1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

3. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

4. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A measurement illustration is available on page 80 of the 2008 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations book.

5. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Humboldt Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish.

6. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

3. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

4. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A fish measurement diagram is available on page 80 of the 2008 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

5. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

3. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

4. Waters less than 10 fathoms (60 ft.) in depth around the Farallon Islands and Noonday Rock are closed at all times for all groundfish species. Waters of Cordell Bank less than 100 fathoms (600 ft.) in depth are closed at all times for all groundfish species except Pacific sanddabs and "Other Flatfish". Divers and shore-based anglers are not exempt from these area closures. See Section 27.30(b)(4) and Section 27.30(b)(5) for more information.

5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. A fish measurement diagram is available on page 80 of the 2008 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

6. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight. This exception does not apply in waters less than 10 fm deep off the Farallon Islands and Noonday Rock.

7. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside San Francisco Bay, Bodega Harbor, Tomales Bay, Bolinas Bay, and Drake's Estero Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

3. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating
object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

4. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. The 2007 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet has a measurement illustration.

5. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Elkhorn Slough is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish.

6. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

3. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
,
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

4. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. The 2007 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet has a measurement illustration.

5. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

2. In the Cowcod Conservation Areas fishing is prohibited in waters greater than 120 feet (20 fathoms) in depth. Fishing is also subject to the Time Period closures for the Southern Management Area. See Section 27.50 for further information on species restrictions.

3. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

4. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex, ocean whitefish, California sheephead, and other federally managed groundfish (except for lingcod). However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. The 2007 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet has a measurement illustration.

6. The sport fishery for leopard shark inside Newport Bay, Alamitos Bay, Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay is exempt from season and depth restrictions that affect other federally managed groundfish.

7. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.

1."Nearshore rockfish" as described in Section 1.91(a)(1) means black rockfish, black-and-yellow rockfish, blue rockfish, brown rockfish, calico rockfish, China rockfish, copper rockfish, gopher rockfish, grass rockfish, kelp rockfish, olive rockfish, quillback rockfish, and treefish.

2. See regulations for information on gear restrictions and fillet lengths.

3. Subject to in-season change. Call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, visit the Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call your nearest DFG office for the latest information. Anglers may also sign up for e-mail notification of regulation changes at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/subscribe.asp.

4. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting nearshore rockfish, cabezon, greenlings, California scorpionfish, ocean whitefish, sanddabs and "other flatfish". However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat-based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table. The following definitions describe boat-based and shore-based anglers, and divers:

• Boat-based anglers are fishermen that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
• Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade structures connected to the shore.
• Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.

5. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head with the mouth closed to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. The 2007 Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet has a measurement illustration.

6. In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab, butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole (defined as "Other Flatfish" in Section 1.91(a)(10)) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 No. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

EXCEPTION: During the open season, groundfish may be possessed in closed areas and in water depths closed to fishing only aboard vessels in transit with no fishing gear in the water. See sub-section 27.20(b).

The Sections referenced in this table may be found in the annual Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet.