California Legal Catch Measurements & Bag Limits
The legal sizes for fishing in California can vary depeding on species you are targeting.
It’s important to check the current regulations issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the most up-to-date information, as these regulations can change over time. However, here are some common examples of legal size limits for popular fish species in California:
Below is a quick reference guide to legal fish catch size & bag limits.
We have listed below the fish catch size guideline and bag limits. This information was referred from the 2021 California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Below are some examples the regulations
Rules Change Year to Year:
Remember that these size limits are subject to change, so it’s crucial to check the current regulations and any special restrictions or closures in the area you plan to fish. You can find the most up-to-date information on the CDFW website or by contacting the local fisheries office.
Stripped Bass:
The minimum size limits: 18 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 5 per day.
Rockfish:
The minimum size limits:
Vermillian Rockfish: 10 inches in total length
Black Rockfish: 12 inches in total length
Canary Rockfish: 15 inches in total length
Bag Limits: See CDFW for Updates
California Halibut:
The minimum size limits: 22 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 2 per day.
California Lincod:
The minimum size limits: 22 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 2 per day.
Pacific Yellowtail:
The minimum size limits: 24 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 10 per day.
Pacific Yellowfin Tuna:
The minimum size limits: 22 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 2 per day.
Pacific Dorado:
The minimum size limits: 24 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 10 per day.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna:
The minimum size limits: 22 inches in total lenth.
Bag Limits: 2 per day.
