Sharks (state-managed) Regulations in California (2026)

Recreational sharks (state-managed) rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and…

Bag limit

The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and…

Season

Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Sharks (state-managed) rules in California

Where: Northern Management Area
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Where: Mendocino Management Area
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Where: San Francisco Management Area
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Where: Central Management Area
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Where: Southern Management Area
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (PDF) (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (PDF) (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Where: San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Bag limit: The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Season: Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the sharks (state-managed) size limit in California?

The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many sharks (state-managed) can I keep in California?

When is sharks (state-managed) season in California?

Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

More offshore & pelagic 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.