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Santa Catalina Island

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

California, United States

4.7·3671 catches

Top fish species at Santa Catalina Island

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Check which species have trophy potential in Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island fishing reports

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Kelp bass

length · weight

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Garibaldi damselfish

length · weight

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Skipjack tuna

length · weight

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California yellowtail amberjack

length · weight

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Kelp bass

length · weight

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White seabass

9 in · 1 lb

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General info

Santa Catalina Island is a part of an ocean located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is most popular for fishing Kelp bass, California sheephead, and Pacific bonito.

Location

33°23′25.2″N 118°32′8″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Santa Catalina 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.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Kelp bass

Kelp bass

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size14" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Bag limit of 5 Kelp Bass, Barred Sand Bass, or Spotted Sand Bass in any combination. Open year-round. When filleting on a vessel, fillets shall be a minimum of seven and one half inches in length. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patch of skin.
Synonyms
Calico bass, Paralabrax clathratus
Season open: March 1 - December 31
California sheephead

California sheephead

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

Skin Attached

Fillets must have entire skin attached.

Additional information
The recreational fishery is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is closed to boat-based anglers from January 1, 2023 through February 28, 2023. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length. Review California sport fishing regulations for further information pertaining to California sheephead.Fillets must be a minimum of 6 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact. Divers, Shore-based Anglers: Open year-round. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat- based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table.For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Synonyms
Semicossyphus pulcher
Season open: year-round
Pacific bonito

Pacific bonito

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit10

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size24" (Fork Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Open year-round Minimum Size: 24 inches fork length or 5 pounds except that: 5 fish less than 24 inches fork length or weighing less than 5 pounds may be taken and possessed. No more than 10 fillets of any length may be possessed. All bonito fillets possessed shall be considered a part of the allowable undersized tolerance of five bonito per day less than 24 inches fork length or weighing less than five pounds as provided in Section 28.32 of these regulations. All fillets shall bear intact a one-inch square patch of skin.
Synonyms
Sarda chiliensis, Sarda chiliensis lineolata
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Local laws and licenses

California fishing license

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Reviews of Santa Catalina Island

4.7
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52 ratings

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Top reviews

Cities nearby

Avalon

12.4 miles away

Rancho Palos Verdes

27.1 miles away

Palos Verdes Estates

28.5 miles away

Lomita

30.5 miles away

Torrance

32.7 miles away

West Carson

33.0 miles away

Redondo Beach

33.5 miles away

Hermosa Beach

33.8 miles away

Carson

34.8 miles away

Long Beach

35.2 miles away

Signal Hill

35.5 miles away

Seal Beach

36.7 miles away

Huntington Beach

37.3 miles away

Rossmoor

38.0 miles away

Los Alamitos

39.3 miles away

Lakewood

39.5 miles away

Westminster

40.0 miles away

Fountain Valley

40.3 miles away

Hawaiian Gardens

40.4 miles away

Costa Mesa

40.6 miles away

Cypress

41.1 miles away

Newport Beach

41.5 miles away

Garden Grove

42.6 miles away

Laguna Beach

45.9 miles away

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FAQ about Santa Catalina Island fishing

📍 Where is Santa Catalina Island located?
Santa Catalina Island is a part of an ocean located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Its coordinates are:
33°23′25.2″N 118°32′8″W
.
🎣 Where on Santa Catalina Island is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Santa Catalina Island by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Santa Catalina Island?
The most common species in Santa Catalina Island are:
📢 What are the latest Santa Catalina Island fishing reports?
The latest Santa Catalina Island fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Santa Catalina Island right now?
According to fishing regulations at Santa Catalina Island, some of the species in season this November include: Chinook salmon, Lingcod, Pacific halibut, Vermilion rockfish, and California sheephead. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Santa Catalina Island?

Fishing in California requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include daily, annual, or combination licenses for residents and non-residents, purchasable online or at sporting goods stores.

In California, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. There is no universal senior exemption. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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