Waterbody · California
Santa Monica Bay Fishing Regulations 2026
Santa Monica Bay fishing regulations as of 2026-05-08: 59 current rules from CDFW. Anglers target halibut, white seabass.
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
All
- Min size
- 22 inches total length
Central
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
North Of Point Sur, Monterey CountyOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 22 inches total length
open year-round
North Of Pt. Sur, Monterey County
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Northern
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Ocean
- Min size
- 16.75"
must be a minimum of 16 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact
Ocean Finfish
- Min size
- 22 in. total length
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
Sf Bay
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
South Of Point Sur, Monterey County
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Possession
- 5 fish
South Of Pt. Sur, Monterey County
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
Southern
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
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
California statewide
- Min size
- 22"
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.
When was this last updated?
These rules were last verified against CDFW on 2026-05-08. 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. Last verified .