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Surfperch Regulations in California (2026)

Recreational surfperch 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
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit…
Bag limit
20 per person
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is…

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Recreational Surfperch rules in California

Where
Northern Management Area
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Mendocino Management Area
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (opens in new tab) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (opens in new tab) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Southern Management Area
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch). Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open from August 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Season
May be taken only between Aug. 1 and April 30 except shiner perch which may be taken, sold or purchased at any time.
  • Surfperch, except shiner perch, may be sold or purchased only between Aug. 1 and May 10. Barred, redtail, and calico surfperch may not be taken south of Pt. Arguello. Barred, redtail, and calico surfperch taken north of Pt. Arguello must be tagged prior to shipment south of that point. The Commission may adopt regulations to manage the commercial surfperch fishery (FGC §8395; T14 CCR §112).
  • 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.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the surfperch size limit in California?

Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many surfperch can I keep in California?

The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is surfperch season in California?

The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

More inshore 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.