insubsections (b)(1)(A) through (b)(1)(D) below and sections
27.25 through 27.50 of these regulations.
(A) Anchoring, drifting, or transiting in closed areas: In
waters where groundfish species or species groups areclosed to take or possession but authorized for take orpossession in other areas, those species or species
groups may be possessed aboard a vessel that isanchored, drifting, or transiting in or through that closed
area. While anchoring, drifting, or transiting through an
area closed to take or possession of these groundfish
species or species groups, no gear may be deployedother than for the take of crustaceans with hoop nets
used pursuant to subsection 29.80(b), Dungeness crab
traps used pursuant to subsection 29.80(c), and dip nets
used pursuant to Section 28.80.

Within any GMA, waters that are closed for certain species
or species groups during specified times or closed in
specified depths shall be known as the California Rockfish
Conservation Area. See Section 27.51.

(e) Fishery closure and/or rule change

29

When the department determines, based on the best
available scientific information, that an annual harvest limit[optimum yield (OY), annual catch limit (ACL), annual catch

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS
target (ACT), recreational harvest guideline, or recreational
harvest target] established in regulation by the NOAA
Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service) for any speciesof federal groundfish or aggregate group of federal groundfish
species has been exceeded or is projected to be exceeded
prior to the end of the year or that catches are less than
predicted, the following rule changes may occur:(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in subsections 1. through 3. is authorized seaward
of a line approximating the 50-fathom boundary line as
defined by federal waypoints along the mainland coast
and along islands and offshore seamounts. Take orpossession of these species is prohibited shorewardof this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

(1) The department may modify the seasons or depth
constraints for any species of federal groundfish or
aggregate group of federal groundfish species, and all
greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. Season or depth
modifications may differ by area, time of year, mode offishing, or gear utilized.

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed(2) The department may adjust existing bag or sub-bag
limits or establish additional bag or sub-bag limits asneeded for any species of federal groundfish or aggregategroup of federal groundfish species, and all greenlings ofthe genus Hexagrammos. Bag limits may differ by area,time of year, mode of fishing, or gear utilized.

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)3. Lingcod(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited in all waters of the Northern Groundfish
Management Area.

(3) The department may adjust existing size limits or
establish additional size limits as needed for any species offederal groundfish or aggregate group of federal groundfish
species, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos.
Size limits may differ by area, time of year, mode of fishing,or gear utilized.

(3) May 1 through September 30, and November 1 throughNovember 30: Take or possession of all species of rockfish(except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos is
authorized shoreward of the 20-fathom boundary line as
defined in Section 35.00. Take or possession of all speciesof rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of thegenus Hexagrammos is prohibited seaward of this line,
except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).

(f) Notice of closure and/or rule change
The department shall give the public and the NOAA Fisheries
no less than 10 calendar days’ notice of any fishery closure
or rule change implemented pursuant to this section via adepartment news release. Anglers and divers are advised tocheck the current rules before fishing. The latest fishing rules
may be found on the department’s website at: wildlife.ca.gov/
Fishing/Ocean.

Northern Groundfish Management Area
(T14 CCR §27.25)
This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

Mendocino Groundfish Management Area
(T14 CCR §27.30)
This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

(a) The Northern Groundfish Management Area means
ocean waters between 42° 00'N. lat. (the Oregon/California
border) and 40° 10'N. lat. (near Cape Mendocino, Humboldt
County).

(b) Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all speciesof rockfish (except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(b) Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all speciesof rockfish (except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.
(2) April 1 through April 30, October 1 through October 31,
and December 1 through December 31:(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.
(2) April 1 through April 30, October 1 through October 31,
and December 1 through December 31:(a) The Mendocino Groundfish Management Area means
ocean waters between 40° 10' N. lat. (near Cape Mendocino,
Humboldt County) and 38° 57.50' N. lat. (at Point Arena,
Mendocino County).

30(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in subsections 1. through 3. is authorized seaward
of a line approximating the the 50-fathom boundary line2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS
as defined by federal waypoints along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts. Takeor possession of these species is prohibited shorewardof this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

of this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed
3. Lingcod(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos is
prohibited in all waters of the San Francisco Groundfish
Management Area.

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)3. Lingcod(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited in all waters of the Mendocino Groundfish
Management Area.

(3) May 1 through September 30 and November 1 throughNovember 30: Take or possession of all species of rockfish(except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos is
authorized shoreward of the 20-fathom boundary line as
defined in Section 35.00. Take or possession of all speciesof rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of thegenus Hexagrammos is prohibited seaward of this line,
except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).

(3) May 1 through September 30 and November 1 throughNovember 30: Take or possession of all species of rockfish(except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos is
authorized shoreward of the 20-fathom boundary line as
defined in Section 35.00. Take or possession of all speciesof rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos is prohibited seaward of this line, except asprovided in subsection 27.20(b).

Central Groundfish Management Area
(T14, CCR §27.40)

San Francisco Groundfish Management
Area (T14 CCR §27.35)
This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

(a) The San Francisco Groundfish Management Area means
ocean waters between 38° 57.50' N. lat. (at Point Arena,
Mendocino County) and 37° 11' N. lat. (at Pigeon Point, San
Mateo County).
(b) Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all speciesof rockfish (except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(b) Central Groundfish Management Area –North of 36° N. lat.

(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.

Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all speciesof rockfish (except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(2) April 1 through April 30, October 1 through October 31,
and December 1 through December 31:(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in subsections 1. through 3. is authorized seaward
of a line approximating the the 50-fathom boundary line
as defined by federal waypoints along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts. Takeor possession of these species is prohibited shoreward(a) The Central Groundfish Management Area means ocean
waters between 37° 11' N. lat. (at Pigeon Point, San MateoCounty) and 34° 27' N. lat. (at Point Conception, Santa
Barbara County). Within the Central Groundfish Management
Area, seasons and depth restrictions may differ north andsouth of a line extending west of 36° N. lat. (near Point
Lopez, Monterey County). The areas north and south of thisline are referred to as the Central Groundfish Management
Area – North of 36° N. lat. and the Central Groundfish
Management Area – South of 36° N. lat.

(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.
(2) April 1 through April 30, October 1 through October 31
and December 1 through December 31:

312024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in subsections 1. through 3. is authorized seaward
of a line approximating the the 50-fathom boundary line
as defined by federal waypoints along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts. Takeor possession of these species is prohibited shorewardof this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in subsections 1. through 3. is authorized seaward
of a line approximating the 50-fathom boundary line as
defined by federal waypoints along the mainland coast
and along islands and offshore seamounts. Take orpossession of these species is prohibited shorewardof this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)3. Lingcod

3. Lingcod(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited in all waters of the Central Groundfish
Management Area – North of 36° N. lat.

(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited in all waters of the Central Groundfish
Management Area – South of 36° N. lat.

(3) May 1 through September 30 and November 1 throughNovember 30: Take or possession of all species of rockfish(except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos is
authorized shoreward of the 20-fathom boundary line as
defined in Section 35.00. Take or possession of all speciesof rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos is prohibited seaward of this line, except asprovided in subsection 27.20(b).

Southern Groundfish Management Area
(T14 CCR §27.45)
This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

(c) Central Groundfish Management Area –South of 36° N. lat.

(a) The Southern Groundfish Management Area means
ocean waters between 34° 27' N. lat. (at Point Conception,
Santa Barbara County) and the U.S./Mexico border. The
Groundfish Exclusion Areas are special closure areas within
the Southern Groundfish Management Area, where take orpossession of all federal groundfish is prohibited year-round.
See Section 27.50.

Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all species of
rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.
April 1 through June 30: Open for all species (except
as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)) with no depth
constraints.

(b) Seasons and depth restrictions effective for all species(3) July 1 through September 30: Take or possession of
all species of rockfish (except as specified in subsection
28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of thegenus Hexagrammos is authorized shoreward of the
50-fathom boundary line as defined by federal waypoints
along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts. The 50-fathom boundary line is defined bystraight lines connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as
adopted in Federal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart
G). Take or possession of all species of rockfish, lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited seaward of this line, except as provided insubsection 27.20(b).
(4) October 1 through December 31:

32

of rockfish (except as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon and all greenlings of the genus
Hexagrammos:(1) January 1 through March 31: Closed.

(2) April 1 through June 30: Open for all species (except
as specified in subsection 28.55(b)(1)) with no depth
constraints.
(3) July 1 through September 30: Take or possession of
all species of rockfish (except as specified in subsection
28.55(b)(1)), lingcod, cabezon, and all greenlings of thegenus Hexagrammos is authorized shoreward of the
50-fathom boundary line as defined by federal waypoints
along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts. The 50-fathom boundary line is defined bystraight lines connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS
adopted in Federal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart
G). Take or possession of all species of rockfish, lingcod,
cabezon, and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited seaward of this line, except as provided insubsection 27.20(b).
(4) October 1 through December 31:

33°27.90′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.; and33°33.64′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.
(3) Potato Bank is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:
33°21.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;(A) Take or possession of species and species groups
listed in 1. through 3. is authorized seaward of a line
approximating the the 50-fathom boundary line as
defined by federal waypoints along the mainland coast
and along islands and offshore seamounts. Take orpossession of these species is prohibited shorewardof this line, except as provided in subsection 27.20(b).
The 50-fathom boundary line is defined by straight lines
connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints as adopted inFederal Regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart G).

33°21.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.;

1. Shelf rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(3),
except bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye
rockfish which may not be taken or possessed

33°03.50′ N lat., 119°31.69′ W long.;

33°11.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.;
33°11.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long; and33°21.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.
(4) 107/118 Bank is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:
33°05.51′ N lat., 119°41.29′ W long.;
33°08.64′ N lat., 119°36.71′ W long.;
33°00.36′ N lat., 119°36.27′ W long.; and33°05.51′ N lat., 119°41.29′ W long.

2. Slope rockfish, as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(4)(5) Cherry Bank is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:

3. Lingcod(B) Nearshore species closure: Notwithstanding
subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take or possession ofnearshore rockfish as defined in subsection 1.91(a)(1),cabezon, and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos
is prohibited in all waters of the Southern Groundfish
Management Area.

32°50.86′ N lat., 119°29.40′ W long.;
32°56.96′ N lat., 119°19.82′ W long.;
32°54.69′ N lat., 119°17.78′ W long.;
32°48.59′ N lat., 119°27.35′ W long.; and32°50.86′ N lat., 119°29.40′ W long.

Groundfish Exclusion Areas (Title 14 CCR§27.50)(6) Seamount 109 is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:

This Section applies to take or possession of federal groundfish
species and all greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. For
specific definitions, applicability, and procedures, see sections
1.91 and 27.20. For size limits, bag and possession limits, andother regulations that apply to individual species, see specificsections beginning with Section 27.60.

(a) The Groundfish Exclusion Areas are defined as ocean

32°43.75′ N lat., 119°34.29′ W long.;
32°31.95′ N lat., 119°26.94′ W long.;
32°30.47′ N lat., 119°29.71′ W long.;
32°39.54′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.; and32°43.75′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.

waters off southern California within each of the following
eight areas:(7) 43-Fathom Spot is an area that is bound by straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:(1) Hidden Reef is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:

32°42.00′ N lat., 118°00.05′ W long.;
32°42.00′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;

33°46.14′ N lat., 119°10.45′ W long.;

32°36.70′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;

33°46.14′ N lat., 119°05.96′ W long.;

32°36.18′ N lat., 117°50.27′ W long.;

33°41.40′ N lat., 119°05.96′ W long.;

32°36.18′ N lat., 118°00.05′ W long.; and33°41.40′ N lat., 119°10.45′ W long.; and32°42.00′ N lat., 118°00.05′ W long.

33°46.14′ N lat., 119°10.45′ W long.
(2) West of Santa Barbara Island is an area that is bound bystraight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33°33.64′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.;(8) Northeast Bank is an area that is bound by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order listed:
32°27.39′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;
32°27.39′ N lat., 119°31.60′ W long.;

33°33.64′ N lat., 119°07.57′ W long.;
33°27.90′ N lat., 119°07.57′ W long.;

32°43.75′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;

33

32°20.00′ N lat., 119°31.60′ W long.;

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS, GMA MAP
California Rockfish Conservation Area
(T14 CCR §27.51)

32°20.00′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.; and32°27.39′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection 27.20(b)(1)(A), take orpossession of all federal groundfish species or species groups
as defined in Section 1.91 are prohibited year-round in the
Groundfish Exclusion Areas.

California Rockfish Conservation Areas minimize interaction
with particular species of groundfish that cannot be selectively
avoided and must be protected by closing times, depths orareas to recreational fishing for federal groundfish and all
greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. See Section 27.20
through Section 27.50.

GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS (GMAs)
Groundfish Exclusion
Area Key1

1. Hidden Reef
2. West of Santa Barbara Is.

2

3. Potato Bank
4. 107/118 Bank

3

5. Cherry Bank

4

6. Seamount 109

57. 43-Fathom Spot
8. Northeast Bank
7

6
8

34

Groundfish regulations
may change in-season.
This booklet will be kept
up-to-date as regulations
change. You can also
check the Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Table web
page (scan code below)
and other online sources
provided on pg. 6 under
CDFW Website - Useful
Links for the latest
information.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

GENERAL INVERTEBRATESGeneral (T14 CCR §29.05)

clams, cockles, mussels, rock scallops, native oysters,
octopuses, squid, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, sand dollars, sea
urchins and worms except that no worms may be taken inany mussel bed, unless taken incidental to the harvestingof mussels.

(a) Except as provided in this article there are no closed

seasons, closed hours or minimum size limits for any
invertebrate. The bag limit on all invertebrates for which
the take is authorized and for which there is not a bag limit
otherwise established in this article is 35. In San Francisco
and San Pablo bays and saltwater tributaries east of theGolden Gate Bridge invertebrates may not be taken at night
except from the shore.

(c) Measuring Devices
Every person while taking invertebrates which have a size
limit shall carry a device which is capable of accurately
measuring the minimum legal size of the species taken.

(b) Take of all invertebrates is prohibited within statemarine reserves. Take of certain invertebrates may beprohibited within state marine parks and state marine
conservation areas as per subsection 632(b). In addition, tidal
invertebrates may not be taken in any tidepool or other areas
between the high tide mark (defined as Mean Higher HighTide) and 1,000 feet seaward and lateral to the low tide mark(defined as Mean Lower Low Water) except as follows:(d) In all ocean waters skin and self contained underwater(1) Except where prohibited within state marine reserves,state marine parks, state marine conservation areas, orother special closures only the following may be taken:
red abalone, limpets, moon snails, turban snails, chiones,or other device capable of liquifying sand within 100 yardsof any place where marine invertebrates may be present,
except in a permanent residence.

breathing apparatus (scuba) divers may take invertebrates asprovided in this article except that in all ocean waters northof Yankee Point (Monterey Co.), scuba may be used only
to take sea urchins, rock scallops and crabs of the genus
Cancer. For the purpose of this section, breathing tubes(snorkels) are not scuba.

(e) It shall be unlawful to use or possess any hydraulic pump

SEA URCHINS
Purple Sea Urchin (T14 CCR §29.06)(d) Notwithstanding other parts of this Section and until April
1, 2029:(a) Except as provided in this section, the daily bag limit for
sea urchin is 35 individuals for each species.

(1) In ocean waters seaward of Caspar Headlands
State Beach commonly referred to as Caspar Cove, in
Mendocino County, in the area eastward of a straightline connecting points between 39° 22.045' N. lat. 123°49.462' W. long. and 39° 21.695' N. lat. 123° 49.423' W.
long., purple sea urchins may be taken in any number
for the purpose of restoring the kelp ecosystem. Purple
sea urchins may only be taken by hand or with manuallyoperated hand-held tools.

(b) The daily bag limit for purple sea urchin is forty (40)
gallons when taken while skin or scuba diving in ocean
waters of the following counties: Humboldt, Mendocino, andSonoma.
(c) There is no possession limit for purple sea urchin.

Purple sea urchins eating kelp in Mendocino County

photo © K. Joe

35

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MOLLUSKS
General (T14 CCR §29.10)(g) Abalone Possession and Transportation
Abalones shall not be removed from their shell, except whenbeing prepared for immediate consumption.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, saltwatermollusks, including octopus, may be taken only on hook andline or with the hands.

(1) Individuals taking abalone shall maintain separate
possession of their abalone. Abalone may not becommingled in a float tube, dive board, dive bag, or any
other container or device, until properly tagged. Only after
abalones are properly tagged, as described in Section
29.16(b), Title 14, CCR, may they be commingled withother abalone taken by another person.

(b) The size of a mollusk is measured in greatest shell
diameter.

Abalone (T14 CCR §29.15)(a) All ocean waters are closed to the take of abalone.
Abalone may not be taken or possessed.

(h) Report Card Required(b) This subsection and subsection (a) shall remain in effectonly until April 1, 2026, and as of that date are repealed,
unless a later enacted amendment deletes or extends that
date.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), subsections (c)(1) and(c)(2) are applicable for abalone in possession prior to April 1,
2018:(1) Minimum Abalone Size: All red abalone must be
seven inches or greater measured along the longest shell
diameter.
(2) Abalone Possession and Transportation: It shall be
unlawful to possess any untagged abalone or any abalonethat have been removed from their shell, except when they
are being prepared for immediate consumption.

(d) Minimum Abalone Size
All red abalone must be seven inches or greater measured
along the longest shell diameter. No undersized abalone may
be brought ashore or aboard any boat, placed in any typeof receiver, kept on the person, or retained in any person’s
possession or under his control. Undersize abalone must be
replaced immediately to the same surface of the rock fromwhich detached. Abalones brought ashore shall be in such a
condition that the size can be determined.

(e) Special Gear Provisions
The use of scuba gear or surface supplied air to take abalone
is prohibited. Abalone may not be taken or possessed aboard
any boat, vessel, or floating device in the water containing
scuba or surface supplied air. Abalone may be taken only
by hand or by devices commonly known as abalone irons.
Abalone irons must be less than 36 inches long, straight orwith a curve having a radius of not less than 18 inches, andmust not be less than 3/4 inch wide nor less than 1/16 inch
thick. All edges must be rounded and free of sharp edges.
Knives, screwdrivers and sharp instruments are prohibited.

(f) Measuring Device
Every person while taking abalone shall carry a fixed caliper
measuring gauge capable of accurately measuring seveninches. The measuring device shall have fixed opposing armsof sufficient length to measure the abalone by placing thegauge over the shell.

36

Any person fishing for or taking abalone shall have in theirpossession a nontransferable Abalone Report Card issued by
the department and shall adhere to all reporting and tagging
requirements for abalone defined in Sections 1.74 and 29.16,
Title 14, CCR.

(i) Effective April 1, 2026 - Bag Limit and Yearly
Trip Limit
Bag Limit and Yearly Trip Limit: Three red abalone, Haliotis
rufescens may be taken per day. No more than three abalone
may be possessed at any time. No other species of abalone
may be taken or possessed. Each person taking abalone
shall stop detaching abalone when the limit of three isreached. No person shall take more than 18 abalone during
a calendar year. In the Open Area as defined in subsections
29.15(j) and 29.15(j)(1), not more than 9 abalone of theyearly trip limit may be taken south of the boundary between
Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

(j) Effective April 1, 2026 - Open Area
Except in the area described in subsection (j)(1) below,
abalone may only be taken north of a line drawn due west
magnetic from the center of the mouth of San Francisco Bay.
No abalone may be taken, landed, or possessed if landed
south of this line.
(1) No abalone may be taken in the Fort Ross areabounded by the mean high tide line and a line drawn due
south true from 38º30.63’ N, 123º14.98’ W (the northernpoint of Fort Ross Cove) and a line drawn due west true
from 38º29.45’ N, 123º11.72’ W (Jewel Gulch, south
boundary Fort Ross State Park).

