Ocean waters between Cape Mendocino and Pigeon Point will not open until June 1, and all waters south of Point Conception to the U.S.-Mexico border opened on March 1.
“The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) works within the guidelines of state and federal fishery management plans to provide as much opportunity as possible for recreational anglers to enjoy California’s ocean fishing resources,” said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick. “Many rockfish species are available to anglers, but a few species are prohibited due to conservation concerns, so it is always important for anglers to know what they are catching.”
Sport anglers are allowed daily bag and possession limits of 10 rockfish, cabezon and greenlings, in combination. Sublimits exist for bocaccio, cabezon and greenlings; cowcod, yelloweye and canary rockfishes may not be retained at any time. More information on distinguishing canary rockfish may be found at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/canary_id.pdf. For complete groundfish fishing regulations, refer to the 2007 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet which is available wherever fishing licenses are sold or online at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.
Current groundfish management areas and fishing depths for boat-based anglers off California include:
• Northern Management Area (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino): Open May 1 through December from 0-30 fathoms (0-180 feet).
• North-Central Management Area (Near Cape Mendocino to Pigeon Point - currently closed) Open June 1 through November from 0-30 fathoms (0-180 feet).
• Monterey South-Central Management Area (Pigeon Point to near Lopez Point): Open May 1 through November from 0-40 fathoms (0-240 feet).
• Morro Bay South-Central Management Area (near Lopez Point to Point Conception): Open May 1 through November from 0-40 fathoms (0-240 feet).
• Southern Management Area (Point Conception to U.S.-Mexico border): Open March 1 through December from 0-60 fathoms (0-360 feet.)
• Cowcod Conservation Area (west of San Diego): Open March 1 through December from 0-20 fathoms (0-120 feet). Check regulations booklet for special restrictions.
These regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission in 2006 and are based on sport catch data received from the California Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS). Fishing opportunities may change later in the year if new CRFS data show that annual quotas are being exceeded.
For up-to-date information on groundfish regulations and possible in-season regulation changes, call the recreational groundfish regulations hotline at (831) 649-2801, call or visit your local DFG office, or go online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine.
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