Can I Keep?Spiny Lobster Regulations in California (2026)
Panulirus interruptus
Recreational spiny lobster rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
The minimum size limit is three and one-fourth inches measured along…
Bag limit
The daily bag limit is seven lobster.
Season
The recreational fishery for California spiny lobster (Panulirus…
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Recreational Spiny Lobster rules in California
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is three and one-fourth inches measured along the midline of the upper body from the rear edge of the eye socket (between the horns) to the rear edge of the carapace (body shell).
- Bag limit
- The daily bag limit is seven lobster.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is open from 6:00 p.m. on October 2, 2026 through March 17, 2027.
- Important reminders: Hoop nets used south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County) must have a surface buoy marked with the operator's GO ID number.
- Where there is more than one hoop net operator fishing for lobster, only the GO ID number of one operator is required on each hoop net buoy (hoop nets deployed by persons from shore/pier excepted).
- Hoop netters may bring lobster aboard a vessel where they can be measured safely.
- No more than five hoop nets may be possessed by one person when taking spiny lobster.
- No more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed per vessel when taking spiny lobster.
- Hoop netters are required to raise the net to the surface and inspect the contents of the net at least every two hours.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Divers may possess spearfishing equipment while diving for crustaceans (including lobsters), however such equipment may not be used to take lobster.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Ocean
- Size limit
- No spiny lobster less than 3 and 1/4 inches in length measured in a straight line from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell, both points to be on the midline of the back, may be taken, possessed, purchased, or sold.
- Season
- Spiny lobsters (Panulirus interruptus) may be taken only between the first Wednesday in October and the first Wednesday after the 15th of March.
- Under operator permits issued by the Department, licensed commercial fishermen may take spiny lobsters for commercial purposes, but only with traps used pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 9010, except that such traps shall only be used in Districts 18, 19, 20A, and that part of District 20 southerly of Santa Catalina Island between Church Rock and China Point. No other method of take is authorized for the commercial harvest of spiny lobsters.
- No spiny lobsters may be sold or possessed during the closed season except as follows: Spiny lobsters taken or imported during the open season which were cooked and frozen or frozen prior to the close of the open season, and spiny lobsters imported into California during the twenty-six (26) days following the close of the open season, provided such spiny lobsters were cooked and frozen or frozen prior to importation. During the closed season, after the twenty-six (26) day importation period, no spiny lobsters may be possessed on any boat, barge, or vessel.
- Digest calendar of commercial open seasons: Spiny Lobster Open 10/7/2026 to 3/17/2027
- Permit: a lobster operator permit (T14 CCR §122) is required to take spiny lobster commercially.
- 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 spiny lobster size limit in California?
The minimum size limit is three and one-fourth inches measured along the midline of the upper body from the rear edge of the eye socket (between the horns) to the rear edge of the carapace (body shell)..
How many spiny lobster can I keep in California?
The daily bag limit is seven lobster..
When is spiny lobster season in California?
The recreational fishery for California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is open from 6:00 p.m. on October 2, 2026 through March 17, 2027.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Spiny Lobster limits in other states →
More crabs, lobster & shrimp 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.