(k) Effective April 1, 2026 - Open Season and
Hours(1) Open Season: Abalone may be taken only during themonths of April, May, June, August, September, October,and November.
(2) Open Hours: Abalone may be taken only from 8:00 AM
to one-half hour after sunset.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MOLLUSKS
Abalone Report Card and Tagging
Requirements (T14 CCR §29.16)(d) Records of Prior Activity
All tags must be accounted for at all times by entry of arecord on the Abalone Report Card corresponding to all tags
that are not in possession. Any tag that was lost or destroyed
shall be recorded as such on the corresponding line on
the Abalone Report Card. Any tag that was inadvertently
removed and is still in possession shall be recorded as voidon both the tag and the corresponding line on the Abalone
Report Card.

[Season closed until at least April 1, 2026. See Abalone,
T14 CCR §29.15](a) Abalone Report Card Required
All individuals including divers must have an Abalone Report
Card in their immediate possession while fishing for or taking
red abalone. Individuals must complete and return the card
pursuant to regulations in this Section and in Section 1.74.

(e) Abalone tags must be left affixed to the shell, including
while stored at a residence or non-transient location, until theabalone is processed for immediate consumption.

(b) Tagging Requirements
An Abalone Report Card includes detachable tags that shallbe used to tag any abalone that is taken and retained in the
sport fishery. Any red abalone possessed by any person shallbe tagged.
(1) Cardholders shall tag any red abalone either
immediately upon exiting the water or immediately uponboarding a vessel, whichever occurs first. For the purposesof this section a vessel is defined as any watercraft used
or capable of being used as a means of transportation
on water (reference Section 9840(a) CVC). Cardholders
shall not wait to return to their vehicle, beach site or otherlocation to tag any abalone in possession.
EXCEPTION: Cardholders who dive from a non-motorized
vessel such as a kayak that is in the water may wait until
immediately after disembarking from the non-motorized
vessel to tag and record any abalone in possession, butshall not transfer any abalone from his or her immediate
possession unless they are first tagged and recorded on
the report card.
(2) The cardholder shall fill in the month, day, time ofcatch, and fishing location on the abalone tag, remove andcompletely detach the tag from the card, and affix it to theshell of the abalone.

(f) The annual fee for the Abalone Report Card is specified in
Section 7149.8 of the Fish and Game Code.

Chiones see Clams, Littleneck (T14 CCR§29.35)
Clams, Gaper (Horse Clams andHorseneck Clams) and Washington Clams(T14 CCR §29.25)
Limit: Ten of each species, except in Humboldt Bay the limit
is fifty in combination; however, no more than 25 gaper clams
may be taken or possessed. In Elkhorn Slough the limit istwelve in combination. All gaper clams and Washington clams
dug, regardless of size or broken condition, must be retained
until the bag limit is reached. For purposes of this section,
clams commonly termed horse clams or horseneck clams are
gaper clams, not geoduck clams regulated pursuant to Section
29.30, Title 14, CCR.

Clams, General (T14 CCR §29.20)(a) Except as provided in this article, there are no closed
seasons, bag limits or size limits on saltwater clams.

(3) The tag shall be securely fastened to the shell of theabalone. To affix the tag, a “zip tie”, string, line or othersuitable material shall be passed through a siphon holeon the abalone shell and through the tag at the location
specified on the abalone tag.

(b) Fishing hours
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

(c) Gear restrictions(4) Tags shall be used in sequential order, and shall not
be removed from the report card until immediately prior toaffixing to an abalone. Any tags detached from the reportcard and not affixed to an abalone shall be considered
used and therefore invalid.
(5) No person shall possess any used or otherwise invalid
abalone tags not attached to an abalone shell.

(c) Reporting Requirements
Immediately upon tagging all abalone in possession, thecardholder shall record the month, day, time of catch, andfishing location in the appropriate spaces on the numberedline on the Abalone Report Card which corresponds to thenumber on the tag attached to the abalone.

37

It shall be unlawful to use anything other than the following
hand-operated devices to take clams: spades, shovels,
hoes, forks, rakes, devices that use suction to remove clams
commonly known as slurp guns or clam guns, or rigid pipes
used to prevent the collapse of holes when digging forclams. It shall be unlawful to use any other device to takeclams, including any hydraulic pump or other device capableof liquifying sand. It shall be unlawful to possess any such
unauthorized device, except in a permanent residence,concurrently with any clam. No instrument capable of being
used to dig clams may be possessed between one-halfhour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, on any
beach of this state, except tools and implements used in thework of cleaning, repairing or maintaining such beach whenpossessed by a person authorized by appropriate authority toperform such work.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MOLLUSKS
Clams, Pismo (T14 CCR §29.40)(d) Clams that have a size limit shall be immediately
measured. Any undersize clams, or other clams that are
not retained, shall be immediately reburied in the area fromwhich they were taken. All clams shall be kept in a wholeand measurable condition until being prepared for immediate
consumption. When taking or possessing clams each person
is required to keep a separate container for their clams. It
shall be unlawful to commingle one person's clams withclams taken by another person.

(a) Open season
May be taken in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties
September 1 through April 30. In all other counties, except instate marine reserves or other marine protected areas which
prohibit the take of clams (see Section 632), Pismo clams
may be taken at any time of the year.

(b) Limit

Clams, Geoduck (T14 CCR §29.30)

Ten.

Limit: Three. The first three geoduck clams dug must be
retained as the bag limit regardless of size or broken condition.
For purposes of this section, clams commonly termed horse
clams or horseneck clams are not geoduck clams.

(c) Minimum size
Five inches in greatest shell diameter north of the boundary
between San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties; fourand one-half inches in greatest shell diameter south of theboundary between San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.

Clams, Horse and Horseneck see Clams,
Gaper (T14 CCR §29.25)
Clams - Littleneck, Soft-Shell, Chiones,
Northern Quahogs, and Cockles (T14 CCR§29.35)(a) Limit
Fifty in combination.

(d) Clam preserves
No clams shall be taken within state marine reserves or othermarine protected areas which prohibit the take of clams (seeSection 632).

Clams, Soft-shell see Clams, Littleneck(T14 CCR §29.35)
Clams, Washington see Clams, Gaper (T14
CCR §29.25)(b) Minimum size
One and one-half inches in greatest diameter, except there
is no size limit for soft-shell clams. All soft-shell clams dug,
regardless of size or broken condition, must be retained until
the bag limit is reached.

Cockles see Clams, Littleneck (T14 CCR§29.35)

Clams, Northern Quahogs see Clams,
Littleneck (T14 CCR §29.35)

Limpets see General (T14 CCR §29.05)

Clams, Pacific Razor (T14 CCR §29.45)

Limit: Ten pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels andbay mussels in combination.

Mussels (T14 CCR §29.55)(a) Open season(1) Clam Beach (also known as Little River Beach) in
Humboldt County: Between Mad River and south of theboundary line due west from the Clam Beach south parking
lot trailhead (40° 59.67′ N. lat.) open only during evennumbered years; between Moonstone Beach and northof the boundary line due west from the Clam Beach south
parking lot trailhead (40° 59.67′ N. lat.) open only duringodd-numbered years.

Octopus see General (T14 CCR §29.05)
Oysters, Native see General (T14 CCR§29.05)
Sand Dollar see General (T14 CCR §29.05)
Snails, Moon (T14 CCR §29.71)(a) Limit(2) In Del Norte County: North of Battery Point open only
during odd-numbered years; south of Battery Point open
only during even-numbered years.

Five.

(b) Open season(3) All other areas: Open all year.

(b) Limit
Twenty. The first twenty clams dug must be retained as the
bag limit regardless of size or broken condition.

All year except that moon snails may not be taken north of
the Golden Gate Bridge.

Snails, Turban see General (T14 CCR§29.05)38

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MOLLUSKS
Squid, Market and Jumbo (T14 CCR§29.70)

Scallops, Speckled (Bay) (T14 CCR§29.65)

Squid may be taken with hand-held dip nets. There is no limit.

May not be taken or possessed.

Scallops, Rock (T14 CCR §29.60)

Whelk, Kellet's (T14 CCR §29.17)(a) Limit: Ten.
(b) Methods of take: Rock scallops may be taken only byhand, by the use of dive knives, or by devices commonly
known as abalone irons in compliance with provisions ofSection 29.15(e) of these regulations.

(a) Open Season
From July 1 through the first Wednesday after the 15th ofMarch.

Worms see General (T14 CCR §29.05)

FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES RELATED to DOMOIC ACID
in CALIFORNIA CRAB and ANY OTHER ADVISORIES for
CRUSTACEANS, FINFISH, and SHELLFISHCALL the CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH at
1-800-553-4133 or visit CDPH's
MARINE BIOTOXIN QUARANTINES AND HEALTH ADVISORIESWEB PAGE
When circumstances arise, warnings, quarantine information and healthadvisories generated by the California Department of Public Health concerning
consumption of California’s ocean finfish, shellfish and crustaceans will
also be posted online at wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/health-advisories

ATTENTION CLAMMERS!
Please check the CDFW Domoic Acid Fishery Closure

Information Line at (831) 649-2883 for the latest

information on domoic acid fishery closures, and to receive
the latest information on the razor clam fishery in Humboldt andDel Norte counties. For health advisories issued by the California
Department of Public Health, please call their Biotoxin Information Line at(800) 553-4133. You can also check the California Department of Public Health's
Recreational Shellfish Advisory Interactive Map.
razor clam illustration by A. Bachar392024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CRUSTACEANS
Gear Restrictions for Recreational Take of
Saltwater Crustaceans (T14 CCR §29.80)(a) General Provisions

ring and supported by no more than six rigid straightsupport arms, and the assembled frame shall measure
no more than 10 inches tall;(1) Saltwater crustaceans may be taken by hand.

2. The rings and support material shall not be thicker
than one inch in any dimension;(2) Nets, traps or other appliances may not be used except
as provided in this Section.

3. All rings shall be connected by non-metallic soft
mesh, thereby forming a net with an enclosed bottom;(3) It is unlawful to disturb, move, or damage any trap; orremove any saltwater crustacean from a trap, that belongs
to another person without written permission including
permission transmitted electronically, in possession fromthe operator of the trap. Any person with written permission
from the operator of a crab trap will be in compliance withsubsection (c)(3)(A)1. if the written permission contains theoperator's GO ID number that matches the GO ID number
on the buoy of the crab trap being fished.

4. Lift lines shall be attached only to the top ring;(b) Hoop Nets
Hoop nets may be used to take spiny lobsters and all speciesof crabs.
(1) Hoop Net Defined: Only Type A and Type B hoop nets,
as describe below, are allowed for use:
(A) Type A: Fishing gear that is comprised of one to threerigid ring(s), with each ring measuring no greater than
36 inches in inside diameter nor less than 10 inches ininside diameter, which is/are connected to non-metallic
soft mesh thereby forming a circular-shaped net with an
enclosed bottom and with the following specifications:
1. Lift lines shall be attached only to the top ring;
2. A second and third rigid ring(s) may be connected bynon-metallic soft mesh to the top ring; however, eachring must be equal in size to or smaller than the ringabove it;
3. When the net is being raised, the top ring shall be
above and parallel to all other rings, with the enclosed
bottom portion of the non-metallic soft mesh even withor hanging below all other rings;

6. It is unlawful to have any entrances below the top
ring; and7. A bait ring may be used if it is attached to the bottom
half of the net and it is not attached to any part of therigid frame.
(2) The owner or operator of a hoop net shall raise thehoop net to the surface and inspect the contents of thehoop net at intervals not to exceed 2 hours.
(3) It is unlawful to abandon or leave unchecked a hoop
net for more than 2 hours. Any hoop net left unchecked
for more than 2 hours shall be considered abandoned andmay be seized by any person authorized to enforce theseregulations.
(4) Limits: Except for the limit of two hoop nets when taking
crabs from a public pier under subsection 28.65(b), thefollowing limits apply when taking spiny lobster or crab.
(A) Between Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County, andthe United States-Mexico border, not more than five hoop
nets shall be possessed or deployed by a person, unlesswhen two or more persons are on a vessel, in whichcase not more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed or
deployed from such vessel.
(B) North of Point Arguello to the California-Oregonborder, there is no limit on the number of hoop nets that
may be possessed or deployed.

4. All parts of the hoop net shall collapse and lie flat
when resting on the ocean floor in such a manner thatthe gear does not entrap or restrict the free movementof crustaceans until lifted;(5) Hoop Net Identification Requirements: All hoop nets
shall be marked with a surface buoy, except for those hoop
nets deployed by persons on shore or manmade structuresconnected to the shore.

5. When suspended from lift lines, the entire hoop net
shall measure no taller than 36 inches; and6. The ring material shall not be thicker than one inch inany dimension.
(B) Type B: Fishing gear that is comprised of only two
rigid rings (not including the bait ring), with the bottom
ring measuring no greater than 36 inches in inside
diameter and the top ring measuring no less than
15 inches in inside diameter and with the following
specifications:
1. The top ring shall be connected to the bottom

5. When suspended from lift lines, the enclosed bottom
portion of the net shall be even with or hanging below
the bottom ring, and the entire net shall measure notaller than 30 inches;(A) The surface buoy of hoop nets deployed fromcommercial passenger fishing vessels shall be legibly
marked to identify the commercial boat registration
number of the vessel.
(B) The surface buoy of hoop nets provided by a licensed
guide to clients for use on guided trips shall be legibly
marked to identify the guide license number of theaccompanying guide.
(C) In all other cases, the surface buoy of any deployedhoop net shall be legibly marked with the operator's GO

402024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CRUSTACEANS
ID number, or the GO ID number of at least one operator
if there are multiple operators.

(7) Starting at least 5 days in advance of the opening of
the recreational Dungeness crab fishing season pursuant
to Section 29.85, the director shall, on at least a monthly
basis until the season opens statewide and March 1
through June 15, evaluate and respond to risk of humpback
whales, blue whales, and/or Pacific leatherback sea turtle
entanglement with recreational crab fishing gear as follows:(6) Hoop nets shall not be deployed and used in ocean
waters south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County,
during the 24-hour period prior to the opening of therecreational spiny lobster season.

(c) Crab traps(1) Crab traps shall have at least two rigid circular openings
of not less than four and one-quarter inches inside diameterso constructed that the lowest portion of each opening is nolower than five inches from the top of the trap.

(A) The director shall evaluate entanglement risk basedon marine life concentrations as defined in subsection
132.8(a)(10), Title 14, CCR, and consistent with theacceptable data and numerical triggers outlined insubsection 132.8(c)(2).

(2) Crab traps shall contain at least one destruct device of asingle strand of untreated cotton twine size No. 120 or lessthat creates an unobstructed escape opening in the top
or upper half of the trap of at least five inches in diameter
when the destruct attachment material corrodes or fails.

1. If data are available, and marine life concentrations
meet the numerical triggers for any species as
specified in subsection 132.8(c)(2)(A)4. (in the fall) or
132.8(c)(2)(B) (in the spring), the director shall takeaction pursuant to subsection 29.80(c)(7)(B) below.

(3) Trap Gear Identification: Every crab trap shall bemarked with only a main buoy and a marker buoy, except
as noted under subsection 29.80(c)(3)(C) below.

2. If data are unavailable prior to the recreational
Dungeness crab season opener, the director shall takeaction pursuant to subsection 29.80(c)(7)(B) below until
data are available, at which point subsection 29.80(c)(7)(A)1. shall apply.

(A) A main buoy is a surface buoy that is at least 5 inches
in diameter and 11 inches in length.
1. The main buoy for traps deployed by an individual
shall be legibly marked with the operator's assigned
GO ID number.
2. The main buoy for traps deployed from a commercial
passenger fishing vessel shall be legibly marked to
identify the commercial boat registration number of thatvessel.
(B) A marker buoy is a red buoy 3 inches in diameter and5 inches in length attached no more than 3 feet from themain buoy.
(C) In addition to marking the buoy pursuant tosubsection (c)(3)(A)2., traps deployed by commercial
passenger fishing vessels shall be legibly marked to
identify the commercial boat registration number of thevessel.

1. Advisory notice to recreational crab fishers to employ
voluntary efforts and/or measures to reduce the risk ofentanglements (e.g. best fishing practices).
2. Recreational Dungeness crab season delay andcontinuation of the crab trap prohibition specified insubsection 29.80(c)(4), whereby the director shallprohibit the deployment and use of recreational crab
traps until new data indicates the numerical triggers
for any species as specified in subsection 132.8(c)(2)(A)4. (in the fall) are no longer met, at which point thedirector shall lift or modify the Dungeness crab season
delay as appropriate.

(4) Crab traps shall not be deployed and used in ocean
waters seven days prior to the opening of the Dungenesscrab season.
(5) Every crab trap shall be raised, cleaned, and emptied(serviced) at intervals not to exceed 9 days, weather
conditions at sea permitting, and no crab trap shall beabandoned in the waters of this state.
(6) Trap Limits:(A) An individual shall not operate more than 10
deployed traps, except an individual may service up to 10
additional traps if the individual has in possession written
permission from the operator(s) of the additional traps
whose gear are identified in accordance with subsection(c)(3)(A)1.
(B) A commercial passenger fishing vessel shall not
deploy more than 60 traps per vessel.

(B) If required under subsection 29.80(c)(7)(A) above,the director after consulting with the president of thecommission or the president's designee, shall implement
one or more of the following recreational management
actions that the director demonstrates protects humpback
whales, blue whales, and/or Pacific leatherback sea
turtles based on best available science. Recreational
management action shall be determined based on
consideration of information outlined in subsection
132.8(d):41

3. Season closure, whereby the director shall prohibit
the deployment and use of recreational crab traps
until new data indicates the numerical triggers for any
species as specified in subsection 132.8(c)(2)(B) (inthe spring) are no longer met, or the normal end of
the Dungeness crab season specified in subsection
29.85(b)(2), at which point the director shall lift or
modify the closure as appropriate.
(C) Recreational management action may be
implemented statewide or by fishing zone(s) (asdefined in subsections 132.8(a)(7)(A)-(G)), if the2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CRUSTACEANS
director demonstrates less-than-statewide action
protects humpback whales, blue whales, and/or Pacificleatherback sea turtles based on best available science.

Dungeness Crab Seasons
Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties(D) Notice of a delay or closure pursuant to subsection
29.80(c)(7)(B)2. or 3. shall be transmitted via a director's
declaration. The declaration will describe the following:
1. Data supporting the entanglement risk evaluation
pursuant to subsection 29.80(c)(7)(A).

Last Day of Season
Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Saturday November 2, 2024

Wednesday July 30, 2025

Saturday November 1, 2025
Thursday July 30, 2026
All Other Counties
First Day of Season
Last Day of Season
Saturday November 4, 2023
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Saturday November 2, 2024
Monday June 30, 2025
Saturday November 1, 2025
Tuesday June 30, 2026

2. Relevant information informing management
considerations from subsection 132.8(d).
3. Rationale for nexus between management
considerations in subsection 132.8(d) and chosen
recreational management action under subsection
29.80(c)(7)(B).
4. Duration of management action.

hand-operated devices to take sand crabs or shrimp:
spades, shovels, hoes, forks, rakes, devices that use suctioncommonly known as slurp guns or clam guns, or rigid pipes
used to prevent the collapse of holes when digging for sandcrabs or shrimp. It shall be unlawful to use any other devices
to take crabs or shrimp, including any hydraulic pump orother device capable of liquifying sand.

(E) The director's declaration pursuant to subsection
29.80(c)(7)(D) shall provide a minimum of 5 days' notice
before the delay or closure becomes effective.
(F) The director's declaration and/or any advisory notice
shall be communicated via the department's “Whale
Safe Fisheries” web page located at https://wildlife.
ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Whale-Safe-Fisheries.
At its discretion, the department may communicate
declarations and/or advisory notices via additional
formats.

(i) Dip nets and Hawaiian type throw nets
Shrimp may be taken with dip nets and Hawaiian type thrownets north of Point Conception.

(j) Shrimp trawls(G) After the director implements a management action
pursuant to subsection (c)(7)(B), he or she shall notify thecommission and request that the commission schedule
a public discussion of the management action at its next
regularly-scheduled commission meeting.

Shrimp beam trawls may be used to take shrimp only in San
Francisco Bay waters east of the Golden Gate Bridge, and in
San Pablo Bay. The beam trawl frame from which the net ishung may not exceed 24 inches by 18 inches. The trawl may
be towed by motorized vessels but may not be retrieved bymechanical devices. Any fish, other than shrimp, caught inthe trawl must be returned immediately to the water.

(d) Crab loop traps may have up to six loops.
(e) Crab trap areas

Crabs (T14 CCR §29.85)

Crab traps, including crab loop traps, may be used north of
Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County to take all species ofcrabs.

(a) Any individual who fishes for crabs using crab trap(s)pursuant to subsection 29.80(c), shall have in possession avalid Recreational Crab Trap Validation.

(f) Shrimp and prawn traps may be used to take shrimp

and prawns only. Trap openings may not exceed ½ inch inany dimension on traps used south of Point Conception nor
five inches in any dimension on traps used north of Point
Conception.

(b) Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister)(g) Diving for crustaceans
In all ocean waters, except as provided in Section 29.05, skinand scuba divers may take crustaceans by the use of thehands only. Divers may not possess any hooked device while
diving or attempting to dive. Divers may be in possessionof spearfishing equipment so long as possession of such
equipment is otherwise lawful and is not being used to aid in
the take of crustaceans.

(1) Dungeness crab may not be taken from or possessed if
taken from San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, plus all
their tidal bays, sloughs and estuaries between the Golden
Gate Bridge and Carquinez Bridge.
(2) Open season: Fishing rules for Dungeness crab may bechanged during the year or in-season by the director under
the authority of subsection 29.80(c)(7). See subsection
29.80(c)(7) for additional information.
(A) Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties: From
the first Saturday in November through July 30.
(B) All other counties: From the first Saturday in
November through June 30.

(h) Gear restrictions
It shall be unlawful to use anything other than the following

First Day of Season
Saturday November 4, 2023

42(3) Limit: Ten.

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CRUSTACEANS(4) No vessel that takes Dungeness crabs under authorityof this section, or Section 29.80, shall be used to take
Dungeness crabs for commercial purposes.

California Spiny Lobster Seasons(5) Minimum size: Five and three-quarter inches measured
by the shortest distance through the body from edge ofshell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding thepoints (lateral spines).

First Day of Season

Last Day of Season

Friday September 29, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 20, 2024

Friday September 27, 2024, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 19, 2025

Friday September 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 18, 2026(c) All crabs of the Cancer genus except Dungeness crabs,
but including: yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs and slendercrabs:(d) Spiny lobsters shall be kept in a whole, measurable
condition, until being prepared for immediate consumption.

(1) Open season: All year. Fishing rules for crabs of theCancer genus may be changed during the year or inseason by the director under the authority of subsection
29.80(c)(7). See subsection 29.80(c)(7). for additional
information.

(e) Report Card Required
Any person fishing for or taking spiny lobster shall have intheir possession a nontransferable Spiny Lobster Report
Card issued by the department and shall adhere to allreporting requirements for spiny lobster defined in sections
1.74 and 29.91, Title 14, CCR.

(2) Limit: Thirty-five.
(3) Minimum size: Four inches measured by the shortest
distance through the body, from edge of shell to edge ofshell at the widest part, except there is no minimum size in
Fish and Game districts 8 and 9.

(d) All crabs of the genus Cancer, including Dungeness

Lobster (California Spiny) Report Card
Requirements for Ocean Waters (T14 CCR§29.91)(a) Spiny Lobster Report Card Required

crabs, yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs and slender crabs,
may be brought to the surface of the water for measuring, but
no undersize crabs may be placed in any type of receiver,
kept on the person or retained in any person’s possession
or under his direct control; all crabs shall be measured
immediately and any undersize crabs shall be released
immediately into the water.

All individuals must have a Spiny Lobster Report Card intheir possession while fishing for or taking spiny lobster. In
the case of a person diving from a boat, the report card may
be kept in the boat, or in the case of a person diving from theshore, the report card may be kept within 500 yards from thepoint of entry. Individuals must complete and return the card
pursuant to regulations in this section and in Section 1.74.

(e) Sand crabs (Emerita analoga)(b) Prior to beginning fishing activity, the cardholder mustrecord the month, day, location, and gear code on thefirst available line on the report card. For purposes of thissubsection “beginning fishing activity” is defined as placinga hoop net into the water or entering the ocean to take spiny
lobster.

Limit: Fifty.

Lobster, California Spiny (T14 CCR§29.90)(a) Open season(c) When the cardholder moves to another location code, orfinishes fishing for the day, the cardholder must immediately
record on the card the number of spiny lobster kept from thatlocation.

From 6:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the first Wednesdayin October through the first Wednesday after the 15th ofMarch.

(b) Limit(d) In the event an individual fills in all lines and returns

Seven.

a Spiny Lobster Report Card, an additional card may bepurchased. See Section 1.74.

(c) Minimum size
3 and ¼ inches measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to
the rear edge of the body shell. All spiny lobsters shall bemeasured immediately and any undersize spiny lobster
shall be released immediately into the water. Undersize
spiny lobster shall not be placed in any type of receiver,bag, or other container, kept on the person or retained inany person's possession or under their direct control. Divers
shall measure spiny lobsters while in the water and shall not
remove undersized spiny lobsters from the water, and hoop
net operators shall measure spiny lobsters immediately upon
removal from the water.

(e) The annual fee for the Spiny Lobster Report Card isspecified in Section 701, Title 14, CCR.

Shrimp, Bay (Grass Shrimp) (T14 CCR§29.86)
Limit: Five pounds.

Shrimp, Blue Mud see Shrimp, Ghost (T14
CCR §29.87)

432024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CRUSTACEANS
Shrimp, Coonstripe (Pandalus danae) (T14
CCR §29.88)

Shrimp, Ghost and Blue Mud (T14 CCR§29.87)

Twenty pounds (in the shell, heads on) per day. The first 20
pounds taken, regardless of size or condition, shall constitute adaily bag and possession limit.

Limit: Fifty in combination.

Shrimp, Grass see Shrimp, Bay (T14 CCR§29.86)

Riley F.
EurekaBrianna andPatrick S.
San Diego

Nicholas W.
Dana Point44

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

MARINE PLANTS
Kelp General (T14 CCR §30.00)

Prohibited Species (T14 CCR §30.10)(a) Except as provided in this section and in Section 30.10

No eel grass (Zostera), surf grass (Phyllospadix), or sea palm
(Postelsia) may be cut or disturbed.

there is no closed season, closed hours or minimum size limit
for any species of marine aquatic plant. The daily bag limiton all marine aquatic plants for which the take is authorized,
except as provided in Section 28.60, is 10 pounds wet weight in
the aggregate.

(b) Marine aquatic plants may not be cut or harvested in statemarine reserves. Regulations within state marine conservation
areas and state marine parks may prohibit cutting or harvestingof marine aquatic plants per subsection 632(b) [marine
protected area regulations].

?
t
a
o
b
e
h
t
g
n
i
v
D Greit the card
Do you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways? As of January 1, 2023 persons
50 years of age or younger, and as of January 1, 2024 persons 60 years of age or younger,
are required to carry a California Boater Card while operating a motorized vessel on California
waters. By 2025, all persons who operate a motorized vessel on California waters will be
required to have one. The California Boater Card shows that its holder has successfully taken
an approved boating safety course and passed the corresponding exam. A lifetime card fee isonly $10 and some classes are available online. Apply now at CaliforniaBoaterCard.com.

45

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
The summary reference table below lists seasons, size limits, and bag and possession limits for commonly caught ocean
finfish. Length and skin requirements for fish filleted at sea, fishing gear restrictions, legal methods of take and other important
regulations are provided in other sections of this booklet. Species in bold red font may not be taken at any time.

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Anchovy, Northern

Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Barracuda, California

Year Round

28 in. total length, 17
in. alternate length

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§27.60(a), 28.25

Bass - Kelp, Barred
Sand, Spotted Sand

Year Round

14 in. total length, 10
in. alternate length

5 fish, all species
combined§28.30Year Round

North of Pt.
Conception: 18 inches
total length; South of
Pt. Conception: none

2 fish§27.85

Bonito, PacificYear Round

24 in. fork length
OR 5 pounds except
that: Five fish less than
24 in. fork length orweighing less than five
pounds may be taken
or possessed

10 fish§28.32

Butterfish, Pacific(Pompano)Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)CabezonSee Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

See Recreational
See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables
Summary Tables

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

Cod, PacificYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Dolphinfish(Dorado)Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§27.60(a)Corbina, California

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§27.60(a)Finescale CodlingYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Flounder, ArrowtoothYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Flounder, Starry

Year Round

None

None

§§1.91(a), 28.47,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Garibaldi

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§§28.05, 28.90, 28.95

Bass, Striped

continued

46

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Greenling, Rock and
Kelp

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

See Recreational
See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables
Summary Tables

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

GrenadiersYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Grouper, gulf andbroomtailTake or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§§28.12, 28.90, 28.95

Grunion, California

July 1 through March
31

None

30

§28.00

Halibut, California

None

22 in. total length

North of Pt. Sur,
Monterey County: 2 fish.
§28.15South of Pt. Sur,
Monterey County: 5 fish

Halibut, PacificSee wildlife.ca.gov/
conservation/marine/
pacific-halibut

None

1 fish§28.20Herring, Pacific

None

None

10 gallons§28.62Herring, Pacific (eggs)

None

None

25 pounds wet weigh,including plants§28.60Herring, RoundYear Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Jacksmelt

Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Lingcod

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

See Recreational
See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables
Summary Tables

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

Mackerel (Pacific Chuband Jack)

Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Marlin, (Black, Blue,and Striped)

Year RoundNone

1 fish§28.50Mudsucker, Longjaw

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§27.60(a)Perch, Shiner

Year RoundNone

20 fish, in addition to the
20 fish general daily bag §28.59
limit

Prickleback,Monkeyface

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§27.60(a)Queenfish

Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)RatfishYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit

47§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2),(e),
continued
and (f)continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Rockfish

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

See Recreational
See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables
Summary Tables

See Recreational
Groundfish Regulations
Summary Tables

Sablefish (Black Cod)

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Salmon, Coho (Silver)Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§27.80(b)Salmon (Chinook, Pink,
Chum, and Sockeye)

Check §27.80(c) and(d)

Check §27.80(c) and(d)

Check §27.80(c) and (d) §27.80

Sanddab, PacificYear Round

None

None

§§1.91(a), 28.48,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Sardine, PacificYear Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Scorpionfish, California(Sculpin)

Year Round

10 in. total length

5 fish§§1.91(a), 28.54,
27.65(b), 27.50,
27.20(b)(2), (e), and (f)Sea Bass, Giant(Black)Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§28.10§28.35

Seabass, WhiteYear Round

28 in. total length, 21½
in. alternate length

3 fish, except that only
1 fish may be taken inwaters south of Pt. Conception between March
15 and June 15

Shark, Leopard

Year Round

36 in. total length

3 fish§§1.91(a), 28.56,
27.65(b), 27.50,
27.20(b)(2), (e), and (f)Shark (Mako, Thresher,and Blue)Year RoundNone

2 of each species§28.42

Shark, Sixgill andSevengillYear Round

None

1 of each species§28.41

Shark, Soupfin

Year RoundNone

1 fish§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Shark, WhiteTake or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§§28.06, 5517

Sheephead, California

Boat-based anglers:March 1 throughDecember 31;
Recreational divers andshore-based anglers:Year Round

12 in. total length

2 fish§§28.26, 27.65(b),27.50
continued

48

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Skates (Big, California,
and Longnose)Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Smelt, True (night
smelt, surf smelt, andwhitebait)

None

None

25 pounds in
combination§28.45

Sole (Dover, English)

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Sole, Petrale

Year Round

None

None

§§1.91(a), 28.47,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)

Sole (Rock, Sand,
Butter, Curlfin, Rex,
Flathead)Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.48,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Spiny Dogfish

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Sturgeon, Green

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§27.91None§27.93

10 fish as part of 20
fish general daily bag
limit EXCEPT in San
Francisco and San
Pablo bays: 5 surfperch
all species combined(not including shiner
surfperch)§28.59Sturgeon, WhiteCATCH-ANDRELEASE ONLY

Surfperch, Redtail

October 1, 2024
through June 30,2025 except as
described in Section
27.95

Year round, except
surfperch may not betaken or possessed in
San Francisco and San
Pablo bays between
April 1 and July 31,
inclusive

Any sturgeon greaterthan 60 inches
fork length may
not be removed
from the water andshall be released
immediately.
See §27.93 forfurther restrictions

10½ in. total length49

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Finfish
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

None

10 fish as part of 20
fish general daily bag
limit EXCEPT in San
Francisco and San
Pablo bays: 5 surfperch
all species combined(not including shiner
surfperch)§28.59Year RoundNone

2 fish§28.40Thornyheads (Shortspine and Longspine)Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)Topsmelt

Year Round

None

None

§27.60(b)Surfperch, Other

Year round, except
surfperch may not betaken or possessed in
San Francisco and San
Pablo bays between
April 1 and July 31,
inclusive

Swordfish, Broadbill

South of Pt. Conception,
Santa Barbara County:
10 fish.
North of Pt. Conception,
Santa Barbara County:§28.38(a)25 fish.
Limits may be taken/
possessed in addition to
the 20 fish general daily
bag limit.
2 fish, which may betaken or possessed in§28.38(b)addition to the 20 fishgeneral daily bag limit

Tuna, Albacore

Year RoundNone

Tuna, Bluefin

Year RoundNone

Tuna, Skipjack

Year Round

None

None

§§27.60(b), 28.38(c)Tuna, Other (including
Bigeye and Yellowfin)

Year RoundNone

10 fish§§27.60(a), 28.38(d)Whitefish, Ocean

Year RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§28.58, 27.60(a)Whiting, PacificYear RoundNone

10 fish as part of 20 fishgeneral bag limit§§1.91(a), 28.49,
27.50, 27.20(b)(2), (e),and (f)24 in. fork length

10 fish at least 24 in.
fork length, except 5 fish
§28.37may be less than 24 in.
fork length

Yellowtail

Year Round

Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary Tables
May Be Found Online atwildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summaryor scan this QR code with your smart device

502024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
The summary reference table below lists seasons, size limits, and bag and possession limits for commonly caught ocean
invertebrates, such as crabs, lobster, shrimp, and clams. Fishing gear restrictions, legal methods of take and other important
regulations are provided in other sections of this booklet. Species in bold red font may not be taken at any time.

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Invertebrates
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Clams - Gaper(Horse Clams,
Horseneck Clams) andWashington

Year Round; one-halfhour before sunrise
to one-half hour aftersunsetNone

Statewide excluding
Humboldt Bay andElkhorn Slough: 10
clams of each species;
Humboldt Bay: 50
clams in combination,
including no morethan 25 gaper clams;
Elkhorn Slough: 12
clams in combination

Clam, Geoduck

Year Round; one-halfhour before sunrise
to one-half hour aftersunsetNone

3 clams§§29.30, 29.20(b)Clams - Littleneck,Soft-Shelled, Chiones,
Northern Quahogs,
and Cockles

Year Round; one-halfhour before sunrise
to one-half hour aftersunset1½ in. greatest shell
diameter, except nosize limit for softshelled clams, all softshelled clams dug must
be retained until bag
limit is reached

50 clams in
combination§§29.35(a), 29.05(c),29.10(b), 29.20(d),29.35(b), 29.20(b)Clam, Pismo

Santa Cruz andMonterey counties
from September 1
through April 30; openyear-round in all othercounties, one-half hour
before sunrise to onehalf hour after sunset

From Monterey County
north: 5 in.; from San
Luis Obispo County
south: 4½ in. greatest
shell diameter10 clams§§29.40, 29.05, 29.10,
29.20

None

20 clams§§29.45, 29.20

None

None

§§29.05, 29.10, 29.20

Ten pounds in the shellin combination§§29.05, 29.55§§29.25, 29.20(b)See §29.45
Clam, Pacific Razor

Open one-half hour
before sunrise to onehalf hour after sunset

Clams, Other

Year round; one-halfhour before sunrise
to one-half hour aftersunsetMussels, All

Year Round; annual
quarantine issued by
CDPH. CDPH Biotoxin None
Information Line: 1-800553-4133

continued
Note: Except for species listed in this table, tidal invertebrates may not be taken in any tidepool or other areas between the hightide mark (defined as Mean Higher High Tide) and 1,000 ft. seawards and lateral to the low tide mark (defined as Mean Lower
Low Water). (T-14 CCR §29.05(b)(1))

51

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Invertebrates
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Scallop, RockYear RoundNone

10 scallops§29.60(a)Scallop, Speckled(Bay)

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§29.65

Squid, Market andJumbo

Year Round

None

None

§29.70Octopus, All

Year RoundNone

35 octopus§29.05Oysters, All

Year RoundNone

35 oysters§29.05Limpets, All

Year RoundNone

35 limpets§29.05

Snail, Turban

Year RoundNone

35 snails§29.05None

5 snails§29.71

Take is prohibited;
red abalone fisherycurrently closed

Take is prohibited;
red abalone fisherycurrently closed§29.15None

35 mollusks§29.05

Snail, Moon

Abalone, All
Non-clam Mollusks,
Other

Sea Urchin, Purple

Year Round, except
moon snails may not
be taken north of theGolden Gate Bridge
Take is prohibited;
red abalone fisherycurrently closed
Year RoundYear RoundStatewide: 35 sea
urchins with nopossession limit, see
exceptions underNone§29.06§29.06

Sea Urchin, Red

Year Round

None

Statewide: 35 sea
urchins§29.05

Sea Urchin, Other

Year RoundNone

35 sea urchins§29.05

Sand Dollar

Year RoundNone

35 sand dollars§29.05

Whelk, Kellet's

July 1 through the first
Wednesday after the
15th of March

None

35 whelks§§29.17, 29.05(a)continued
Note: Except for species listed in this table, tidal invertebrates may not be taken in any tidepool or other areas between the hightide mark (defined as Mean Higher High Tide) and 1,000 ft. seawards and lateral to the low tide mark (defined as Mean Lower
Low Water). (T-14 CCR §29.05(b)(1))

52

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Regulations Summary Table for Ocean Invertebrates
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Worms, All

Year RoundNone

35 worms§29.05

Lobster, California
Spiny

From 6:00 p.m. on the
Friday preceding thefirst Wednesday in
October through thefirst Wednesday afterMar. 15

3¼ in. from the rearedge of the eye socket
to the rear edge of the
body shell

7 lobsters§29.90Crab, DungenessSee crab regulations.
Closed in San
Francisco Bay, San
Pablo Bay, and allbays, sloughs, andestuaries between theGolden Gate Bridge
and Carquinez Bridge

5¾ in. acrossmeasured from edgeof shell to edge of shell
directly in front of andexcluding lateral spines

10 crabs§29.85Crab, Other Cancer(Rock Crab, Slender
Crab, etc.)

Year Round

4 in. measured fromedge of shell to edge of
35 crabs
shell, except no limits indistricts 8 and 9§29.85Crab, Sand

Year RoundNone

50 crabs§§29.05(a), 29.85(e)Crab, Other

Year RoundNone

35 crabs§29.05

Shrimp, Bay

Year RoundNone

5 pounds§§29.86, 29.05(a) and(b)

Shrimp, Ghost andBlue Mud

Year RoundNone

50 shrimp in
combination§§29.87, 29.05(a) and(b)

Shrimp, Coonstripe

Year Round

NoneFirst 20 pounds in shelland with head§§29.88(b), 29.05(a)Shrimp, Other(includes prawns)

Year RoundNone

35 shrimp§29.05

Note: Except for species listed in this table, tidal invertebrates may not be taken in any tidepool or other areas between the hightide mark (defined as Mean Higher High Tide) and 1,000 ft. seawards and lateral to the low tide mark (defined as Mean Lower
Low Water). (T-14 CCR §29.05(b)(1))

53

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
The summary reference table below lists seasons, size limits, and bag and possession limits for kelp and ocean plants. Species
in bold red font may not be taken at any time.

