Blue Shark in California
How to find and keep blue shark in California.
- 2 a daydaily bag
- 258 lbs., 8 oz.record
Where blue shark fit in California
The sharks/rays group in CDFW references includes Blue shark (Prionace glauca), a salt water fish. The Statewide limit is 2 a day, size none.
In 2008, a 258 lbs., 8 oz. fish from Channel Islands set the state record. CDFW places it in the north, central and south regions of the coast.
CDFW notes on blue shark
“The blue shark occurs worldwide. In the eastern Pacific, blue sharks are found from the Gulf of Alaska to Chile. It is common off southern California most of the year, but during warm water periods occurs much further north.”
“Pelagic, Open Ocean Ecosystem.”
- SizeBlue sharks can grow up to 2 to 2.5 meters (7 to 8 feet) in length, with females typically being larger, and weigh upwards of 91 kilograms (200 pounds).
- SeasonThere are no seasonal restrictions on catch. Blue sharks are caught year-round, but are more common in warmer months.
- GearMost are caught incidentally in longline fisheries. Recreationally they are taken by hook and line using dead fish or squid as bait.
- Where fishedOff California, blue sharks are generally caught in the Southern California Bight and in areas with depths greater than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
- Other namesblue whaler, great blue shark
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
blue shark bag and size rules
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2 a day | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
California record blue shark
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 258 lbs., 8 oz. | Channel Islands | 2008 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 231 lbs., 0 oz. | Santa Cruz Island | 1974 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Neighbors of blue shark on the list
- Bat RaySharks/Rays
- Broadnose Sevengill SharkSharks/Rays
- Brown Smoothhound SharkSharks/Rays
- Common Thresher SharkSharks/Rays
- Leopard SharkSharks/Rays
- Pacific Spiny DogfishSharks/Rays
- Round StingraySharks/Rays
- Salmon SharkSharks/Rays
- Shortfin Mako SharkSharks/Rays
- Shovelnose GuitarfishSharks/Rays
- Soupfin SharkSharks/Rays
- ThornbackSharks/Rays
blue shark: the usual questions
Can I keep blue shark in California?
2 a day (Statewide), size none.
What is the biggest blue shark caught in California?
258 lbs., 8 oz. from Channel Islands (2008).
Where do anglers catch blue shark?
Off California, blue sharks are generally caught in the Southern California Bight and in areas with depths greater than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Where does CDFW plant blue shark?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell blue shark apart?
Blue sharks can grow up to 2 to 2.5 meters (7 to 8 feet) in length, with females typically being larger, and weigh upwards of 91 kilograms (200 pounds).
Is blue shark season open now?
Year round
What stamps apply to blue shark?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for blue shark?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target blue shark this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.