Central area
Central area basics
The Central area reaches from Pigeon Point (37°11′ N) to Point Conception (34°27′ N).
It holds 19 public piers, 9 bays and harbors and 30 marine protected areas, 14 of them no-take. 24 open and 3 closed: that is the Central summary today.
19public piers
9bays and harbors
30MPAs
3reef sites
Groundfish
Groundfish limits, Central area
| Species | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCG complex: nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenlings | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Shelf and slope rockfish | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Lingcod | 2 a day | 22 in minimum | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Vermilion / sunset rockfish | 2 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Species | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California halibut | 5 a day | 22 in minimum | Year round |
| Surfperch | 20 a day | none | Year round |
| Striped bass | 2 a day | 18 in minimum | Year round |
| Dungeness crab | 10 a day | 5.75 in minimum | First Saturday in November through June 30 (2026-27 season: Saturday November 7, 2026 – Wednesday June 30, 2027) |
| Pacific halibut | 1 a day | none | Open April 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 or until quota is reached, whichever is earlier |
| Other finfish (general bag) | 20 a day | none | see rule |
CDFW groundfish summary and 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. CDFW Central page.
Open and closed
Seasons now in the Central area
| Fishery | Status | CDFW text |
|---|---|---|
| Rockfish | open | Please see the Central Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current rockfish fishing regulations. Rockfish Identification Guides (PDFs) (opens in new tab) |
| Cabezon | open | Please see the Central Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current cabezon fishing regulations. |
| Kelp Greenling, Rock Greenling | open | Please see the Central Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current kelp greenling and rock greenling fishing regulations. |
| Lingcod | open | Please see the Central Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current lingcod fishing regulations. |
| Leopard Shark | open | The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport |
| Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish | open | The recreational fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) |
| Petrale Sole and Starry Flounder | open | The recreational fisheries for petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) are open year-round, at all depths. There are no bag or size limits for petrale sole or starry flounder. For complete regulation information, see current |
| California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) | open | The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulation |
| Other Federally Managed Groundfish | open | The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads |
| Pacific Halibut | open | The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. South of Point Arena, Mendocino County the season will remain open through December 31, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The daily bag |
| California Halibut | open | The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and total possession limit is five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length. |
| White Seabass | open | The recreational fishery for white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round. 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. The minimum siz |
| California Sheephead | open | The recreational fishery for California sheephead (Bodianus pulcher) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from March 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, wi |
| Ocean Whitefish | open | The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (opens in new tab) (Caulolatilus princeps) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit. Review Cal |
| Sharks (state-managed) | open | Open year-round, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time. The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube) (opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of |
| Surfperch | open | The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF) (opens in new tab) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch), with not more than 10 fish of any one species. Shiner p |
| Sturgeon | open | Catch-and-Release Fishing Only for White Sturgeon. The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 1 |
| Tunas | open | The recreational fishery for tunas is open year-round. Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for bag limits, possession limits, filleting procedures on vessels, and other regulations pertaining to these species. |
| Pacific Herring | open | The recreational fishery for Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) is open year-round. Ten gallons of Pacific herring may be taken per day (approximately 100 lb. or 520 fish). No specialized measuring device is required. |
| Rock Crab | open | The recreational fishery for all rock crab species, including red crab (Cancer productus), yellow crab (Metacarcinus anthonyi) and brown crab (Romaleon antennarium) is open year-round, statewide. The daily bag limit is 35 crab, and the minimum size limit is 4 |
| Mussels | open | NOTE: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued its annual, statewide quarantine on the collection of mussels (opens in new tab) intended for human consumption. The quarantine is usually in effect from May 1 through October 31 each year. Add |
| Clams | open | NOTE: The California Department of Public Health is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, whole scallops, or oysters from Monterey County beaches due to dangerous levels of domoic acid toxin found in mussels. For the latest advisory inf |
| Kelp | open | The daily bag limit on all marine aquatic plants for which the take is authorized is 10 pounds wet weight in the aggregate, except that 25 pounds of herring eggs on kelp may be collected. No eelgrass, surfgrass, or sea palm may be cut or disturbed at any time. |
| Other Species | open | See California ocean sport fishing regulations for complete information, including regulations for species not covered here. |
| Ocean Salmon | closed | The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (Onchorynchus spp.) is closed from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico border, for the rest of the year. 2027 ocean salmon season dates will be available beginning in April, 2027 after federal and state review of 2026 spaw |
| Dungeness Crab | closed | The season for Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is closed as of July 1, 2026. The season is scheduled to reopen on November 7, 2026. Before the season opens up again, it's a good idea to sign up for notifications of in-season gear restriction changes on |
| Red Abalone | closed | The recreational fishery for red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) is closed year-round south of the mouth of San Francisco Bay. For more information about abalone, please visit the Invertebrate Management Project web page. |
CDFW Central regional summary, updated October 1, 2026.