Regulations Summary Table for Kelp and Ocean Plants
Species

SeasonSize Limit

Bag andPossession Limit

T14 CCR
Regulation
References

Eelgrass(Zostera spp.)

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§30.10Kelp, Other

Year roundNone

10 pounds wet weightin aggregate§30.00(a)Kelp, Sea Palm
(Postelsia spp.)

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§30.10Surfgrass(Phyllospadix spp.)

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited

Take or possession isprohibited§30.10

Healthy Seabirds, Healthy Oceans
Special Closures protect seabirds andmarine mammals from close-approachingwatercraft.
Know Before You Go!
Special Closures are often closed
to all watercraft.
Please review the marine protected areas
table for Special Closures in your area.
Follow these tips to minimize yourphoto © Len Blumin, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
impact:• Stay at least 1,000 feet away from cliffs, rocks, and islands• Dispose of fishing line, hooks, lures, and extra bait properly. Do not throw anything
overboard.
• Steer around, not through, floating flocks of seabirds• If birds begin to flutter their wings, move away — you are too close.
• Avoid shining bright lights at cliffs and islands where seabirds nest.
Why? The productive marine environment off the California coast is a feeding, breeding,and resting area for hundreds of thousands of seabirds. Seabirds nest on offshore rocks,
islands, and steep mainland cliffs in order to avoid predators. Many seabirds lay only one
egg a year, or one every other year. This low reproductive rate makes seabirds extremely
vulnerable. Getting too close to seabirds in a boat or on foot may disrupt breeding andfeeding, or harm seabirds and their chicks. Find out more information at farallones.noaa.
gov/eco/seabird54

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAS)
MARINE MANAGED AREAS (MMAS) AND
SPECIAL CLOSURES (T14 CCR §632)

subsection does not authorize retention or possession ofany marine resource taken pursuant to this subsection.

(a) General Rules and Regulations
The areas specified in this section have been declared by thecommission to be marine protected areas (MPAs), marine
managed areas (MMAs), or special closures. Public use ofmarine protected areas, marine managed areas, or special
closures shall be compatible with the primary purposes ofsuch areas. MPAs, MMAs, and special closures are subject
to the following general rules and regulations in addition toexisting Fish and Game Code statutes and regulations of thecommission, except as otherwise provided for in subsection
632(b), areas and special regulations for use. Nothing inthis section expressly or implicitly precludes, restricts or
requires modification of current or future uses of the waters
identified as marine protected areas, special closures, or thelands or waters adjacent to these designated areas by the
Department of Defense, its allies or agents.
(1) Protection of Resources in MPAs and MMAs, as
defined in Public Resources Code Section 36710:(A) State Marine Reserves: In a state marine reserve, it
is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource, except undera scientific collecting permit issued by the department
pursuant to Section 650 or specific authorization fromthe commission for research, restoration, or monitoring
purposes.
1. Notwithstanding the classification specified in thissection, the boundaries of all state marine reserves
exclude any pre-existing artificial structure whenthat structure is being actively maintained, repaired,or operated by the leaseholder(s), permittee(s), or theiragent(s).
(B) State Marine Parks: In a state marine park, it isunlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living
or nonliving marine resource for commercial purposes.
Any human use that would compromise protection of
the species of interest, natural community or habitat,or geological, cultural, or recreational features, may be
restricted by the commission as specified in subsection
632(b), areas and special regulations for use. The
department may issue scientific collecting permits
pursuant to Section 650. The commission may authorize
research, monitoring, and educational activities andcertain recreational harvest in a manner consistent withprotecting resource values. Take of marine resources
incidental to the operation, maintenance, repair,removal, and replacement within the existing footprintof pre-existing artificial structures is allowed in statemarine parks pursuant to any required federal, state,
and local permits and leases or if otherwise authorizedthrough any applicable federal, state, and local law. This(C) State Marine Conservation Areas: In a state marine
conservation area, it is unlawful to injure, damage, take,or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine
resource for commercial or recreational purposes, or a
combination of commercial and recreational purposes
except as specified in subsection 632(b), areas andspecial regulations for use. The department may issue
scientific collecting permits pursuant to Section 650.
The commission may authorize research, education,and recreational activities, and certain commercial andrecreational harvest of marine resources, provided thatthese uses do not compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community, habitat, or geologicalfeatures.
1. Any area within a state marine reserve that is
excluded from the boundaries of the state marine
reserve pursuant to subsection 632(a)(1)(A)1. is a statemarine conservation area.
2. Take of marine resources incidental to the operation,
maintenance, repair, removal, and replacement within
the existing footprint of pre-existing artificial structures
is allowed in state marine conservation areas pursuant
to any required federal, state, and local permits andleases or if otherwise authorized through any applicable
federal, state, and local law. This subsection does not
authorize retention or possession of any marine
resource taken pursuant to this subsection.
(D) State Marine Recreational Management Areas:
In a state marine recreational management area, it isunlawful to perform any activity that would compromise
the recreational values for which the area may bedesignated. Recreational opportunities may be protected,
enhanced, or restricted, while preserving basic resource
values of the area. No other use is restricted unlessspecified in subsection 632(b), areas and special
regulations for use. Take of marine resources incidental
to the operation, maintenance, repair, removal, andreplacement within the existing footprint of pre-existing
artificial structures is allowed in state marine recreational
management areas pursuant to any required federal,state, and local permits and leases or if otherwise
authorized through any applicable federal, state, andlocal law. This subsection does not authorize retention orpossession of any marine resource taken pursuant to thissubsection.
(E) It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, retain, or
possess any living, geological, or cultural marine
resource in any marine managed area except asotherwise specified in subsections 632(a)(1)(A)-(D).
(2) Finfish. Finfish, for the purpose of this section, aredefined as any species of bony fish or cartilaginous
fish (sharks, skates and rays). Finfish do not include55

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
amphibians, invertebrates, plants or algae. The definitionof finfish provided in Section 159 does not apply to thisSection.
(3) Pelagic Finfish. Pelagic finfish, for the purpose ofthis section, are a subset of finfish defined as: northernanchovy (Engraulis mordax), barracudas (Sphyraena spp.),billfishes* (family Istiophoridae), dolphinfish (Coryphaena
hippurus), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), jack mackerel(Trachurus symmetricus), Pacific mackerel (Scomber
japonicus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Pacific sardine(Sardinops sagax), blue shark (Prionace glauca), salmon
shark (Lamna ditropis), shortfin mako shark (Isurus
oxyrinchus), thresher sharks (Alopias spp.), swordfish(Xiphias gladius), tunas (family Scombridae) including
Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis), and yellowtail (Seriola
dorsalis).
*Marlin is not allowed for commercial take.
(4) Access. Access into marine protected areas or marine
managed areas for non-consumptive uses including but
not limited to swimming, surfing, diving, boating, hiking andwalking is allowed unless otherwise specified in subsection
632(b), areas and special regulations for use.
(5) Introduction of Species. Unless authorized by thecommission or as a result of authorized fishing activities,
the release of any fish or wildlife species, including
domestic or domesticated species, or the introductionof any plant species, is prohibited. The department may
reintroduce endemic species to marine protected areas or
marine managed areas for management purposes.

subsection 632(b), shall not be deployed in the water
while transiting through a state marine recreational
management area, state marine park or state marine
conservation area.
(B) Spearfishermen with or without catch shall be allowed
to transit through MPAs and MMAs. While transiting
MPAs and MMAs that prohibit spearfishing or while inpossession of species not identified as allowed for take in
the MPA or MMA being transited, spearfishing gear shallbe in an unloaded condition, not carried in hand, and thediver shall remain at the surface.
(9) Water Quality Monitoring. Sampling of water,
sediment and marine life, for water quality monitoringor pollution research, or as required in a Monitoring andReporting Program of a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and Waste Discharge
Requirements issued by the State or Regional Water
Boards pursuant to the United States Clean Water Act andthe California Water Code, is allowed within state marine
reserves, state marine conservation areas, state marineparks, and state marine recreational management areas
pursuant to a valid scientific collecting permit issued by thedepartment.
(10) Public Safety. Public safety activities, including
installation, maintenance and/or seasonal placement andremoval of safety-related artificial structures, including
but not limited to lifeguard towers, are allowed within
any MPA classification pursuant to any required federal,state and local permits, or as otherwise authorized by thedepartment.

(6) Feeding of Fish and Wildlife. The feeding of fish andwildlife is prohibited except permitted scientific collection
pursuant to Section 650 or as a result of authorized fishingwithin state marine conservation areas, state marineparks, and state marine recreational management areas,or unless feeding of fish is specifically authorized insubsection 632(b) for purposes of marine life viewing.
(7) Anchoring. Vessels shall be allowed to anchor in any
marine protected area or marine managed area with catch
onboard unless otherwise specified in subsection 632(b),areas and special regulations for use. Fishing gear shall not
be deployed in the water while anchored in a state marine
reserve. Fishing gear, except legal fishing gear used to takespecies identified as allowed for take in subsection 632(b),shall not be deployed in the water while anchored in a statemarine recreational management area, state marine park or
state marine conservation area. Anchoring regulations shallbe consistent with federal law and allowances made foranchoring required by emergency or severe weather.
(8) Transit or Drifting.
(A) Vessels shall be allowed to transit through MPAs
and MMAs with catch onboard. Fishing gear shall not
be deployed in the water while transiting through a statemarine reserve. Fishing gear, except legal fishing gear
used to take species identified as allowed for take in56(11) Tribal Take. For purposes of this regulation,“federally recognized tribe” means any tribe on the Listof Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive
Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs,
published annually in the Federal Register. Any memberof a federally recognized tribe authorized to take living
marine resources from an area with area-specific takerestrictions in subsection 632(b), when engaging in takewithin an authorized area shall possess on his person, in
his immediate possession, or where otherwise specificallyrequired by law to be kept, any valid license, report card,tag, stamp, validation, permit, or any other entitlementthat is required in the Fish and Game Code, or requiredby other state, federal, or local entities, in order to takeliving marine resources. Members shall possess a valid
photo identification card issued by a federally recognizedtribe that contains expiration date, tribal name, tribal
member number, name, signature, date of birth, height,
color of eyes, color of hair, weight, and sex; and display
any of the items listed above upon demand to any peace
officer. Members taking living marine resources under
this provision are subject to current seasonal, bag,possession, gear and size limits in existing Fish andGame Code statutes and regulations of the commission,
except as otherwise provided for in subsection 632(b). No

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
member, while taking living marine resources pursuant
to this section, may be assisted by any person who does
not possess a valid tribal identification card and is notproperly licensed to take living marine resources. Nothing
in the regulation is intended to conflict with, or supersede,any state or federal law regarding the take of protected,
threatened or endangered species.
(12) Shore Fishing. Take from shore, or shore fishing,for purposes of this section, means take of living marine
resources from shore, including beaches, banks, piers,
jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man-made structuresconnected to the shore. Unless specifically authorized
in subsection 632(b), no vessel, watercraft (motorized or
nonmotorized), or floating device may be used to assist in
the take, transport or possession of species taken while
shore fishing, except that a float tube or similar flotation
device may be used when taking abalone only.
[Note: Abalone season is currently closed.](13) Pre-Existing Artificial Structure. For the purpose ofthis section, “pre-existing artificial structure” refers to any
structure manufactured, created, installed, or constructedin state waters pursuant to any required federal, state, andlocal permits, leases, or other authorizations, including an
incidental take buffer zone as defined in subsection 632(a)(14). Any structure constructed and installed pursuant topublic safety concerns as defined in subsection 632(a)(10)will be considered a pre-existing artificial structure.

(14) Incidental Take Buffer Zone for Pre-Existing Artificial
Structures (Incidental Take Buffer Zones). For the
purpose of this section, an “incidental take buffer zone”
is established in the peripheral area surrounding a preexisting artificial structure as defined in subsection 632(a)(13). The incidental take buffer zone shall include theentirety of the surrounding water column within 250 linear
feet in any direction from the pre-existing artificial structure,
not including areas above the mean high tide line.
(15) Identification and Permit or Lease Requirement forPre-existing Artificial Structure Activities. At all times, when
conducting any operation, maintenance, repair, removalor replacement activity of a pre-existing artificial structure
authorized by a federal, state, or local permit or lease,the leaseholder(s), permittee(s), and their agent(s) shallcarry in their possession a valid government-issued formof identification, and a digital or printed copy of the permit
or lease. The only acceptable forms of identification are
driver's licenses or other photo identification cards issued
by a U.S. state, a valid photo identification card issued by afederally recognized tribe as specified in subsection 632(a)(11), or an international passport. Valid identification and a
copy of the lease or permit shall be exhibited immediately
upon demand by any person authorized by the department
to enforce this regulation.

Recreational angler at Cambria State Marine Conservation Area and State Marine Park57

photo © R. Schwemmer/NOAA

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
THERE ARE NUMEROUS AREAS ALONG THE CALIFORNIA COAST that have regulations more restrictive than the generalfishing regulations. These areas, known as marine protected areas (MPAs), are designated in part to protect, conserve, or
enhance marine life. The following table lists all existing California MPAs in ocean and estuarine waters that regulate sport fishing,species permitted or prohibited for take, and detailed boundary descriptions. Only regulations that pertain to sport fishing are
included here. For further information, please contact the CDFW’s Marine Region in Eureka at (707) 445-6493 or Monterey at(831) 649-2870 or email AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov.
Note: The following regulations are from T-14 CCR §632(b). Within each county, the areas are arranged generally from northto south. Special closures and marine managed areas are also included in this table. While technically they do not meet thedefinition of a marine protected area, their restrictions differ significantly from the surrounding areas, so they are included here forease of identification by the public. For more information please see the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov/MPAs.

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Boundary Coordinates
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
42° 00.000’ N. lat. 124° 12.735’ W. long.;
42° 00.000’ N. lat. 124° 19.814’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
41° 57.500’ N. lat. 124° 17.101’ W. long.; and41° 57.500’ N. lat. 124° 12.423’ W. long.

Point St. George
Reef Offshore
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)]; and Dungeness crab by trap is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Point St. George
Reef Offshore State Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(2)] and shall comply with all other existing regulations andstatutes: Elk Valley Rancheria and Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
41° 52.000’ N. lat. 124° 23.189’ W. long.;
41° 52.000’ N. lat. 124° 25.805’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
41° 49.000’ N. lat. 124° 26.252’ W. long.;
41° 49.000’ N. lat. 124° 23.189’ W. long.; and41° 52.000’ N. lat. 124° 23.189’ W. long.

Southwest Seal
Rock Special
ClosureSpecial restrictions on boating and access apply to Southwest Seal Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Southwest Seal Rock, located in the vicinity of 41° 48.810’ N. lat. 124° 21.099’ W. long.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(3)(C), no
vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower
low tide line of any shoreline of Southwest Seal Rock.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(3)(B).

Del Norte County

Castle RockSpecial Closure

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to Castle Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Castle Rock, located in the vicinity of 41° 45.706’ N. lat. 124° 14.949’ W. long.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(4)(C), no
vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower
low tide line of any shoreline of Castle Rock.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(4)(B).

False Klamath
Rock Special
ClosureSpecial restrictions on boating and access apply to False Klamath Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of False Klamath Rock, located in the vicinity of 41° 35.633’ N. lat. 124° 06.699’ W. long. during the period of March 1
to August 31.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(5)(C), no
vessel shall be operated or anchored from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide lineof any shoreline of False Klamath Rock during the period of March 1 to August 31.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(5)(B) during the period of March 1 to August 31.

Del Norte

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of true smelt [Section 28.45] by dip net or
Hawaiian type throw net [Section 28.80] is allowed.
2. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from the area
and take regulations for Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation
Area [subsection 632(b)(1)] and shall comply with all other existing
regulations and statutes: Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation.

DEL NORTE COUNTY

NamePermitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Pyramid Point
State Marine
ConservationArea

Del Norte
Del Norte County
Del Norte County

58

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
41° 20.100’ N. lat. 124° 04.911’ W. long.;
41° 20.100’ N. lat. 124° 10.000’ W. long.;
41° 17.600’ N. lat. 124° 10.000’ W. long.; and41° 17.600’ N. lat. 124° 05.399’ W. long..

Reading RockState Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
41° 20.100’ N. lat. 124° 10.000’ W. long.;
41° 20.100’ N. lat. 124° 14.655’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
41° 17.600’ N. lat. 124° 11.963’ W. long.;
41° 17.600’ N. lat. 124° 10.000’ W. long.; and41° 20.100’ N. lat. 124° 10.000’ W. long.

Humboldt County

Samoa
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)]; true smelt [Section 28.45] by dip net or Hawaiian type throw
net [Section 28.80]; and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or
hand is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from thearea and take regulations for Samoa State Marine Conservation
Area [subsection 632(b)(8)] and shall comply with all otherexisting regulations and statutes: Wiyot Tribe.

Humboldt County

South Humboldt
Bay State Marine
Recreational
Management
Area

Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations (Sections 502, 550, 551, and 552).
Take of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources is prohibited except the following federally recognized tribe is exempt
from the area and take regulations ... and shall comply with allother existing regulations and statutes: Wiyot Tribe.

Sugarloaf Island
Special Closure

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to Sugarloaf Island as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Sugarloaf Island, located in the vicinity of 40° 26.326’ N. lat. 124° 24.827’ W. long.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(10)(C),no vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean
lower low tide line of any shoreline of Sugarloaf Island.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(10)(B).

Humboldt County

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)]; true smelt [Section 28.45] by dip net or Hawaiian type throw
net [Section 28.80]; and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or
hand is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribes (listed
alphabetically) are exempt from the area and take regulations
for Reading Rock State Marine Conservation Area [subsection
632(b)(6)] and shall comply with all other existing regulations
and statutes: Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad
Rancheria, Resighini Rancheria, and Yurok Tribe of the Yurok
Reservation.

Humboldt County

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Reading RockState Marine
Conservation
Area

Humboldt County
Humboldt County

South Cape
MendocinoState Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

59

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
40° 55.000’ N. lat. 124° 08.432’ W. long.;
40° 55.000’ N. lat. 124° 12.677’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
40° 52.000’ N. lat. 124° 14.225’ W. long.; and40° 52.000’ N. lat. 124° 09.803’ W. long.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines
connecting the following points in the order listed:
40° 43.000’ N. lat. 124° 15.527’ W. long.;
40° 43.000’ N. lat. 124° 15.000’ W. long.;
40° 42.000’ N. lat. 124° 15.000’ W. long.; and40° 42.000’ N. lat. 124° 16.141’ W. long.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
40° 26.100’ N. lat. 124° 24.340’ W. long.;
40° 26.100’ N. lat. 124° 31.958’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
40° 24.900’ N. lat. 124° 31.084’ W. long.; and40° 24.900’ N. lat. 124° 23.800’ W. long.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name
Humboldt County
Humboldt County

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Humboldt County
Humboldt County

Mendocino County
Mendocino County

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

Steamboat RockSpecial Closure

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to Steamboat Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Steamboat Rock, located in the vicinity of 40° 24.919’ N. lat. 124° 24.241’ W. long. during the period of March 1 toAugust 31.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(12)(C),no vessel shall be operated or anchored from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tideline of any shoreline of Steamboat Rock during the period of March 1 to August 31.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(12)(B) during the period of March 1 to August 31.

Mattole Canyon
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
40° 20.000’ N. lat. 124° 22.500’ W. long.;
40° 20.000’ N. lat. 124° 25.902’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
40° 17.000’ N. lat. 124° 25.869’ W. long.;
40° 17.000’ N. lat. 124° 22.500’ W. long.; and40° 20.000’ N. lat. 124° 22.500’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
40° 14.400’ N. lat. 124° 19.983’ W. long.;
40° 14.400’ N. lat. 124° 25.943’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
40° 12.800’ N. lat. 124° 24.809’ W. long.; and40° 12.800’ N. lat. 124° 18.155’ W. long.

Big Flat
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)]; and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Big Flat State
Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(15)] and shall comply
with all other existing regulations and statutes: SEE FOOTNOTE 1

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
40° 09.400’ N. lat. 124° 12.671’ W. long.;
40° 09.400’ N. lat. 124° 19.366’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
40° 07.500’ N. lat. 124° 16.203’ W. long.; and40° 07.500’ N. lat. 124° 10.313’ W. long.

DoubleCone RockState Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3); and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Double Cone
Rock State Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(16)] andshall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes: SEE
FOOTNOTE 2This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines
connecting the following points in the order listed except where
noted:
39° 48.500’ N. lat. 123° 50.713’ W. long.;
39° 48.500’ N. lat. 123° 55.875’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
39° 44.300’ N. lat. 123° 54.178’ W. long.; and39° 44.300’ N. lat. 123° 50.055’ W. long.

Vizcaino RockSpecial Closure

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to Vizcaino Rock located in the vicinity of 39° 43.618’ N. lat. 123° 49.950’ W. long.
as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide of any
shoreline of Vizcaino Rock westward of 123°49.887’ W. longitude, during the period of March 1 to August 31.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(18)(C), no
vessel shall be operated or anchored from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide lineof any shoreline of Vizcaino Rock westward of 123° 49.887’ W. longitude during the period of March 1 to August 31.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(18)(B) during the period of March 1 to August 31.

Sea Lion Gulch
State Marine
Reserve60

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

Ten Mile Beach
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or
hand is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribes (listed
alphabetically) are exempt from the area and take regulations
for Ten Mile Beach State Marine Conservation Area [subsection
632(b)(20)] and shall comply with all other existing regulations
and statutes: SEE FOOTNOTE 2This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
39° 33.300’ N. lat. 123° 46.015’ W. long.;
39° 33.300’ N. lat. 123° 50.559’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
39° 32.500’ N. lat. 123° 50.418’ W. long.;
39° 32.500’ N. lat. 123° 46.242’ W. long.; thence northward
along the mean high tide line onshore boundary to
39° 33.098’ N. lat. 123° 46.003’ W. long.;
39° 33.199’ N. lat. 123° 45.966’ W. long.

Mendocino County

Ten Mile Estuary
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Ten Mile
Estuary State Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(21)]and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes:
SEE FOOTNOTE 2
2. Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the generalwaterfowl regulations [sections 502, 550, 551, and 552].

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Ten Mile Estuary, eastward of a line connecting thefollowing two points:
39° 33.199’ N. lat. 123° 45.966’ W. long.; and39° 33.098’ N. lat. 123° 46.003’ W. long.
and westward of a line connecting the following two points:
39° 32.400’ N. lat. 123° 44.785’ W. long.; and39° 32.382’ N. lat. 123° 44.769’ W. long.

MendocinoCountyMacKerricher
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current
regulations.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
39° 30.100’ N. lat. 123° 47.327’ W. long.;
39° 30.100’ N. lat. 123° 49.000’ W. long.;
39° 27.120’ N. lat. 123° 49.000’ W. long.; and39° 27.120’ N. lat. 123° 48.830’ W. long.

MendocinoCountyPoint Cabrillo
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
39° 21.400’ N. lat. 123° 49.418’ W. long.;
39° 21.400’ N. lat. 123° 50.000’ W. long.;
39° 20.600’ N. lat. 123° 50.000’ W. long.; and39° 20.600’ N. lat. 123° 49.266’ W. long.

MendocinoCountyRussian Gulch
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current
regulations.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
39° 19.860’ N. lat. 123° 48.840’ W. long.;
39° 19.860’ N. lat. 123° 49.000’ W. long.;
39° 19.470’ N. lat. 123° 49.000’ W. long.; and39° 19.470’ N. lat. 123° 48.500’ W. long.

Big River Estuary
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of surfperch (family Embiotocidae) byhook and line from shore only; and Dungeness crab by hoop netor hand is allowed.
2. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Big River
Estuary State Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(25)]and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes:
SEE FOOTNOTE 2
Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the generalwaterfowl regulations [sections 502, 550, 551, and 552].

Mendocino County

Ten Mile
State Marine
Reserve

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
39° 35.900’ N. lat. 123° 47.243’ W. long.;
39° 35.900’ N. lat. 123° 51.479’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
39° 33.300’ N. lat. 123° 50.559’ W. long.; and39° 33.300’ N. lat. 123° 46.015’ W. long.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Mendocino County
Mendocino County

61

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Big River Estuary, eastward of a line connecting thefollowing two points:
39° 18.134’ N. lat. 123° 47.517’ W. long.; and39° 18.070’ N. lat. 123° 47.543’ W. long.
and westward of a line connecting the following two points:
39° 18.222’ N. lat. 123° 46.242’ W. long.; and39° 18.150’ N. lat. 123° 46.240’ W. long.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name
MendocinoCountyMendocino County
MendocinoCountyMENDOCINO COUNTY

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Van DammeState Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current
regulations.

Navarro River
Estuary State
MarineConservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmonids by hook and line is allowed
consistent with salmonid regulations in Section 7.50.
2. The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically)
are exempt from the area and take regulations for Navarro River
Estuary State Marine Conservation Area [subsection 632(b)(27)]and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes:
SEE FOOTNOTE 2
3. Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the generalwaterfowl regulations [sections 502, 550, 551, and 552].

Point Arena
State Marine
Reserve

Mendocino County

Point Arena
State Marine
Conservation
Area

MendocinoCountySea Lion Cove
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Mendocino County

Saunders Reef
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions: the recreational… take offinfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] is allowed.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.

Boundary Coordinates
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and a straightline connecting the following points:
39° 16.335’ N. lat. 123° 47.712’ W. long.; and39° 16.147’ N. lat. 123° 47.429’ W. long.

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line within
the Navarro River Estuary, eastward of a line connecting thefollowing two points:
39° 11.536’ N. lat. 123° 45.685’ W. long.; and39° 11.489’ N. lat. 123° 45.516’ W. long.
and westward of a line connecting the following two points
39° 11.846’ N. lat. 123° 44.809’ W. long.; and39° 11.803’ N. lat. 123° 44.843’ W. long.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
38° 57.350’ N. lat. 123° 44.500’ W. long;
38° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 44.500’ W. long;
38° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 46.000’ W. long;
38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 46.000’ W. long; and38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 43.820’ W. long.
This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
38° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 46.000’ W. long.;
38° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 48.162’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 48.350’ W. long.;
38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 46.000’ W. long.; and38° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 46.000’ W. long.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 43.820’ W. long.;
38° 56.400’ N. lat. 123° 44.000’ W. long.;
38° 55.790’ N. lat. 123° 44.000’ W. long.; and38° 55.790’ N. lat. 123° 43.740’ W. long.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
38° 51.800’ N. lat. 123° 39.230’ W. long.;
38° 51.800’ N. lat. 123° 44.780’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
38° 50.000’ N. lat. 123° 42.580’ W. long.; and38° 50.000’ N. lat. 123° 37.600’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

Sonoma County

Stewarts Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions: the following may be taken
recreationally from shore only: marine aquatic plants other thansea palm, marine invertebrates, finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] byhook and line, true smelt by beach net, and species authorized in
Section 28.80 of these regulations by hand-held dip net.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
38° 39.527’ N. lat. 123° 24.483' W. long.;
38° 39.527’ N. lat. 123° 24.851’ W. long.;
38° 36.958’ N. lat. 123° 23.139' W. long.;
38° 36.958’ N. lat. 123° 22.468’ W. long.

SONOMA COUNTY

SonomaCountyDel Mar Landing
State Marine
Reserve

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
38° 44.706’ N. lat. 123° 31.000’ W. long.;
38° 44.200’ N. lat. 123° 31.000’ W. long.;
38° 44.200’ N. lat. 123° 30.300’ W. long.; and38° 44.430’ N. lat. 123° 30.300’ W. long.

62

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

Sonoma County

Salt Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area4

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the recreationaltake of abalone and finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] is allowed.
[note that abalone season is currently closed]This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
38° 35.600’ N. lat. 123° 20.800’ W. long.;
38° 35.600’ N. lat. 123° 21.000’ W. long.;
38° 33.500’ N. lat. 123° 21.000’ W. long.;
38° 33.500’ N. lat. 123° 18.910’ W. long., except that Gerstle
Cove as described in subsection 632(b)(36)(A) is excluded.

SonomaCountyGerstle Cove
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area lies within the Salt Point State Marine Conservation
Area and is bounded by the mean high tide line and a straightline connecting the following points:
38° 33.950’ N. lat. 123° 19.920’ W. long.; and38° 33.950’ N. lat. 123° 19.760’ W. long.

Sonoma County

Russian River
State Marine
Recreational
Management
Area

Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations (Sections 502, 550, 551, and 552).
Take of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources is
prohibited.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
eastward of the mouth of the Russian River estuary defined asa line connecting the following two points:
38° 27.160’ N. lat. 123° 07.910’ W. long.;
38° 27.010’ N. lat. 123° 07.740’ W. long.
and westward of the Highway 1 Bridge.

Sonoma County

Russian River
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of Dungeness crab by trap, and surf
smelt using hand-held dip net or beach net is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line, the mouth of
the Russian River estuary as defined in subsection 632(b)(37)(A), and straight lines connecting the following points in theorder listed:
38° 27.380’ N. lat. 123° 08.580’ W. long.;
38° 26.380’ N. lat. 123° 08.580’ W. long.;
38° 26.380’ N. lat. 123° 07.700’ W. long.

Bodega Head
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource with specified exceptions
for scientific research. Additionally, within the Bodega Marine Life
Refuge (a small nearshore area within Bodega Head SMR): No
anchoring except as permitted by federal law, or during hazardous weather. CDFW and the Bodega Marine Life Refuge director
may permit access, anchoring, and take for scientific or educational purposes. See CCR Title 14, Section 632(b)(39)This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
38° 20.100’ N. lat. 123° 04.123’ W. long.;
38° 20.100’ N. lat. 123° 08.448’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
38° 18.000’ N. lat. 123° 08.140’ W. long.; and38° 18.000’ N. lat. 123° 03.680’ W. long.

SONOMA COUNTY

Sonoma County

Stewarts Point
State Marine
Reserve

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
38° 40.500’ N. lat. 123° 25.345’ W. long. and
38° 40.500’ N. lat. 123° 30.243’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
38° 35.600’ N. lat. 123° 26.018’ W. long.; and38° 35.600’ N. lat. 123° 20.800’ W. long. except that Stewarts Point SMCA as described in subsection 632(b)(33)(A)[previous page] is excluded.

Sonoma County
Sonoma County

Bodega Head
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Sonoma County

EsteroAmericanoState Marine
Recreational
Management
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)]by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)], Dungeness crab by trap, andmarket squid by hand-held dip net, is allowed.

Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations (Sections 502, 550, 551, and 552).
Take of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources is
prohibited.

63

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
38° 18.000’ N. lat. 123° 03.680’ W. long.;
38° 18.000’ N. lat. 123° 08.140’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
38° 13.340’ N. lat. 123° 03.510’ W. long.; and38° 17.930’ N. lat. 123° 03.510’ W. long.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Estero Americano westward of longitude 122° 59.250’ W.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

NAPA COUNTY

NameNapa County

Fagan Marsh
State Marine
Park (estuarine)

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural,or recreational features, may be restricted, with the following
specified exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species other than marine aquatic plants is allowed. Only lightweight,
hand- carried boats may be launched or operated within the park.
Other restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

Marin County

Estero de San
Antonio State
MarineRecreational
Management
Area

Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations (Sections 502, 550, 551, and 552).
Take of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources is
prohibited.

Marin County
Marin County
Marin County

MARIN COUNTY

Point Reyes
State Marine
Reserve

Point Reyes
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Point Reyes
Headlands
Special Closure

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] and Dungeness crab by trap is allowed.

Boundary Coordinates
This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Fagan Marsh Ecological Reserve.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Estero de San Antonio westward of longitude 122°
57.400’ W.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
37° 59.900’ N. lat. 123° 01.278’ W. long.;
37° 59.900’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 59.000’ N. lat. 122° 57.340’ W. long.; and
38° 01.750’ N. lat. 122° 55.000’ W. long.; thence westward
along the mean high tide line onshore boundary to
38° 01.783’ N. lat. 122° 55.286’ W. long.; and
38° 01.941’ N. lat. 122° 56.364’ W. long.
This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
37° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 56.712’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.; thence eastward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 56.370’ N. lat. 122° 57.340’ W. long.;
37° 59.000’ N. lat. 122° 57.340’ W. long.; and37° 59.000’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to the Point Reyes Headlands as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated on the south side of the Point Reyes Headlands from the mean high tide line to a distance of
1,000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line of any shoreline between lines extending due south from each of the following
two points:
37° 59.650’ N. lat. 123° 01.000’ W. long; and 37° 59.390’ N. lat. 122° 57.800’ W. long.
(B) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service,or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by the department, shall enter thisarea at any time.

Marin
CountyDrakes EsteroState Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exception:
1. The recreational take of clams is allowed.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Drakes Estero northward of a line connecting the following two points:
38° 02.660’ N. lat. 122° 56.900’ W. long.; and
38° 02.660’ N. lat. 122° 56.150’ W. long.

Marin County

Point ResistanceRock Special
ClosureSpecial restrictions on boating and access apply to Point Resistance Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Point Resistance Rock, located in the vicinity of 37° 59.916’ N. lat. 122° 49.759’ W. long.
(B) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service,or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by the department, shall enter thisarea at any time.

Marin County

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line within Estero de Limantour and within Drakes Estero, southward ofa line connecting the following two points:
38° 02.660’ N. lat. 122° 56.900’ W. long.; and
38° 02.660’ N. lat. 122° 56.150’ W. long.
and northward of a line connecting the following two points:
38° 01.783’ N. lat. 122° 55.286’ W. long.; and
38° 01.941’ N. lat. 122° 56.364’ W. long.

Estero deLimantour State
MarineReserve64

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

Special restrictions on boating and access apply to Stormy Stack Rock as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of Stormy Stack Rock, located in the vicinity of 37° 56.830’ N. lat. 122° 47.140’ W. long.
(B) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service,or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by the department, shall enter thisarea at any time.

Marin County

Duxbury Reef
State Marine
Conservation
Area4

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the recreationaltake of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] from shore and abalone isallowed. [note that abalone season is currently closed]This area is bounded by the mean high tide line, a distance of
1,000 feet seaward of mean lower low water, and the following
points:37° 55.514’ N. lat. 122° 44.179’ W. long.;
37° 55.420’ N. lat. 122° 44.310’ W. long.;
37° 53.650’ N. lat. 122° 41.910’ W. long.; and37° 53.770’ N. lat. 122° 42.020’ W. long.

Corte Madera
Marsh State
Marine ParkAny human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural,or recreational features, may be restricted, with the following specified exceptions: the recreational hook and line takeof species other than marine aquatic plants from shore only isallowed. Only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched
or operated within the park. Swimming, wading, and diving areprohibited within the park. Other restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve.

Marin Islands
State Marine
Park

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural,or recreational features, may be restricted, with the following
specified exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species other than marine aquatic plants from shore only is allowed.
Boating, swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited within thepark. Other restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Marin Islands Ecological Reserve.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
37° 45.700’ N. lat. 122° 59.085’ W. long.; thence northwestward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 49.344’ N. lat. 123° 7.000’ W. long.;
37° 45.700’ N. lat. 123° 7.000’ W. long.; and37° 45.700’ N. lat. 122° 59.085’ W. long.

Marin County

MARIN COUNTYMarin County

Double Point/
Stormy Stack
Rock Special
ClosureMarin County

North Farallon
Islands Special
ClosureSan Francisco
CountySoutheast
Farallon Island
State Marine
Reserve

San Francisco County

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTYSan Francisco
CountyNorth Farallon
Islands State
Marine Reserve

Special regulations on boating and access apply to the North Farallon Islands as follows.
(A) A special closure is established at the islets comprising the North Farallon Islands.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(52)(C),no vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 1,000 feet seaward of the mean
lower low tide line of any shoreline of North Farallon Island, or to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide lineof any shoreline of the remaining three southern islets, including the Island of St. James, in the vicinity of 37°46.025’ N. lat. 123°
06.018’ W. long.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(52)(B).
(D) All vessels shall observe a five (5) nautical mile per hour speed limit within 1,000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide lineof any shoreline of the islets defined in subsection 632(b)(52)(B).

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

65This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed:
37° 42.600’ N. lat. 122° 59.500’ W. long.;
37° 42.600’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 40.500’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 40.500’ N. lat. 122° 59.500’ W. long.; and37° 42.600’ N. lat. 122° 59.500’ W. long.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
NameSoutheast
Farallon Islands
Special Closure

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.

Boundary Coordinates
This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
37° 42.600’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.;
37° 42.600’ N. lat. 123° 05.461’ W. long.; thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 38.654’ N. lat. 122° 59.500’ W. long;
37° 40.500’ N. lat. 122° 59.500’ W. long;
37° 40.500’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.; and37° 42.600’ N. lat. 123° 02.000’ W. long.

Special regulations on boating and access apply to the island and islets comprising the Southeast Farallon Island as follows.
(A) A special closure is established at Southeast Farallon Island.
(B) Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as authorized by subsection 632(b)(55)(D),no vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower
low tide line of any shoreline of the Southeast Farallon Island year-round, EXCEPT:
1. The area north of Fisherman’s Bay, from a line extending due west from 37° 42.260’ N. lat.; 123° 00.160’ W long., following clockwise around the island (including Fisherman’s Bay) to a line extending due east from 37° 42.050’ N lat. 123° 00.070’ W long.
2. At East Landing from a line extending due east from 37° 41.830’N. lat. 122° 59.980’ W. long., following clockwise around the island
to a straight line connecting the following two points: 37° 41.720’ N. lat. 123° 00.050’ W. long. and 37° 41.680’N. lat. 123° 00.070’W.
long.
(C) This closure as defined in subsection 632(b)(55)(B) exists year-round, except for the following areas, which are closed only from
December 1 through September 14 of each year.
1. From Fisherman’s Bay to East Landing, from a line extending due east from 37° 42.050’ N. lat. 123°00.070’ W. long., following
clockwise around the island to a line extending due east from 37° 41.830’ N. lat. 122° 59.980’ W. long.
2. The area southwest of East Landing from a straight line connecting the following two points: 37° 41.720’ N. lat. 123° 00.050’ W.
long., and 37° 41.680’ N. lat 123° 00.070’ W. long. Following clockwise around the main island toa straight line extending due south from 37° 41.760’ N. lat. 123° 00.160’ W. long. to 37° 41.640’ N. lat 123° 00.160’ W. long. and on
the southeast side of Saddle (Seal) Rock from a straight line extending due south from 37° 41.760’ N. lat. 123° 00.160’ W. long. following clockwise around Saddle (Seal) Rock to a line extending due west from 37° 41.600’ N.lat 123° 00.260’ W long.
(D) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties, or unless permission is granted by thedepartment, shall enter the area defined in subsection 632(b)(55)(B) or 632(b)(55)(C) during the closure period.
(E) All vessels shall observe a five (5) nautical mile per hour speed limit 1,000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line of any
shoreline of the Southeast Farallon Island.

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line within
the Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve.

Albany Mudflats
State Marine
Park

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural, or
recreational features, may be restricted, with the following specified exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species other than marine aquatic plants from shore only is allowed. Boating,swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited within the park. Other
restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line within
the Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve.

Alameda County

Robert W. Crown
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish by hook and line only is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and a distanceof 150 feet seaward of mean lower low water, between thefollowing points:
37° 45.970’ N. lat. 122° 16.840’ W. long.; and37° 45.950’ N. lat. 122° 16.520’ W. long.

