California regulations
White Seabass Regulations in California 2026
California White Seabass regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Permitted; Status Permitted; Gear Spearfishing. Sourced from CDFW.
Rules (33)
California statewideOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 3
- Min size
- 28 inches total length
Open all year.
Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area3Open
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Blue Cavern Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
white seabass by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
white seabass by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed.
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
MontereyOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
remains open year-round The daily bag and possession limit is three fish except that only one fis
Monterey County
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
recreational fishery remains open year-round daily bag and possession limit is three fish except that only one fis[h]
Naples State Marine Conservation AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Ocean Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 20 inches alternate length
Pigeon Point To Point Conception
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 20 inches alternate length
Point Conception To U.s.-Mexico Border
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 20 inches alternate length
Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area3Open
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area3Open
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Waters South Of Point Conception
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Possession
- 1 fish
between March 15 and June 15
Waters South Of Pt. Conception
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
between March 15 and June 15
Waters South Of Pt. Conception Between
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
except that only 1 fish may be taken; June 15
Also known as
White Seabass is also called white sea bass. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in California.
Frequently asked questions
When is White Seabass season in California?
White Seabass season in California runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 per CDFW.
What is the size limit for White Seabass in California?
Minimum size for White Seabass in California is 20 inches alternate length in Ocean Waters, per CDFW. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for White Seabass in California?
Daily bag limit for White Seabass in California is 3 fish in Monterey, per CDFW.
Official sources cited
- https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=239985&inline
- https://www.eregulations.com/california/fishing
- https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/Southern
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with CDFW before keeping a catch. Last verified .