Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations

North-Central Management Area: Point Arena to Pigeon Point
(Includes a portion of Mendocino County, the portions of Sonoma, Marin and San Francisco Counties bordering the Pacific Ocean, and most of San Mateo County)

Regulations for some species may differ inside San Francisco Bay; click here to see regulations applicable to San Francisco Bay.

This summary of current regulations was updated on July 1, 2008.

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Click on a fishery below for more detailed information. What's Open Rockfish Cabezon Kelp and Rock Greenlings Lingcod Leopard Shark Pacific Sanddab and "Other Flatfish" Other Federally-managed groundfish and associated state-managed species California Halibut Pacific Halibut Sturgeon Surfperch Dungeness Crab (Mendocino county) Other species Partial Closure* None at this time What's Closed Ocean Salmon Dungeness Crab (south of Mendocino county) Abalone Additional Information Public Health Advisories On Sport Fish Consumption for Tomales Bay (Marin County) * Partial closure enforced by fishing mode (diver, boat-based, shore-based). For more information, read below.   Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade objects connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.

Important Note - The recreational fisheries for lingcod, rockfish, sub-groups of rockfish, California scorpionfish, cabezon, kelp and rock greenlings, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and other federal groundfish may close early if the annual harvest guideline for any one specie or species group is met or is expected to be met prior to the end of the year. Check this web site, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call the nearest DFG office for the latest information. Note: Your questions sent to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, and the Department's response, may be posted on the Internet or published in periodicals to help others with similar questions. If you do not wish your question to be used in this manner, please indicate this in your email.

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What's Open:

Rockfish

The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep⁵. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in combination of all species within the RCG Complex (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings) per person, with a sub-limit on bocaccio (1 per person, minimum size limit of 10 inches total length, also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit). Yelloweye rockfish, canary rockfish and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero).

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Cabezon

The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery isopen to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Cabezon may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep⁵. The daily bag and possession limit is 1 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 15 inches total length.

Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling

The recreational fishery for kelp and rock greenlings (Hexagrammos sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Greenlings may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep⁵. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length.

Lingcod

The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is open to divers² and shore-based anglers only from April 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Lingcod may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep⁵. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Leopard Shark

The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) inside San Francisco Bay, Bodega Harbor, Tomales Bay, Bolinas Bay and Drake's Estero Bay is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers² and shore-based anglers. Outside of the above-mentioned embayments, the fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Outside the above-mentioned embayments, leopard sharks may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms)⁵. The daily bag and possession limit in all areas is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Pacific Sanddab and "Other Flatfish"³

The recreational fishery for Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and "other flatfish" is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers² and shore-based anglers, with certain gear restrictions during closed periods and in closed areas^3,5. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

All Other Federally Managed Groundfish and Associated State-Managed Species¹

The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish and associated species¹ is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep⁵. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

California Halibut

The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.

Pacific Halibut

The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open from May 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish with no minimum size limit.

Sturgeon

The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) remains open all year. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish that must be between 46 inches and 66 inches total length. The yearly limit is three (3) sturgeon per year. Short or oversized sturgeon must be released unharmed immediately. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm to assist in landing or killing any sturgeon. Any person fishing for sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card and complete it in accordance with Section 27.90, Title 14 California Code of Regulations.

Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for complete sturgeon information

Surfperch

Outside San Francisco and San Pablo Bays:

The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10 1/2 inches total length.

Inside San Francisco and San Pablo Bays:

The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) inside San Francisco and San Pablo Bays is closed, with the exception of shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) which is open year-round. The fishery will reopen on August 1, 2008 for species other than shiner perch. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10 1/2 inches total length.

For more information concerning surfperch regulations within San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, click here.

Dungeness Crab

The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is open in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties from November 24, 2007, through July 30, 2008. The following regulations apply:

• The daily bag and possession limit is ten Dungeness crabs.
• The minimum size limit is 5 3/4 inches measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines).
• Every person taking crab shall carry a device that is capable of accurately measuring the size of the crab using the method described above.

The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab from Sonoma County to the Mexico border is closed July 1, 2008 and will reopen November 1, 2008.

Click here to view a crab measurement diagram

Click here to view information on crab identification

Abalone

The recreational fishery for red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is open from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008; and from Aug. 1, 2008 through Nov. 30, 2008 in California's waters north of San Francisco. The daily bag limit is three per day, with a maximum of 24 abalone per year. Abalone taken must measure at least 7 inches in diameter. Abalone may only be taken by hand or by abalone irons. Scuba gear and surface-supplied air are prohibited. Free divers and shore pickers (16 years or older) must possess a valid sport fishing license.

