Can I Keep?Kelp Bass, Barred Sand Bass, Spotted Sand Bass Regulations in California (2026)
Recreational kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted sand bass 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 Kelp Bass, Barred Sand Bass, Spotted Sand Bass rules in California
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in any combination of species, except no more than 4 barred sand bass may be taken.
- Season
- The fisheries for kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass (Paralabrax species) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Prohibited: may not be taken or possessed for commercial purposes.
- Digest 'Prohibited Species' list: • Kelp bass (calico bass) • Barred sand bass • Spotted sand bass
- License: Any resident 16 years of age or older who uses or operates, or assists in using or operating, any boat, aircraft, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take fish or amphibia for commercial purposes, or who causes to be brought ashore any fish or amphibia at any point in the state for the purpose of selling them in a fresh state, or who contributes materially to the activities on board a commercial fishing vessel is required to have a commercial fishing license. (FGC §7850).
- Source: 2026 California Commercial Fishing Digest (CDFW); regulations may change in-season.
Quick answers
What is the kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted sand bass size limit in California?
The minimum size limit is 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length..
How many kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted sand bass can I keep in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in any combination of species, except no more than 4 barred sand bass may be taken..
When is kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted sand bass season in California?
The fisheries for kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass (Paralabrax species) remains open year-round.. 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.