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Solano County

Peytonia Slough
State Marine
Park

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural, or
recreational features, may be restricted, with the following specified
exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species otherthan marine aquatic plants is allowed. Only lightweight, handcarried boats may be launched or operated within the park. Other
restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

Alameda County

SOLANO COUNTYSan Francisco County

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTYSan Francisco County

Southeast
Farallon Island
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

66

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

San Mateo County
San Mateo County
San Mateo County

SAN MATEO COUNTY

Egg (Devil’s
Slide) Rock to
Devil’s Slide
Special Closure

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

Special restrictions on boating and access apply as follows.
(A) A special closure is designated from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line ofany shoreline of any of the three rocks comprising Egg (Devil’s Slide) Rock, located in the vicinity of:
37° 34.640’ N. lat. 122° 31.290’ W. long.;
37° 34.660’ N. lat. 122° 31.320’ W. long.; and37° 34.630’ N. lat. 122° 31.290’ W. long.; and the area bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting thefollowing points in the order listed:
37° 34.740’ N. lat. 122° 31.080’ W. long.;
37° 34.720’ N. lat. 122° 31.310’ W. long.;
37° 34.600’ N. lat. 122° 31.330’ W. long.; and37° 34.520’ N. lat. 122° 31.210’ W. long.
(B) Transit in between the rock and the mainland between these points is prohibited at any time.
(C) No person except department employees or employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Land
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or United States Coast Guard, in performing their official duties,
or unless permission is granted by the department, shall enter this area.

San Mateo County
San Mateo County

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
37° 32.700’ N. lat. 122° 31.000’ W. long.;
37° 32.700’ N. lat. 122° 34.908’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 30.000’ N. lat. 122° 34.608’ W. long.; and37° 30.000’ N. lat. 122° 29.920’ W. long.

Pillar Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)]by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)], Dungeness crab by trap, andmarket squid by hand-held dip net is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
37° 30.000’ N. lat. 122° 29.920’ W. long.;
37° 30.000’ N. lat. 122° 34.608’W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 28.330’ N. lat. 122° 33.489’ W. long.;
37° 28.330’ N. lat. 122° 30.830’ W. long.;
37° 29.180’ N. lat. 122° 30.360’ W. long.;
37° 29.740’ N. lat. 122° 29.970’ W. long.; and37° 29.733’ N. lat. 122° 29.950’ W. long.

Redwood Shores
State Marine
Park

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural, or
recreational features, may be restricted , with the following specified
exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species otherthan marine aquatic plants is allowed. Only lightweight, hand-carriedboats may be launched or operated within the park. Other restrictions apply. See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve.

Bair Island
State Marine
Park

Any human use that would compromise protection of the species
of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural, or
recreational features, may be restricted, with the following specified
exceptions: the recreational hook and line take of species otherthan kelp from shore only is allowed. Boating, swimming, wading,and diving are prohibited within the park. No person, except stateand local law enforcement officers, fire suppression agencies andemployees of the department in the performance of their official
duties or persons possessing written permission from the department,
shall enter this park during the period February 15 through May 20.
Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl
regulations [sections 502, 550, 551, and 552]. Other restrictions apply.
See subsection 632(a)(1)(B)

This area consists of waters below the mean high tide line
within the Bair Island Ecological Reserve.

MontaraState Marine
Reserve

67

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) byhand harvest only, market squid, salmon, and, by hook and linefrom shore only, other finfish is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line, the three
nautical mile offshore boundary and straight lines connecting
the following points in the order listed except where noted:
37° 04.742’ N. lat. 122° 16.026’ W. long.;
37° 04.700’ N. lat. 122° 16.062’ W. long.;
37° 04.700’ N. lat. 122° 21.000’ W. long.;
37° 03.520’ N. lat. 122° 21.000’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
37° 02.570’ N. lat. 122° 18.963’ W. long.; and
37° 02.570’ N. lat. 122° 13.989’ W. long.

Santa CruzCountyNatural Bridges
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and a distanceof 200 feet seaward of mean lower low water between thefollowing two points:
36° 57.912’ N. lat. 122° 07.650’ W. long.; and36° 57.015’ N. lat. 122° 03.504’ W. long.

Monterey
CountyElkhorn Slough
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the waters below mean high tide within
Elkhorn Slough lying east of longitude 121° 46.400’ W. andsouth of latitude 36° 50.500’ N.

Monterey County

Elkhorn Slough
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of fin fish by hook and line only andclams is allowed. Clams may only be taken on the north shoreof the slough in the area adjacent to the Moss Landing State
Wildlife Area [subsection 550(a)].

This area includes the waters below mean high tide within
Elkhorn Slough east of the Highway 1 Bridge and west of
longitude 121° 46.400’ W.

Monterey
CountyMoro Cojo
SloughState Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the waters within Moro Cojo Slough below
mean high tide and east of the Highway 1 Bridge and west of
the crossing of the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks.

Monterey County

Soquel Canyon
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the…
recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] isallowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed:
36° 51.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.;
36° 51.000’ N. lat. 122° 03.652’ W. long.;
36° 48.000’ N. lat. 122° 02.767’ W. long.;
36° 48.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.; and36° 51.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.

Monterey County

Portuguese
Ledge
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the…
recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] isallowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed:
36° 43.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.;
36° 43.000’ N. lat. 122° 01.294’ W. long.;
36° 41.000’ N. lat. 122° 00.706’ W. long.;
36° 41.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.; and36° 43.000’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.

San Mateo County

SAN MATEO COUNTY

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and a distanceof 200 feet seaward of mean lower low water between thefollowing two points:
37° 10.000’ N. lat. 122° 21.800’ W. long.; and
37° 08.725’ N. lat. 122° 21.000’ W. long.
The area then continues southward bounded by the meanhigh tide line and straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed:
37° 08.725’ N. lat. 122° 21.000’ W. long.;
37° 04.700’ N. lat. 122° 21.000’ W. long.;
37° 04.700’ N. lat. 122° 16.062’ W. long.; and
37° 04.742’ N. lat. 122° 16.026’ W. long.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Santa Cruz County

MONTEREY COUNTY

Año Nuevo
State Marine
Reserve

Greyhound RockState Marine
Conservation
Area

continued

682024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Monterey County

Pacific Grove
Marine Gardens
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Monterey
CountyAsilomar
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish by hook and line is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 36.508’ N. lat. 121° 53.379’ W. long.;
36° 37.250’ N. lat. 121° 53.780’ W. long.; and36° 37.100’ N. lat. 121° 54.093’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line, and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 37.100’ N. lat. 121° 54.093’ W. long.;
36° 37.250’ N. lat. 121° 53.780’ W. long.;
36° 37.380’ N. lat. 121° 53.850’ W. long.;
36° 37.600’ N. lat. 121° 54.750’ W. long.; and36° 37.600’ N. lat. 121° 54.919’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 37.600’ N. lat. 121° 54.919’ W. long.;
36° 37.600’ N. lat. 121° 54.750’ W. long.;
36° 38.700’ N. lat. 121° 55.400’ W. long.;
36° 38.900’ N. lat. 121° 56.600’ W. long.;
36° 38.314’ N. lat. 121° 56.292’ W. long.; and36° 38.226’ N. lat. 121° 56.159’ W. long.

Carmel Pinnacles
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed:
36° 33.650’ N. lat. 121° 57.600’ W. long.;
36° 33.650’ N. lat. 121° 58.500’ W. long.;
36° 33.100’ N. lat. 121° 58.500’ W. long.;
36° 33.100’ N. lat. 121° 57.600’ W. long.; and36° 33.650’ N. lat. 121° 57.600’ W. long.

Carmel Bay
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 33.663’ N. lat. 121° 57.117’ W. long.;
36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 56.300’ W. long.; and36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 55.550’ W. long.

Point Lobos
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Within the portion of
the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve which also falls within
the boundary of the Point Lobos State Reserve (State Park
Unit), restrictions on boating and diving activities exist. Contact
the California Department of Parks and Recreation for current
restrictions.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 55.550’ W. long.;
36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 58.250’ W. long.;
36° 28.880’ N. lat. 121° 58.250’ W. long.; and36° 28.880’ N. lat. 121° 56.285’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon and albacore is allowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 58.250’ W. long.;
36° 31.700’ N. lat. 122° 01.267’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 28.880’ N. lat. 122° 00.490’ W. long.;
36° 28.880’ N. lat. 121° 58.250’ W. long.; and36° 31.700’ N. lat. 121° 58.250’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 18.400’ N. lat. 121° 54.150’ W. long.;
36° 18.400’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.;
36° 15.000’ N. lat. 121° 52.500’ W. long.; and36° 15.000’ N. lat. 121° 50.250’ W. long.

MONTEREY COUNTY

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
36° 38.226’ N. lat. 121° 56.159’ W. long.;
36° 38.314’ N. lat. 121° 56.292’ W. long.;
36° 38.900’ N. lat. 121° 56.600’ W. long.; and36° 36.554’ N. lat. 121° 57.518’ W. long.

Monterey
CountyMonterey County

Lovers PointJulia PlattState Marine
Reserve

Boundary Coordinates

Monterey County

Monterey
CountyEdward F.
Ricketts
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Monterey
CountyMonterey County

Point Lobos
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Monterey
CountyPoint Sur
State Marine
Reserve69

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Except as pursuant toFederal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, it isunlawful to anchor or moor a vessel in waters shallower than 10
fathoms in the Big Creek State Marine Reserve.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 37.968’ W. long.;
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 39.000’ W. long.;
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 38.000’ W. long.;
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 41.222’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 02.650’ N. lat. 121° 39.654’ W. long.; and
36° 02.650’ N. lat. 121° 35.130’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Except as pursuant toFederal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, it isunlawful to anchor or moor a vessel in waters shallower than 10
fathoms in the Big Creek State Marine Reserve.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 37.968’ W. long.;
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 39.000’ W. long.;
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 38.000’ W. long.;
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 41.222’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 02.650’ N. lat. 121° 39.654’ W. long.; and
36° 02.650’ N. lat. 121° 35.130’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of salmon and albacore is allowed.

This area is bounded by the three nautical mile offshore boundary and straight lines connecting the following points in theorder listed except where noted:
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 39.000’ W. long.;
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 42.869’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 41.222’ W. long.;
36° 05.200’ N. lat. 121° 38.000’ W. long.; and
36° 07.200’ N. lat. 121° 39.000’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
35° 42.850’ N. lat. 121° 18.950’ W. long.;
35° 42.850’ N. lat. 121° 21.000’ W. long.;
35° 39.150’ N. lat. 121° 18.500’ W. long.; and35° 39.150’ N. lat. 121° 14.519’ W. long.

San Luis Obispo County

Piedras Blancas
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the…
recreational take of salmon and albacore is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
35° 42.850’ N. lat. 121° 21.000’ W. long.;
35° 42.850’ N. lat. 121° 22.763’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
35° 39.150’ N. lat. 121° 20.913’ W. long.;
35° 39.150’ N. lat. 121° 18.500’ W. long.; and35° 42.850’ N. lat. 121° 21.000’W. long.

San Luis Obispo
CountyCambria
State Marine
Conservation
Area/State
Marine Park

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: recreationaltake is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
35° 37.100’ N. lat. 121° 09.225’ W. long.;
35° 37.100’ N. lat. 121° 10.700’ W. long.;
35° 32.850’ N. lat. 121° 06.700’ W. long.; and35° 32.850’ N. lat. 121° 05.855’ W. long.

Monterey County

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the …
recreational take of salmon and albacore is allowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
36° 18.400’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.;
36° 18.400’ N. lat. 121° 57.932’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 15.000’ N. lat. 121° 55.955’ W. long.;
36° 15.000’ N. lat. 121° 52.500’ W. long.; and36° 18.400’ N. lat. 121° 56.000’ W. long.

Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTYMonterey County
Monterey County

San Luis Obispo
CountySAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Point Sur
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Big Creek
State Marine
Reserve

Big Creek
State Marine
Reserve

Big Creek
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Piedras Blancas
State Marine
Reserve70

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

San Luis Obispo
CountyMorro Bay
State Marine
Recreational
Management
Area3

Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations (Sections 502, 550, 551, and 552).
Take of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources is
prohibited except the following specified activities are allowed
north of latitude 35°19.700’ N:
1. The recreational take of finfish.
...3. Storing finfish taken outside the Morro Bay State Marine
Recreational Management Area in a receiver for bait purposes.

This area includes the area below mean high tide within Morro
Bay east of the Morro Bay entrance breakwater and west of
longitude 120° 50.340’ W.

San Luis Obispo
CountyMorro Bay
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the area below mean high tide line within
Morro Bay east of longitude 120° 50.340’ W.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
35° 15.250’ N. lat. 120° 53.817’ W. long.;
35° 15.250’ N. lat. 120° 56.000’ W. long.;
35° 11.000’ N. lat. 120° 52.400’ W. long.; and35° 13.348’ N. lat. 120° 52.400’ W. long.

San Luis Obispo
CountyPoint Buchon
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions: the… recreational take ofsalmon and albacore is allowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
35° 15.250' N. lat. 120° 56.000’ W. long.;
35° 15.250’ N. lat. 120° 57.878’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
35° 11.000’ N. lat. 120° 55.149’ W. long.;
35° 11.000’ N. lat. 120° 52.400’ W. long.; and35° 15.250’ N. lat. 120° 56.000’ W. long.

Santa BarbaraCountyVandenberg
State Marine
Reserve3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Public entry into the
Vandenberg State Marine Reserve may be restricted at thediscretion of the department to protect wildlife, aquatic life, or
habitat, or by the Commander of Vandenberg Air Force Base toprotect and provide safety for base operations.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 44.650’ N. lat. 120° 37.750’ W. long.;
34° 44.650’ N. lat. 120° 40.000’ W. long.;
34° 33.250’ N. lat. 120° 40.000’ W. long.; and34° 33.250’ N. lat. 120° 37.407’ W. long.

Point Conception
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 27.000’ N. lat. 120° 28.280’ W. long.;
34° 27.000’ N. lat. 120° 32.151’ W. long.; thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
34° 23.961’ N. lat. 120° 25.000’ W. long.; and34° 27.211’ N. lat. 120° 25.000’ W. long.

Kashtayit
State Marine
Conservation
Area

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)],invertebrates except rock scallops and mussels, and giant kelp
(Macrocystis pyrifera) by hand harvest is allowed.
2. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from thearea and take regulations and shall comply with all other existing
regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 28.130’ N. lat. 120° 14.460’ W. long.;
34° 27.300’ N. lat. 120° 14.460’ W. long.;
34° 27.300’ N. lat. 120° 12.470’ W. long.; and34° 28.230’ N. lat. 120° 12.470’ W. long.

Santa BarbaraCountySANTA BARBARA COUNTYSan Luis Obispo
CountySAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTYSan Luis Obispo
CountyWhite RockState Marine
Conservation
Area

Point Buchon
State Marine
Reserve

Santa Barbara County

71

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
35° 32.850’ N. lat. 121° 05.855’ W. long.;
35° 32.850’ N. lat. 121° 06.700’ W. long.;
35° 30.500’ N. lat. 121° 05.000’ W. long.; and35° 30.500’ N. lat. 121° 03.423’ W. long.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
NameSanta BarbaraCountySanta BarbaraCountySanta Barbara County
Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of whiteseabass and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from thearea and take regulations and shall comply with all other existing
regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 26.517’ N. lat. 119° 58.000’ W. long.;
34° 25.000’ N. lat. 119° 58.000’ W. long.;
34° 25.000’ N. lat. 119° 56.000’ W. long.; and34° 26.140’ N. lat. 119° 56.000’ W. long.

Campus Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area3, 6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 25.207’ N. lat. 119° 53.600’ W. long.;
34° 21.475’ N. lat. 119° 53.600’ W. long.; thence eastward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
34° 21.212’ N. lat. 119° 50.650’ W. long.; and34° 24.300’ N. lat. 119° 50.650’ W. long.

Goleta Slough
State Marine
Conservation
Area3,6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. In waters below the meanhigh tide line inside the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve as
defined within Section 630, the following restrictions apply:
1. Boating, swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited.
2. No person shall enter this area and remain therein except
on established trails, paths or other designated areas except
department employees or designated employees of Santa
Barbara Airport, City of Santa Barbara, Goleta Sanitary District
and Goleta Valley Vector Control District for the purposes ofcarrying out official duties.

NaplesState Marine
Conservation
Area

Richardson RockState and Federal
Marine Reserves(San MiguelIsland)Santa Barbara County

Harris Point
State and Federal
Marine Reserves(San MiguelIsland)Santa BarbaraCountyJudith RockState Marine
Reserve(San MiguelIsland)This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Goleta Slough.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes Richardson Rock State Marine Reserveand the adjoining federal Richardson Rock Marine Reserve.
Coordinates are provided for outer boundaries of the joined
state and federal areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line of Richardson
Rock and straight lines connecting the following points in theorder listed:
34° 02.211’ N. lat. 120° 28.200’ W. long.;
34° 02.211’ N. lat. 120° 36.290’ W. long.;
34° 10.400’ N. lat. 120° 36.290’ W. long.;
34° 10.400’ N. lat. 120° 28.200’ W. long.; and
34° 02.211’ N. lat. 120° 28.200’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes Harris Point State Marine Reserve and the
adjoining federal Harris Point Marine Reserve. Coordinates areprovided for outer boundaries of the joined state and federal
areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 03.160’ N. lat. 120° 23.300’ W. long.;
34° 12.295’ N. lat. 120° 23.300’ W. long.;
34° 12.295’ N. lat. 120° 18.400’ W. long., and
34° 01.755’ N. lat. 120° 18.400’ W. long.
An exemption to the (state) reserve, where recreationaltake of living marine resources is allowed, exists between
the mean high tide line in Cuyler Harbor and a straight line
between the following points:
34° 03.554’ N. lat. 120° 21.311’ W. long. and
34° 02.908’ N. lat. 120° 20.161’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 01.802’ N. lat. 120° 26.600’ W. long.;
33° 58.513’ N. lat. 120° 26.600’ W. long.; thence eastward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 58.518’ N. lat. 120° 25.300’ W. long; and
34° 01.689’ N. lat. 120° 25.300’ W. long.

72

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
NameSanta BarbaraCountyCarrington Point
State Marine
Reserve(Santa Rosa
Island)Santa BarbaraCountySkunk Point
State Marine
Reserve(Santa Rosa
Island)Santa Barbara County

South Point
State and Federal
Marine Reserves(Santa Rosa
Island)Santa BarbaraCountySANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Santa Barbara County

San MiguelIslandSpecial Closure

Painted Cave
State Marine
Conservation
Area(Santa Cruz
Island)Santa Barbara County

Gull Island
State and Federal
Marine Reserves(Santa Cruz
Island)Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

Special restrictions on recreational boating and access apply to San Miguel Island as follows.
(A) Boating is allowed at San Miguel Island except west of a line drawn between Judith Rock (34° 01.500’ N. lat. 120° 25.300’ W.
long.) and Castle Rock (34° 03.300’ N. lat. 120° 26.300’ W. long.) where boats are prohibited closer than 300 yards from shore.
1. Notwithstanding the 300-yard boating closure between Judith Rock and Castle Rock, …boats may approach San Miguel Island
no nearer than 100 yards from shore during the period(s) from March 15 through April 30, and October 1 through December 15.
2. The department may rescind permission for boats to enter waters within 300 yards between Judith Rock and Castle Rock upon
finding that impairment to the island marine mammal resource is imminent. Immediately following such closure, the department will
request the commission to hear, at its regularly scheduled meeting, presentation of documentation supporting the need for suchclosure.
(B) Other Requirements:
1. Boats traveling within 300 yards of the shoreline or anchorages shall operate with a minimum amount of noise and shall not
exceed speeds of five miles per hour.
2. Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, boats may be anchored overnight only at Tyler
Bight and Cuyler Harbor.
3. Landing is allowed on San Miguel Island only at the designated landing beach in Cuyler Harbor.
4. No person shall have access to all other offshore rocks and islands at San Miguel Island.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 01.280’ N. lat. 120° 05.200’ W. long.;
34° 04.000’ N. lat. 120° 05.200’ W. long.;
34° 04.000’ N. lat. 120° 01.000’ W. long.;
34° 00.500’ N. lat. 120° 01.000’ W. long.; and
34° 00.500’ N. lat. 120° 02.930’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 59.000’ N. lat. 119° 58.985’ W. long.;
33° 59.000’ N. lat. 119° 58.000’ W. long.;
33° 57.100’ N. lat. 119° 58.000’ W. long.; and33° 57.100’ N. lat. 119° 58.257’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the South Point State Marine Reserve andthe adjoining federal South Point Marine Reserve. Coordinates
are provided for outer boundaries of the joined state andfederal areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 55.014’ N. lat. 120° 10.000’ W. long.;
33° 50.400’ N. lat. 120° 10.000’ W. long.;
33° 50.400’ N. lat. 120° 06.500’ W. long.;
33° 53.800’ N. lat. 120° 06.500’ W. long.; and33° 53.800’ N. lat. 120° 06.544’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the recreationaltake of spiny lobster and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] isallowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 04.492’ N. lat. 119° 53.000’ W. long.;
34° 05.200’ N. lat. 119° 53.000’ W. long.; thence eastward
along a line one nautical mile offshore to34° 05.000’ N. lat. 119° 51.000’ W. long.; and
34° 04.034’ N. lat. 119° 51.000’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes Gull Island State Marine Reserve and the
adjoining federal Gull Island Marine Reserve. Coordinates areprovided for outer boundaries of the joined state and federal
areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 58.065’ N. lat. 119° 50.967’ W. long.;
33° 58.000’ N. lat. 119° 51.000’ W. long.;
33° 58.000’ N. lat. 119° 53.000’ W. long.;
33° 51.717’ N. lat. 119° 53.000’ W. long.;
33° 51.717’ N. lat. 119° 48.000’ W. long.; and33° 57.769’ N. lat. 119° 48.000’ W. long.

