Waterbody · California
Santa Monica Bay Fishing Regulations 2026
Santa Monica Bay fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are halibut, white seabass. 59 current rules across 3 species from CDFW.
Rules (59)
CDFW regulates 59 rules across 3 species at this water.
White Seabass
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
California statewideOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 3
- Min size
- 28 inches total length
Open all year.
California Halibut
North Of Point Sur, Monterey CountyOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 22 inches total length
open year-round
Ocean
- Min size
- 16.75"
must be a minimum of 16 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact
Pigeon Point To Point ConceptionOpen
- Status
- Open
- Min size
- 22 inches total length
remains open year-round
Point Conception To U.s.-Mexico BorderOpen
- Status
- Open
- Min size
- 22 inches total length
open year-round
Waters North Of A Line Extending Due West Magnetic From Point Sur, Monterey County
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Possession
- 2 fish
Waters South Of A Line Extending Due West Magnetic From Point Sur, Monterey County
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Possession
- 5 fish
All Species
Ventura Harbor To Santa Monica PierOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Public Health Advisory
Santa Monica Beach South Of Santa Monica Pier To Seal Beach PierOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Public Health Advisory
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Santa Monica Bay?
CDFW regulates fishing on Santa Monica Bay.
What species can I target on Santa Monica Bay?
Santa Monica Bay is best known for halibut, white seabass. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize CDFW's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.