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Tunas Regulations in California (2026)

Recreational tunas 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.

Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits…
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

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Recreational Tunas rules in California

Where
Northern Management Area
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, fillet procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Mendocino Management Area
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, fillet procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, filleting procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, filleting procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

Official source

Where
Southern Management Area
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, fillet procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Ocean
Size limit
No Pacific bluefin tuna under 7½ pounds may be taken (FGC §8375).
Season
May be taken at any time (FGC §8374).
  • Albacore: May be taken at any time (FGC §8376).
  • 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

How many tunas can I keep in California?

Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, fillet procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is tunas season in California?

The recreational fishery for tunas 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 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.