New Regulations

• Abalone report cards are required for everyone fishing for or taking abalone. Report cards are required during the two free fishing days on June 7, 2008 and Sept. 27, 2008.
• Abalone must be tagged immediately upon exiting the water or immediately upon boarding a vessel, whichever occurs first. Persons using non-motorized vessels (such as kayaks and float tubes) may wait until reaching shore to immediately record information on the tags and the report cards, and tag their abalone. All abalone tags must correspond to the abalone report card of the diver/picker. Abalone given to others must retain the tags until the abalone are prepared for immediate consumption. Tags must remain attached to abalone report cards until an abalone is being tagged. Tags separated from abalone report cards prior to use are invalid and must be marked "VOID" on both the tag and the card. Lost or destroyed tags must be recorded as such on the abalone card. Abalone must remain in the shell with tags attached until being prepared for immediate consumption.

Everyone engaging in the take of abalone is responsible for knowing and abiding by all California marine sport fishing regulations pertaining to abalone. The California Department of Fish and Game has produced a video that demonstrates the new tagging procedures that will be required. To view this video online and to see a list of new abalone fishing regulations, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/education/video/AbaloneRegulations.html.

For more information please see the Red Abalone FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Other Species

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.

NOTE - The Department may modify the seasons, depth constraints, bag limits or size limits for any species of federally-managed groundfish, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. Check this Web site regularly or call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline ((831) 649-2801) for the latest information.

 

What's Closed:

Ocean Salmon

The recreational fishery for ocean salmon is closed. In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Fish and Game Commission adopted a complete closure of the ocean salmon sport fishery in California for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Click here for a comprehensive news and FAQ page describing salmon fishery changes.

For additional information, please visit the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/whatsnew.html.

Dungeness Crab

The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) from Sonoma County to the Mexico border is closed July 1, 2008 and will reopen November 1, 2008.

Click here to view information on crab identification.

Abalone

The recreational fishery for red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is closed July 1, 2008 through August 1, 2008 in California's waters north of the mouth of San Francisco Bay. The daily bag limit is three per day, with a maximum of 24 abalone per year. Abalone taken must measure at least 7 inches in diameter. Abalone may only be taken by hand or by abalone irons. Scuba gear and surface-supplied air are prohibited. Free divers and shore pickers (16 years or older) must possess a valid sport fishing license.

The recreational fishery for red abalone south of the mouth of San Francisco Bay is closed year round.

Existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Click here for information on existing MPAs in this region.

For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

 

¹ Associated state managed species include cabezon, greenlings, California sheephead and ocean whitefish.

² Except for spearfishing gear, all other types of fishing gear are prohibited to be aboard a vessel or non-motorized watercraft while spearfishing for the purpose of retaining federal groundfish and associated state managed species during a seasonal closure affecting boat-based anglers.

³ In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and "other flatfish" as defined in Section 1.91(a)(10) butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 no. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

⁴ These species may be possessed aboard vessels that are transiting deeper waters only when all fishing gear is stowed.

⁵ Waters less than 10 fathoms (60 ft.) in depth around the Farallon Islands and Noonday Rock are closed at all times for all groundfish species. Waters of Cordell Bank less than 100 fathoms (600 ft.) in depth are closed at all times for all groundfish species except Pacific sanddabs and "Other Flatfish". Divers and shore-based anglers are not exempt from these area closures.

 

Public Health Advisories On Sport Fish Consumption for Tomales Bay (Marin County)

Note: Additional site-specific advisory information can be found on the OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment) Web Site.

Because of elevated levels of mercury in fish from Tomales Bay, the following recommendations are provided for limiting consumption of sport fish caught in Tomales Bay:

WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE AND CHILDREN AGED 17 YEARS AND YOUNGER
DO NOT EAT	ALL SHARKS including brown smoothhound shark, leopard shark, and Pacific angel shark
ONCE A MONTH	Bat rays OR
ONCE A WEEK	California halibut, redtail, pile, or shiner perch; or red rock crab OR
3 TIMES A WEEK	Jacksmelt
WOMEN BEYOND CHILDBEARING AGE AND MEN
ONCE A MONTH	Brown smoothhound sharks or leopard sharks OR
ONCE A WEEK	Pacific angel sharks or bat rays OR
3 TIMES A WEEK	California halibut; redtail or pile surfperch; or red rock crab OR
UNRESTRICTED	Jacksmelt or shiner perch

This advisory does not apply to commercially grown Tomales Bay oysters, clams and mussels, which do not contain high levels of mercury.