Can I Keep?Groupers Regulations in California (2026)
Recreational groupers rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Groupers rules in California
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- Identification Guide: Grouper Identification The recreational fishery for groupers other than broomtail grouper, gulf grouper, and giant (black) sea bass is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- Note: Take of broomtail grouper, gulf grouper, and giant (black) sea bass (a type of grouper) is prohibited.
Quick answers
What is the groupers size limit in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit..
How many groupers can I keep in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit..
When is groupers season in California?
Identification Guide: Grouper Identification The recreational fishery for groupers other than broomtail grouper, gulf grouper, and giant (black) sea bass is open year-round, at all depths.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More reef fish in California
All California saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a California saltwater license or registry: get one here.