73

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
NameSanta Barbara County
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

Ventura County
Ventura County

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the Scorpion State Marine Reserve and the
adjoining federal Scorpion Marine Reserve. Coordinates areprovided for outer boundaries of the joined state and federal
areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 02.958’ N. lat. 119° 35.500’ W. long.;
34° 09.270’ N. lat. 119° 35.500’ W. long.;
34° 09.270’ N. lat. 119° 32.800’ W. long.; and
34° 02.700’ N. lat. 119° 32.800’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the Santa Barbara Island State Marine
Reserve and the adjoining federal Santa Barbara Island Marine
Reserve. Coordinates are provided for outer boundaries of thejoined state and federal areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 28.500’ N. lat. 119° 01.813’ W. long.;
33° 28.500’ N. lat. 118° 54.527’ W. long.;
33° 21.792’ N. lat. 118° 54.527’ W. long.;
33° 21.792’ N. lat. 119° 02.200’ W. long.; and33° 27.911’ N. lat. 119° 02.200’ W. long.

Area restrictions defined in subsection 632(a)(1)(C) apply, with thefollowing specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of spiny lobster and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)]... is allowed.
2. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from thearea and take regulations and shall comply with all other existing
regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

This area includes the Anacapa Island State Marine
Conservation Area and the adjoining federal Anacapa Island
Marine Conservation Area. Coordinates are provided for outerboundaries of the joined state and federal areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 00.828’ N. lat. 119° 26.623’ W. long.;
34° 00.800’ N. lat. 119° 26.700’ W. long.;
34° 04.998’ N. lat. 119° 26.700’ W. long.;
34° 04.998’ N. lat. 119° 24.600’ W. long.; and
34° 00.411’ N. lat. 119° 24.600’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the Footprint State Marine Reserve and the
adjoining federal Footprint Marine Reserve. Coordinates areprovided for outer boundaries of the joined state and federal
areas*.
This area is bounded by the straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 59.300’ N. lat. 119° 30.965’ W. long.;
33° 54.119’ N. lat. 119° 30.965’ W. long.;
33° 54.119’ N. lat. 119° 25.987’ W. long.;
33° 59.300’ N. lat. 119° 25.987’ W. long., and33° 59.300’ N. lat.,119° 30.965’ W. long.

Anacapa Island
State and Federal
Marine Reserves

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the Anacapa Island State Marine Reserveand the adjoining federal Anacapa Island Marine Reserve.
Coordinates are provided for outer boundaries of the joined
state and federal areas*.
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
34° 00.411’ N. lat. 119° 24.600’ W. long.;
34° 04.998’ N. lat. 119° 24.600’ W. long.;
34° 04.998’ N. lat. 119° 21.400’ W. long.;
34° 01.000’ N. lat. 119° 21.400’ W. long.; and
34° 00.960’ N. lat. 119° 21.463’ W. long.

Anacapa Island
Special Closure(A) No net or trap may be used in waters less than 20 feet deep off the Anacapa Islands, commonly referred to as Anacapa Island.
(B) A brown pelican fledgling area is designated from the mean high tide mark seaward to a water depth of 20 fathoms (120 feet) on
the north side of West Anacapa Island between a line extending 000° True off Portuguese Rock (34° 00.910’ N. lat. 119° 25.260’ W.
long.) to a line extending 000° True off the western edge of Frenchy’s Cove (34° 00.411’ N. lat. 119° 24.600’ W. long.), a distance ofapproximately 4,000 feet.
No person except department employees or employees of the National Park Service in the performance of their official duties shallenter this area during the period January 1 to October 31.

Scorpion
State and Federal
Marine Reserves(Santa Cruz
Island)Santa Barbara
Island State andFederal Marine
Reserves

Anacapa Island
State and Federal
MarineConservation
Areas

Footprint Stateand Federal
Marine Reserves(Anacapa
Channel)74

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates
This area includes all state waters below the mean high tideline surrounding Begg Rock, located in the vicinity of 33°
21.743’ N. lat. 119° 41.718’ W. long.

Point Dume
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

Area restrictions defined in subsection 632(a)(1)(C) apply (seepg. 55), with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of whiteseabass and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] is allowed.
…3. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from thearea and take regulations and shall comply with all other existing
regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians..

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlinesconnecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 02.306 N. lat. 118° 53.000’ W. long.;
33° 59.140’ N. lat. 118° 53.000’ W. long.; thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 56.960’ N. lat. 118° 49.200’ W. long.; and
34° 00.780’ N. lat. 118° 49.200’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
34° 00.780’ N. lat. 118° 49.200’ W. long.;
33° 56.960’ N. lat. 118° 49.200’ W. long.; thence eastward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 57.061’ N. lat. 118° 47.260’ W. long.; and
34° 01.178’ N. lat. 118° 47.260’ W. long

Point VicenteState Marine
Conservation
Area3,6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
33° 44.800’ N. lat. 118° 24.807’ W. long.;
33° 44.800’ N. lat. 118° 28.931’ W. long.; thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 41.155’ N. lat. 118° 23.800’ W. long.; and33° 44.198’ N. lat. 118° 23.800’ W. long.

Los Angeles County

Abalone Cove
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of whiteseabass and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)]; and market
squid by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42] is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
33° 44.198’ N. lat. 118° 23.800’ W. long.;
33° 41.155’ N. lat. 118° 23.800’ W. long.; thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 40.851’ N. lat. 118° 22.500’ W. long.; and33° 44.240’ N. lat. 118° 22.500’ W. long.

Los Angeles County

Arrow Point toLion Head Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current
regulations, except the recreational take of invertebrates is
prohibited.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line to a distance of
1,000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line of any shoreline southeastward of a line connecting the following two points:
33° 28.652’ N. lat. 118° 32.310’ W. long.; and33° 28.820’ N. lat. 118° 32.310’ W. long.
and northwestward of a line connecting the following two
points:33° 27.240’ N. lat. 118° 29.900’ W. long.; and33° 27.174’ N. lat. 118° 30.089’ W. long.

Blue Cavern
Onshore State
MarineConservation
Area3, 6(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Except as pursuant tofederal law, emergency caused by hazardous weather, or as
provided in subsection 632(b)(124)(D), it is unlawful to anchor
or moor a vessel in the formerly designated Catalina Marine
Science Center Marine Life Refuge (Section 10932, Fish andGame Code). The director of the Catalina Marine Science Center
Marine Life Refuge, or any person that the director of the refuge
has authorized may anchor or moor a vessel or take, for scientificpurposes, any fish or specimen of marine plant life in the formerly
designated Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Refuge
under the conditions prescribed in a scientific collecting permit
issued by the department (Section 10655, Fish and Game Code).

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 25.960’ N. lat. 118° 27.000’ W. long.;
33° 27.500’ N. lat. 118° 27.000’ W. long;
33° 27.500’ N. lat. 118° 29.300’ W. long.; and33° 26.640’ N. lat. 118° 29.300’ W. long

VenturaCountyCOUNTY

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.

VENTURA

Begg Rock State
Marine Reserve(San Nicholas Is.
Quad)

Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Point Dume
State Marine
Reserve

Los Angeles County

75

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Los Angeles County

Blue Cavern
Offshore State
MarineConservation
Area(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)],by hook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76], white seabass
by spearfishing [Section 1.76], and market squid by hand-held
dip net [Section 1.42] is allowed

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
33° 27.500’ N. lat. 118° 27.000’ W. long.;
33° 29.970’ N. lat. 118° 27.000’ W. long.; thence northwestward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 30.810’ N. lat. 118° 29.300’ W. long.;
33° 27.500’ N. lat. 118° 29.300’ W. long.; and33° 27.500’ N. lat. 118° 27.000’ W. long

Los Angeles
CountyLong Point
State Marine
Reserve(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 24.380’ N. lat. 118° 21.980’ W. long.;
33° 25.500’ N. lat. 118° 21.980’ W. long.;
33° 25.500’ N. lat. 118° 24.000’ W. long.; and33° 25.102’ N. lat. 118° 24.000’ W. long.

Los Angeles County

Casino Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area3, 6(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource. Feeding of fish for marine
life viewing is allowed.

LOS ANGELES COUNTYCALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 20.900’ N. lat. 118° 19.430’ W. long.;
33° 20.900’ N. lat. 118° 19.420’ W. long.;
33° 20.920’ N. lat. 118° 19.380’ W. long.;
33° 20.950’ N. lat. 118° 19.420’ W. long.;
33° 20.970’ N. lat. 118° 19.470’ W. long.;
33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 19.520’ W. long.; and33° 20.960’ N. lat. 118° 19.560’ W. long.

Los Angeles
CountyLover’s Cove
State Marine
Conservation
Area3(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take by hook and line from the Cabrillo Moleis allowed. Feeding of fish for marine life viewing is allowed

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting thefollowing points in the order listed:
33° 20.460’ N. lat. 118° 18.900’ W. long.;
33° 20.711’ N. lat. 118° 18.900’ W. long.; and33° 20.711’ N. lat. 118° 19.321’ W. long.

Los Angeles County

Farnsworth
OnshoreState Marine
Conservation
Area(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of whiteseabass and pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)]; marlin,
tunas, and dorado (dolphinfish) (Coryphaena hippurus) by trolling[subsection 27.80(a)(3)]; and market squid by hand-held dip net[Section 1.42] is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 29.080’ W. long.;
33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 30.000’ W. long.;
33° 19.000’ N. lat. 118° 29.000’ W. long.;
33° 19.000’ N. lat. 118° 27.900’ W. long.; and33° 19.560’ N. lat. 118° 27.900’ W. long.

Los Angeles County

Farnsworth
OffshoreState Marine
Conservation
Area7(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] by hook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76]; whiteseabass by spearfishing [Section 1.76]; marlin, tunas and dorado(dolphinfish) (Coryphaena hippurus) by trolling [subsection
27.80(a)(3)] and market squid by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42]
is allowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 30.000’ W. long.;
33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 32.878’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 19.000’ N. lat. 118° 31.978’ W. long.;
33° 19.000’ N. lat. 118° 29.000’ W. long.; and33° 21.000’ N. lat. 118° 30.000’ W. long.

Los Angeles
CountyCat Harbor
State Marine
Conservation
Area3(Catalina Island)

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] byhook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76], market squid byhookand-line, and spiny lobster and sea urchin is allowed.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide lineon the west side of Catalina Island northward of a straight line
connecting Pin Rock (33° 25.486’ N. lat. 118° 30.294’ W. long.)
and Cat Head Point (33° 25.320’ N. lat. 118° 30.760’ W. long.).

76

Boundary Coordinates

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates
This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Bolsa Bay estuary southward of a line that approximates
the Warner Avenue bridge located between the following two
points:33° 42.700’ N. lat. 118° 03.633’ W. long.; and33° 42.700’ N. lat. 118° 03.604’ W. long.;
and northward of a line that approximates the pedestrian
bridge located between the following two points:
33° 42.219’ N. lat. 118° 03.167’ W. long.; and33° 42.177’ N. lat. 118° 03.186’ W. long.

Bolsa Chica
Basin
State Marine
Conservation
Area3, 6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. Boating, swimming, wading,and diving are prohibited within the conservation area. No person,
except state and local law enforcement officers, fire suppression
agencies and employees of the department in the performance of
their official duties or persons possessing written permission fromthe department or employees of Signal Corporation and its invitees
for the purpose of carrying out oil and gas operations, shall enter
this conservation area and remain therein except on establishedtrails, paths, or other designated areas. No person shall enter thisconservation area between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within the Bolsa Chica Basin estuary northeastward of the
Pacific Coast Highway Bridge, approximated by a straight line
between the following two points:
33° 41.028’ N. lat. 118° 02.153’ W. long.; and33° 40.981’ N. lat. 118° 02.109’ W. long.;and southeastward of a straight line between the following
two points:
33° 42.219’ N. lat. 118° 03.167’ W. long.; and33° 42.177’ N. lat. 118° 03.186’ W. long.

Upper Newport
Bay
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exception: The recreationaltake of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] by hook and line from shore
only is allowed. In waters below the mean high tide line inside theUpper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, northeastward of a line
connecting Shellmaker Island (33° 37.200’ N. lat. 117° 53.510’ W.
long.) and North Star Beach (33° 37.380’ N. lat. 117° 53.600’ W.
long.) the following restrictions apply: Swimming is allowed onlyin the area between North Star Beach and mid-channel. Boatsare limited to speeds less than five miles per hour. Shoreline
access is limited to established trails, paths, or other designatedareas.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Upper Newport Bay northeastward of the Pacific Coast
Highway approximated by a line between the following two
points:33° 37.014’ N. lat. 117° 54.237’ W. long.;
33° 37.014’ N. lat. 117° 54.336’ W. long.; and southwestward
of Jamboree Road approximated by a line between thefollowing two points:
33° 39.071’ N. lat. 117° 52.021’ W. long.; and33° 39.027’ N. lat. 117° 52.014’ W. long.

Orange County

Crystal Cove
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] by hookand line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76], and spiny lobster andsea urchin is allowed.
Take of all living marine resources from inside tidepools is
prohibited. For purposes of this section, tidepools are definedas the area encompassing the rocky pools that are filled withseawater due to retracting tides between the mean higher hightide line and the mean lower low tide line.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 35.372’ N. lat. 117° 52.645’ W. long.;
33° 35.065’ N. lat. 117° 52.692’ W. long.;
33° 32.400’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long.;
33° 33.211’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long; and33° 33.224’ N. lat. 117° 49.184’ W. long.

OrangeCountyLaguna Beach
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 33.224’ N. lat. 117° 49.184’ W. long.;
33° 33.211’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long.;
33° 30.713’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long.; and33° 30.713’ N. lat. 117° 45.264’ W. long.

OrangeCountyLaguna Beach
State Marine
Conservation
Area3,6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 30.713’ N. lat. 117° 45.264’ W. long.;
33° 30.713’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long.;
33° 30.050’ N. lat. 117° 49.200’ W. long.; and33° 30.050’ N. lat. 117° 44.762’ W. long.

Orange County

Bolsa Bay
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: The recreationaltake of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] by hook and line from shore
in designated areas only is allowed. Boating, swimming, wading,and diving are prohibited within the conservation area. No person,
except state and local law enforcement officers, fire suppression
agencies and employees of the department in the performance of
their official duties or persons possessing written permission fromthe department or employees of Signal Corporation and its invitees
for the purpose of carrying out oil and gas operations, shall enter
this conservation area and remain therein except on establishedtrails, paths, or other designated areas. No person shall enter thisconservation area between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Orange County

ORANGE COUNTYOrange County

77

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name
Orange County

Dana Point
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

San Diego County

Batiquitos
LagoonState Marine
Conservation
Area3,6Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take
It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] by hookand line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76], and spiny lobster andsea urchin is allowed.
Take of all living marine resources from inside tidepools is
prohibited. For purposes of this section, tidepools are definedas the area encompassing the rocky pools that are filled withseawater due to retracting tides between the mean higher hightide line and the mean lower low tide line.

Boundary Coordinates
This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
33° 30.050’ N. lat. 117° 44.762’ W. long.;
33° 30.050’ N. lat. 117° 46.000’ W. long.;
33° 30.000’ N. lat. 117° 46.000’ W. long.;
33° 27.300’ N. lat. 117° 43.300’ W. long.;
33° 27.478’ N. lat. 117° 42.276’ W. long.; and33° 27.622’ N. lat. 117° 42.425’ W. long.

This area overlaps the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.
Ecological reserve rules are in effect as defined in Section 630
or as posted.
It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. Boating, swimming, wading,and diving are prohibited within the conservation area.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Batiquitos Lagoon eastward of the Interstate Highway
5 Bridge, approximated by a line between the following two
points:33° 05.44’0 N. lat. 117° 18.120’ W. long.; and
33° 05.460’ N. lat. 117° 18.130’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. Recreational take by hook and line from shore is allowed.
2. The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of whiteseabass and pelagic finfish⁵ [subsection 632(a)(3)] is allowed.

San Diego
CountySan Elijo Lagoon
State Marine
Conservation
Area3, 6

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. Boating, swimming, wading,and diving are prohibited within the conservation area.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within San Elijo Lagoon southeastward of a straight line between the following two points:
33° 00.980’ N. lat. 117° 16.857’ W. long.; and
33° 00.962’ N. lat. 117° 16.850’ W. long.

San Diego County

San Dieguito
LagoonState Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational purposes,with the following specified exceptions: the recreational take offinfish by hook and line from shore is allowed. Boating, swimming,
wading, and diving are prohibited within the conservation area.
No person, except state and local law enforcement officers,
fire suppression agencies and employees of the department in
the performance of their official duties or persons possessing
written permission from the department, shall be permitted on
the California least tern nesting island. No person, except stateand local law enforcement officers, fire suppression agencies
and employees of the department in the performance of theirofficial duties or persons possessing written permission from thedepartment, shall enter this conservation area between 8:00 p.m.
and 5:00 a.m.

San Diego
CountySan DiegoScripps Coastal
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of coastal pelagic species⁸ [Section
1.39], except market squid, by hook and line only is allowed.

SAN DIEGO COUNTYSan Diego County

Swami’sState Marine
Conservation
Area3

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
33° 02.900’ N. lat. 117° 17.927’ W. long.;
33° 02.900’ N. lat. 117° 21.743’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
33° 00.000’ N. lat. 117° 20.398’ W. long.; and
33° 00.000’ N. lat. 117° 16.698’ W. long., thence northward
along the mean high tide line onshore boundary to
33° 00.962’ N. lat. 117° 16.850’ W. long.; and
33° 00.980’ N. lat. 117° 16.857’ W. long.

78

This area overlaps the San Dieguito Lagoon EcologicalReserve. Ecological reserve rules are in effect as definedin Section 630 or as posted. In addition, access to theecological reserve shoreline is currently closed to the public, as
authorized under Section 630(a)(10).
This area consists of waters below the mean high tideline within the San Dieguito Lagoon Ecological Reserve
southeastward of a straight line between the following two
points:32° 58.066’ N. lat. 117° 15.579’ W. long.; and32° 58.072’ N. lat. 117° 15.548’ W. long.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
32° 53.000’ N. lat. 117° 15.166’ W. long.;
32° 53.000’ N. lat. 117° 16.400’ W. long.;
32° 51.964’ N. lat. 117° 16.400’ W. long.; and32° 51.964’ N. lat. 117° 15.252’ W. long.

continued

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Name

Permitted/Prohibited Uses
For Recreational Take

Boundary Coordinates

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
32° 49.573’ N. lat. 117° 16.781’ W. long.;
32° 49.573’ N. lat. 117° 19.000’ W. long.;
32° 47.945’ N. lat. 117° 19.000’ W. long.; and32° 47.945’ N. lat. 117° 15.495’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions: the recreationaltake of pelagic finfish5 [subsection 632(a)(3)] by hook and line
only is allowed.

This area is bounded by straight lines connecting the following
points in the order listed except where noted:
32° 49.573’ N. lat. 117° 19.000’ W. long.;
32° 49.573’ N. lat. 117° 20.528’ W. long.; thence southward
along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
32° 47.945’ N. lat. 117° 20.068’ W. long.;
32° 47.945’ N. lat. 117° 19.000’ W. long; and32° 49.573’ N. lat. 117° 19.000’ W. long.

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line
within Famosa Slough estuary southward of the San Diego
River channel, located at approximately
32° 45.430’ N. lat. 117° 13.750’ W. long.

San Diego
CountyCabrillo
State Marine
Reserve

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
32° 40.600’ N. lat. 117° 14.820’ W. long.;
32° 40.600’ N. lat. 117° 15.000’ W. long.;
32° 39.700’ N. lat. 117° 15.000’ W. long.;
32° 39.700’ N. lat. 117° 14.300’ W. long.; and32° 40.000’ N. lat. 117° 14.300’ W. long.

San Diego County

Tijuana River
Mouth
State Marine
Conservation
Area3

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living,
geological, or cultural marine resource for… recreational
purposes, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of coastal pelagic species⁸ [Section
1.39], except market squid, by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42]
only is allowed.

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed except
where noted:
32° 34.000’ N. lat. 117° 07.980’ W. long.;
32° 34.000’ N. lat. 117° 09.000’ W. long.;
32° 31.970’ N. lat. 117° 09.000’ W. long.; thence eastward
along the U.S.-Mexico Border to 32° 32.064’ N. lat. 117°07.428’ W. long.

San Diego
CountyThis area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straightlines connecting the following points in the order listed:
32° 51.964’ N. lat. 117° 15.252’ W. long.;
32° 51.964’ N. lat. 117° 16.400’ W. long.; and32° 51.067’ N. lat. 117° 16.400’ W. long.

San Diego
CountyIt is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. Boats may be launched andretrieved only in designated areas and may be anchored within
the reserve only during daylight hours.

MatlahuaylState Marine
Reserve

South La Jolla
State Marine
Reserve

San Diego
CountySAN DIEGO COUNTYSan Diego County

South La Jolla
State Marine
Conservation
Area

Famosa Slough
State Marine
Conservation
Area3, 6* This area includes a state MPA and a federal MPA with identical regulations. For complete boundaries and rules, see CCR T-14, Section 632 forstate MPAs, and Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Register 15 CFR Part 922 and 50 CFR Part 660 for federal MPAs.
1 Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria, Cahto Indian Tribe of the Laytonville
Rancheria, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria, Guidiville Rancheria,
Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of the Hopland Rancheria, Lower Lake Rancheria, Manchester Band of Pomo
Indians of the Manchester-Point Arena Rancheria, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, Potter Valley Tribe, Redwood
Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation, Scotts
Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians
2 Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria, Cahto Indian Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo
Indians, Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria, Guidiville Rancheria, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Hopland
Band of Pomo Indians of the Hopland Rancheria, Lower Lake Rancheria, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester-Point Arena
Rancheria, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, Potter Valley Tribe, Redwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians,
Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Sherwood
Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians
3 Existing activities and operations permitted by CDFW and other federal, state, or local entities, such as dredging, wastewater outfall operations,maintenance of artificial structures, scientific collecting, and sand replenishment and other sediment management activities have been identified
as occurring within this MPA, which may result in take of marine resources incidental to the activity. Operations or activities identified at the timeof designation are included within the regulation to make explicit that MPA designation is not intended to interfere with these permitted activities.

792024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
4 This area is designated as an SMCA, and could subsequently be designated an SMP at the discretion of the State Parks and Recreation
Commission.
5 Pelagic finfish are defined in CCR T-14, Section 632(a)(3) as: northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), barracudas (Sphyraena spp.), billfishes(family Istiophoridae), dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), Pacificmackerel (Scomber japonicus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), blue shark (Prionace glauca), salmon shark(Lamna ditropis), shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher sharks (Alopias spp.), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), tunas (family Scombridae),including Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis), and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi).
6 This MPA is designated as an SMCA that does not allow take, except as associated with activities regulated by other agencies, pursuant to any
valid permits.
7 A preliminary wave energy permit has been granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at Catalina that includes part of theFarnsworth Offshore SMCA, which may need to be included in future regulations for this MPA.
8 Coastal pelagic species are defined in CCR T-14, Section 1.39 as: northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax),
Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), and market squid (Loligo (Doryteuthis) opalescens).

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES ON SPORT FISH CONSUMPTION
Fish are an excellent source of protein and beneficial fats,
and are recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It
is important, however, to choose the fish you eat wisely. The
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
provided the guidelines on the following pages. For more
information, visit the OEHHA website at oehha.ca.gov/fish orcall (916) 324-7572.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency issued a joint “Federal
Advisory for Mercury in Fish” for fish you buy at stores andrestaurants. The federal advisory can be found online at fda.
gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/metals/ucm351781.
htm.

What is a serving?
The recommen e ser ing
o fish is a out the si e anthickness o your han . i echil ren smaller ser ings.

What isWhat
a serving?
is a serving?

emo e all skinemo e allat along theack

emo e guts
at emo e the atty ark
meat along the entire lengtho the fillet

emo e
the elly
fish sketch courtesy OEHHA

Fish Preparation and Consumption
Eat only the fillet portions of fish and the meat of crabs. Cookthe fish thoroughly and allow juice to drain away. Do not eat theguts or internal organs because chemicals usually concentratein these parts. Also, avoid frequent consumption of any
reproductive parts such as eggs or roe. If you make stews or
chowders, use fillet parts.
Many chemicals are stored in the fat. When advisories are
based on PCBs or pesticides (DDTs or dieldrin) skin the fish,
when possible; do not eat the skin, and trim any visible fat to
reduce the levels of these chemicals. Removing fat will not
reduce mercury levels.

Safe Eating Guidelines
OEHHA gives special guidelines for women ages 18-49 years
and children 1-17 years because children and fetuses are moresensitive to chemicals. Women over 49 years and men haveless risk and can safely eat more fish, as shown in the following
tables.

For Adults
For Adults
For Children
For Children
The consumption guidelines in the tables are based on
the chemicals noted in each table. Fish consumption
The recommended
The recommended
serving ofserving
fish is of fish isrecommendations in the following tables are provided as theabout theabout
size andthethickness
size and thicknessof your hand.
of your hand.
Give children
Givesmaller
childrenservings.
smaller servings.
802024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES ON SPORT FISH CONSUMPTION
number of servings per week. A serving is about the size andthickness of your hand. Give children smaller servings.
The guidelines for each species and area assume that noother fish are being eaten in the same week. These safe eating
guidelines are for fish from marine and anadromous waters
only. OEHHA’s guidelines for freshwater fish can be found in
the CDFW’s Freshwater Sport Fishing regulations booklet,

available online at wildlife.ca.gov/regulations. If you do not see
your specific location in these tables, follow OEHHA’s Eating
Fish from California Coastal Locations Without Site-Specific
Advice located online at oehha.ca.gov/advisories/statewideadvisory-eating-fish-california-coastal-locations-without-sitespecific-advice or OEHHA’s Advisory for Fish that Migrate
located online at oehha.ca.gov/advisories/advisory-fish-migrate.

Statewide Advisory for California Coastal Locations Without Site Specific Advice
Advice based on PCBs or mercury
Fish

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years

Diamond or spotted turbot, longfin or speckled
sanddab orTopsmelt; barred, rainbow, spotfin or white surfperch;
black or pile perch, orWhite croaker, yellowfin croaker, queenfish or
Shiner perch, silver or walleye surfperch, orBlack, blue, brown, kelp, olive, rosethorn, or vermilion
rockfish, orBarred sand bass, cabezon, kelp bass, lingcod, orCalifornia corbina, orBlack-and-yellow, China, copper, or gopher rockfish,
sharksServings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older

6

6

2

6

2
2

4
2

1

4

1
1

2
1

Do Not Eat

1

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat a serving of California corbina, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

Humboldt Bay

Advice based on PCBs or mercury
Fish
Speckled sanddab orShiner perch, white surfperch or
Red rock crab orPile perch, walleye surfperch or
Lingcod or
Leopard shark

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
7
2
2
1
1
Do Not Eat

Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
5
4
3
2
Do Not Eat

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
7
6
3
3
2
1

Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
7
7
3
5
3

Do not combine recommendations.

Mission Bay

Advice based on PCBs or mercury.
FishDiamond or spotted turbot, opaleye orTopsmelt orBlack perch, white or rainbow surfperch or
Shiner or striped mullet or
Yellowfin croaker or
Spotted sand bass, brown smoothhound shark

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat three servings of striped mullet, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

812024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES ON SPORT FISH CONSUMPTION
Tomales Bay (Marin County)

Advice based on PCBs or mercury. This advisory does not apply to commercially grown Tomales Bay oysters, clams, andmussels, which do not contain high levels of mercury.
Servings Per Week:
Servings Per Week:
Fish
Women ages 18-49 and children
Women 50 years and older and1-17 years
men 18 years and older
Brown smoothhound shark
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Leopard shark or
Do Not Eat
1
Pacific angel shark or
Do Not Eat
1
Bat rays or
Do Not Eat
1
California halibut or
1
3
Red rock crab or1
3
Surfperches or2
7Jacksmelt
2
7
Do not combine recommendations.

San Francisco Bay

Advice based on PCBs or mercury. Because of high concentrations of dieldrin or DDTs or both, OEHHA recommends that no one
eat fish from the Lauritzen Channel in Richmond Inner Harbor.
Servings Per Week:
Servings Per Week:
Fish
Women ages 18-49 and children
Women 50 years and older and1-17 years
men 18 years and older
American shad or
27Chinook (king) salmon or2
5
Barred surfperch, black perch, rubberlip seaperch, white1
3
surfperch or
Jennifer2 N.,
California halibut or1
MammothJacksmelt or
1
2
Northern anchovy or
1
1
White croaker, skinless fillet only, or11Walleye surfperch or
1
1
Sharks or
1
Do Not Eat
Striped bass or
Do Not Eat
1
White sturgeon or
Do Not Eat
1
Mississippi silverside
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Pacific sardine
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Shiner perch
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Topsmelt
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat a serving of walleye surfperch, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

Anadromous Fish (fish that migrate between ocean and fresh water)
Advice based on PCBs or mercury.
Fish
American shad or
Chinook (king) salmon or
steelhead trout orStriped bass or white sturgeon

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
2This advice does not apply to these fish when caught in lakes or reservoirs.

82

Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
72

5

Do Not Eat

1

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
PUBLICHEALTHADVISORIES
ONON
SPORT
FISH
CONSUMPTIONPUBLICHEALTHADVISORY
FISH
CONSUMPTION
Santa Monica Beach south of Santa Monica Pier to Seal Beach Pier
Advice based on PCBs or mercury.
Fish
Jacksmelt orPacific chub mackerel or
California corbina, yellowfin croaker, queenfish,surfperches,opaleye or
California halibut, rockfishes, shovelnose guitarfish or
Sargo, kelp bass, sardines, California
scorpionfish (sculpin), orBarracuda, black croakerTopsmelt, barred sand bass, white croaker

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
42Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
4

2

2

1

2

1

1

Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat

1
Do Not Eat

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat two servings of surfperch, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

Ventura Harbor to Santa Monica Pier, and South of Seal Beach Pier to Santa Mateo Point
Advice based on PCBs or mercury
Fish
Jacksmelt orPacific chub mackerel or
California corbina, yellowfin croaker, queenfish,surfperches, opaleye, topsmelt, or
California halibut, rockfishes, barred sand bass, whitecroaker, shovelnose guitarfish, orSargo, kelp bass, sardines, California scorpionfish(sculpin), orBarracuda, black croaker

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
42Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
4

2

2

1

2

1

1

Do Not Eat

1

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat two servings of surfperch, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

San Diego Bay

Advice based on PCBs or mercury.
Fish
Pile perch or rainbow surfperch or
Diamond or spotted turbot orBlack perch, California spiny lobster, round stingray,shovelnose guitarfish or
Barred sand bass, spotted sand bass, gray smoothhoundshark, leopard shark, Pacific chub mackerel, yellowfin
croaker orTopsmelt, shiner perch

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years22Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
2

1

2

Do Not Eat

1

Do Not Eat

Do Not Eat

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat two servings of spotted turbot, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

832024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

PUBLICHEALTHADVISORY
FISH
CONSUMPTIONPUBLICHEALTHADVISORIES
ONON
SPORT
FISH
CONSUMPTION
Elkhorn Slough

Advice based on PCBs or mercury.
Fish
Asian clam (Corbicula), speckled sanddab orSurfperches or
Bat ray under 24 in. wide or
Bat ray 24 in. wide or more, leopard shark

Servings Per Week:
Women ages 18-49 and children
1-17 years
73
1
Do Not Eat

Servings Per Week:
Women 50 years and older andmen 18 years and older
7
4
4
1

Do not combine recommendations. For example, if you eat seven servings of speckled sanddab, do not eat any more fish until the following week.

MEASUREMENT METHODSALTERNATE LENGTH: Base of foremost spine ofdorsal fin to longest tip of tailPacific Bonito

FORK LENGTH: Tip of head with mouth closed to fork of tail
TOTAL LENGTH: Tip of head with mouth closed to longest tip of tailGreatest Shell Diameter

See T14 CCR §29.90(c)TailBody ofthe shell

California
Spiny Lobster

Clams
See T14 CCR §29.85(a)Dungeness
Crab

Pacific bonito, Pismo clam, California spiny lobsterand Dungeness crab illustrations by A. Bachar

842024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Quillback Rockfish vs. China Rockfish andBlack-and-Yellow Rockfish
Quillback rockfish, China rockfish, and black-and-yellow rockfish are often misidentified.
The features below can be used to differentiate between the three species.

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED*

Deep Indentations
Between Very Tall,
Strong Dorsal Fin
SpinesDark Brown toBlack Freckles
on Head and/or
ThroatCHINA
ROCKFISH

Yellow or Light-colored
Saddle Markings Do Not
Extend to Tail

QUILLBACK

Last One-Third of Body
is Black

WIDE RANGE OF
BODY COLORSROCKFISH

Scan the QR Code with yourmobile device to download theentire 2-page flyer

Irregular Yellow
Blotches

Distinctive Yellow
Band on Lateral Linephotos courtesy CDFW California
Recreational Fisheries Survey

White-to-Yellow Freckles

85

BLACK-andYELLOWROCKFISH

Mostly Black or
Dark Brown

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Nearshore Rockfish of California
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Sections 1.91(a)(1) and 28.55
Also see black-and-yellow rockfish, China rockfish, and quillback rockfish on pg. 85

lue Rockfish
earshore ockfish o

ali ornia
2 to 4 dark pursuant
bands
to ali ornia o e oaround front
egulations Title
ections . aof headand 28.55

5 to 6 vertical black
bars

E.W.

Upper jaw extends
to mid-eye

lack Rockfish

Robe

rts III

Slantedanal fin

Yellowish todark olive

Pink lips

lack spots on the orsal
fin mem rane

E.W

Dark brown toorange-red body.R

Upper jaw extends
to back of eyeoberRounded anal fin

ts

Rob

erts

III

White belly

Calico Rockfish
Irregular band on
lateral line

Diagonal bands
on body

Light greenish-yellow
body

Tail membranes
are brown or
greenish-brownro n Rockfish

More Nearshore Rockfish on pg. 83
Fins may be pink

Scan the QR Codewith your mobile
device to download
the entire 2-page
flyer
Underside of throat
and jaw pinkish

Lighter band on last two-thirdsof lateral line

E.W.

Pink to grayblotches

Dark spot onedge of gill cover

Copper Rockfish

III

Gopher Rockfish
Lighter area on
third to fourth
spine

reefish86

photos courtesy CDFW California
Recreational Fisheries Survey

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Nearshore Rockfish of California (continued)
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Sections 1.91(a)(1) and 28.55
Also see black-and-yellow rockfish, China rockfish, and quillback rockfish on pg. 85

Grass Rockfish

Mottled green, black, orgray on sides

E.W

.R

Short (white)
gill rakers on
first gill arch
ob

er

ts

III

elp Rockfish
Sloping forehead

Long (white)
gill rakers on
first gill arch

Light brown togreenish-brownmottling

li e Rockfish
Fins are olive tobright yellow

12

34

5

6

7

8

9

Nine softanal fin rays

Light olive-gray on sides

87

photos courtesy CDFW California Recreational Fisheries Survey

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Yellowtail Rockfish vs. Olive Rockfish
Yellowtail rockfish and olive rockfish are often misidentified.
This flyer offers features that can be used to differentiate between the two species.

Yellowtail rockfish
more common

YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH“Shelf Rockfish” per CCR T14, Section 1.91(a)(3).
Common north of Pt. Conception, Santa Barbara County
Yellowtail rockfish andolive rockfish common

Olive rockfish
more common

E.W. Rob

erts III

Body more

Eight softanal fin rays

Brown flecks
on sides

12

5
3 4

67

8

football-shaped

OLIVE ROCKFISH

Scan the QR Code with yourmobile device to download theentire 2-page flyer“Nearshore Rockfish” per CCR T14, Section 1.91(a)(1).
Common south of Cape Mendocino, Humboldt County

Drab olive green sides

Nine softanal fin rays

Body moreelongated

88

4
123

56

78

9

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Common Perches of California
species of the family Embiotocidae

photos by Kirk Lombard

89

layout and design by Ben Burke and Kirk Lombard

2024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Selected
Clams
SelectedCalifornia
California Clams
SpeciesName/Identification
Razor: skinny, smooth, brown shell with concentric rings (growthrings), measuring up to 6 inches.
Siphon extends out of shell.
Buried depth: 6 or more inches

Geoduck: oblong, white or grey, smooth shell, measuring up to
10 inches.
Siphon neck extends up to 50 inches.
Buried depth: 2-3 feet
Gaper clam: oblong, mottled white and brown shell, measuring
up to 10 inches.
Siphon neck extends out of the shell.
Buried depth: 2-3 feet

Washington: oblong, mostly dark colored shell with concentricridges (growth rings), measuring up to 5 inches.
Shorter siphon neck.
Buried depth: up to 18 inches

Littleneck: rounded shell with radiating and concentric ridges(growth rings) and varied coloration (brown, white, and gray),measuring up to 3 inches.
Buried depth: 2-10 inches

Pismo: Thick, smooth, symmetrical shell with a triangular profile.
Colors vary from shades of gray, white, purple, and brown, and may
have brown radiating stripes. Siphons are contained inside the shellwhen out of water. Buried depth: less than 7-12 inches.

Cockles: round shell with very pointed hinge, varied in coloration,
prominent radiating ridges, measuring up to 5 inches.
Buried epth 1-2 inches

902024 OCEAN SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS - LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Selected California Sport Fishlateral line
clear/whitesmoothchinslightly
forked tailfin
Canary Rockfish

Barred Sand Bassmouthextends torear of eye

Kelp Bass

Greenspotted Rockfish

mouth extends
to mid-eye

Bocaccioalso known as
Salmon grouper

high arch in lateral line

Starry Rockfish

large
mouth
w/ sharp teeth

femaleWhite Seabass

California Halibut
right-eyedindented
tail findiamondshapedbody

Lingcod

Chilipepper

corner of mouth
forward of eye

does notpossess scales

Cabezonroe poisonous

Pacific Halibut

California Sheephead

male

California Scorpionfish
also known as Sculpin

femaleOcean whitefish

Kelp Greenling

also known as Sea trout

CALL 1-800-553-4133

for up-to-date information
on shellfish toxins and quarantines fromthe California Department of
Public Health91

Rock Greenlingmale