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White Seabass Regulations in California (2026)

Atractoscion nobilis

Recreational white seabass 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
28 in minimum
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is three fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis)…

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Recreational White Seabass rules in California

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Size limit
The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is three fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Size limit
The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is three fish except that only one fish may be taken in waters south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15.
Season
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round.

Official source

Where
Southern Management Area
Size limit
The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is three fish except that only one fish may be taken in waters south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15.
Season
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit
The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is three fish.
Season
The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
South of Point Conception (ocean)
Size limit
It is unlawful to take, possess, sell, or purchase any white seabass less than 28 inches in length, measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the end of the longer lobe of the tail (FGC §8383.5). Exception: One white seabass not less than 28 inches in total length may be taken, possessed, and sold by a person or possessed on a vessel each calendar day if such white seabass is taken incidental to gill and trammel net fishing operations conducted under authority of a permit issued pursuant to FGC §8681.
Bag limit
Exception: One white seabass not less than 28 inches in total length may be taken, possessed, and sold by a person or possessed on a vessel each calendar day if such white seabass is taken incidental to gill and trammel net fishing operations conducted under authority of a permit issued pursuant to FGC §8681.
Season
South of a line extending due west (true) from Point Conception, white seabass may not be taken for commercial purposes from March 15 through June 15, inclusive (T14 CCR §155).
  • Anyone who takes, possesses or lands a white sea bass for commercial purposes south of Point Arguello shall have a valid commercial fishing ocean enhancement validation (FGC 6596.1(c)).
  • 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 white seabass size limit in California?

The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many white seabass can I keep in California?

The daily bag and possession limit is three fish. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is white seabass season in California?

The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) 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 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.