California Recreational Groundfish and Lingcod Fishing Regulation Changes for 2019

Beginning in 2019, the Lingcod daily bag and possession limit is one fish.
CDFW photo by M. Parker

On December 12, 2018 the California Fish and Game Commission took action to modify regulations for groundfish fishing. The changes went into effect January 2, 2019.

While many of the changes are good news and reflect improvements in the status of several species, not all changes resulted in increased opportunities for the recreational groundfish fishery. For California Groundfish Management Areas south of 40°10’ N latitude (near Cape Mendocino in northern California) 

Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve

White pelicans, with Morro Rock in the background
photo by T. Heitzenrater

As you drive on Highway 1 into Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, a towering rock comes into view marking the edge of the Pacific Ocean. More than 575 feet tall, Morro Rock is evidence of the area’s volcanically active past.

Marine Management News Fish Identification Quiz

Welcome to the Marine Management News Fish Identification Quiz for August 2018! Here’s your chance to show off your fish identification knowledge and win a “Release At Depth” rockfish barotrauma cap and a copy of California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. To qualify for the drawing, simply send the correct information to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov by September 30, 2018 identifying:

• The species of the fish pictured below (scientific name) and an accepted common name, and
• The daily bag limit, as found in the 2018-2019 Saltwater Sport Fishing regulations booklet

Be sure to enter “August MMN Fish Quiz” as the “Subject” of your e-mail. The winner will be selected during a random drawing from all correct answers received by September 30, 2018.

photo by D. Shigematsu

Snapshot: Saltwater State Record Catches for 2017

Jeffrey Yuan and his state angling record Calico Surfperch – CDFW file photo

Daniel Silveira and his state diving record Bocaccio – CDFW file photo

Yu Fukushima and his state diving record Shortfin Mako Shark – CDFW file photo

In 2017, four saltwater anglers and three spear fishermen became new state record holders after hauling in some exceptional fish. 

Creature Feature: California Corbina

California Corbina are found from Point Conception southward off California to a depth of 45 ft. Small groups of this species travel along the bottom off sandy beaches and in shallow bays. Adults have been observed feeding in the surf, at times in water so shallow that their backs were exposed.