Where to fish
Public piers and bays, Central
Public piers
- Capitola WharfCapitola
- Santa Cruz WharfSanta Cruz
- Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater EastSanta Cruz
- Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater WestSanta Cruz
- Moss Landing Breakwater NorthMoss Landing
- Moss Landing Breakwater SouthMoss Landing
- Monterey Coast Guard BreakwaterMonterey
- Monterey Municipal Wharf 2Monterey
- San Simeon PierOld San Simeon
- Cayucos PierCayucos
- Morro Bay North T-PierMorro Bay
- Morro Bay South T-PierMorro Bay
- Morro Bay North JettyMorro Bay
- Anchor Memorial Park PierMorro Bay
- Morro Bay South JettyMorro Bay
- Avila PierAvila Beach
- Harford Pier, Port San LuisPort San Luis
- Port San Luis BreakwaterSan Luis Obispo
- Pismo Beach PierPismo Beach
Bays and harbors
- Santa Cruz Small Craft HarborSanta Cruz
- Elkhorn SloughMonterey
- Moss Landing HarborMonterey
- Monterey BayMonterey, Santa Cruz
- Stillwater CoveMonterey
- Carmel BayMonterey
- Estero BaySan Luis Obispo
- Morro BaySan Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo BaySan Luis Obispo
MPAs
MPA list for the Central area
| Area | Type | County | What CDFW allows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Año Nuevo SMR | SMR | San Mateo | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Greyhound Rock SMCA | SMCA | Santa Cruz | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and squid, and giant kelp by hand is allowed. Recreational take of other finfish by hook-and-line from shore only is |
| Natural Bridges SMR | SMR | Santa Cruz | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Soquel Canyon SMCA | SMCA | Santa Cruz | Recreational and commercial take of pelagic finfish is allowed. |
| Elkhorn Slough SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Elkhorn Slough SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational take of finfish by hook-and-line only, and clams from the slough’s north shore near the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area, is allowed. |
| Moro Cojo Slough SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Portuguese Ledge SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational and commercial take of pelagic finfish is allowed. |
| Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational take of finfish is allowed. Commercial take of giant kelp and bull kelp by hand is allowed. |
| Asilomar SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Lovers Point – Julia Platt SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Edward F. Ricketts SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational take of finfish by hook-and-line only is allowed. Commercial take of giant kelp and bull kelp by hand is allowed. |
| Carmel Pinnacles SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Carmel Bay SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational take of finfish is allowed. Commercial take of giant kelp and bull kelp by hand is allowed. |
| Point Lobos SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and albacore is allowed. Commercial take of spot prawn is allowed. |
| Point Lobos SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Point Sur SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Point Sur SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and albacore is allowed. |
| Big Creek SMCA | SMCA | Monterey | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and albacore is allowed. Commercial take of spot prawn is allowed. |
| Big Creek SMR | SMR | Monterey | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Piedras Blancas SMCA | SMCA | San Luis Obispo | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and albacore is allowed. |
| Piedras Blancas SMR | SMR | San Luis Obispo | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Cambria SMCA/SMP | SMCA | San Luis Obispo | Recreational take of living marine resources is allowed. |
| White Rock SMCA | SMCA | San Luis Obispo | Commercial take of giant kelp and bull kelp is allowed. |
| Morro Bay SMRMA | SMRMA | San Luis Obispo | North of latitude 35° 19.700’ N only: Recreational take of finfish, commercial oyster aquaculture, and storing finfish taken outside of the SMRMA for bait purpo |
| Morro Bay SMR | SMR | San Luis Obispo | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Point Buchon SMR | SMR | San Luis Obispo | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Point Buchon SMCA | SMCA | San Luis Obispo | Recreational and commercial take of salmon and albacore is allowed. |
| Vandenberg SMR | SMR | Santa Barbara | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Kashtayit SMCA | SMCA | Santa Barbara | Recreational take of finfish, giant kelp by hand and invertebrates except rock scallops and mussels is allowed. Includes take exemptions for some tribes. |
CDFW Marine Protected Areas layer.
Answers
Central area: what people ask
Where is the Central area?
Pigeon Point (37°11' N) to Point Conception (34°27' N).
What are the Central area RCG rules?
10 a day; April 1 – December 31: open all depths.
Do Central area closures apply to piers?
No. Shore-based anglers and divers are exempt from groundfish season and depth limits; bag and size limits still apply.
Which piers are in the Central area?
19 CDFW public piers, listed above.
What MPAs should I know in the Central area?
30, 14 of them no-take.
Is anything closed in the Central area?
Ocean Salmon, Dungeness Crab and Red Abalone.
Which coastal counties are in the Central area?
Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz.
Which stamps apply in the Central area?
South of Point Arguello, yes ($7.3); north of it, no.