Top fish species at Santa Cruz Island
Check which species have trophy potential in Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island fishing reports
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
Fishing regulations at Santa Cruz Island, CA
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in California can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Lingcod as of April 6th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
Min size
Measurement
Special gear
Aggregate
Season Exceptions:
- April 1 - June 30: Open all depths
- July 1 - Sept 30: 50 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)
- Oct 1 - Dec 31: 50 Fathom - Offshore Only (Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)
This species is included in the overall 20 finfish aggregate limit.
Fillets must be a minimum of 14-inches in length with a 1-inch square of skin on each fillet.
For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Ophiodon elongatus
Regulations for
FAQ about Santa Cruz Island fishing
- Lingcod - 81 members reported to have caught this fish
- California sheephead - 61 members reported to have caught this fish
- Ocean whitefish - 44 members reported to have caught this fish
- @andrew.edson reported a nice Ocean whitefish.
- @andrew.edson reported a nice Blue rockfish.
- @andrew.edson reported a nice California scorpionfish.
- @andrew.edson reported a nice Copper rockfish.
- @andrew.edson reported a nice California scorpionfish.
Free trial available