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Yellowtail Regulations in California (2026)

Seriola dorsalis

Recreational yellowtail rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit
24 in minimum
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is ten fish.
Season
The fishery for yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) remains open year-round.

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Recreational Yellowtail rules in California

Where
Southern Management Area
Size limit
The minimum size limit is 24 inches fork length (PDF), except that up to five fish less than 24 inches fork length may be taken or possessed.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is ten fish.
Season
The fishery for yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) remains open year-round.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Ocean
Size limit
None less than 28 inches may be taken, sold, or purchased.
Bag limit
Between May 1 and Aug. 31 it is unlawful for (a) any one person to have more than 500 pounds of yellowtail in their possession on any boat, barge or vessel; (b) two or more persons to have in their possession on any boat, barge or vessel, a combined weight of 500 pounds of yellowtail per person; or (c) five or more persons to have more than a combined weight of 2,500 pounds of yellowtail in their possession on any boat, barge or vessel. (See T14 CCR for fish taken in Mexican waters and brought into California under Commission regulations.) (FGC §§8382, 8384, 8386, 8387; T14 CCR §109).
  • 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 yellowtail size limit in California?

The minimum size limit is 24 inches fork length (PDF), except that up to five fish less than 24 inches fork length may be taken or possessed..

How many yellowtail can I keep in California?

The daily bag and possession limit is ten fish..

When is yellowtail season in California?

The fishery for yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) 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.