California Moray Eel in California
California moray eel: California limits and records.
- 20 a daydaily bag
California moray eel, the California picture
On salt water, California moray eel (Gymnothorax mordax) belongs to the other group in CDFW references. The Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay row reads 20 a day, size none.
The south coast holds it, per the portal.
What CDFW writes about California moray eel
“From Pt. Conception, California to southern Baja California, Mexico (Bahia Magdalena).”
“Adult California morays live inside crevices and holes in rocky reefs and in kelp forests from the intertidal zone to depths of 40 meters (120 feet).”
- SizeCalifornia morays have been recorded up to 1.52 meters (5 feet) long.
- SeasonAllowed year-round.
- GearCan be taken with hook and line, sometimes using poke-poles under rocks.
- Where fishedAllowed statewide but only commonly found in Southern California. When taken recreationally, it is often from tidepools.
- Other namesConger Eel
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Keeping California moray eel in California
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay | 20 a day | none | see rule |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
More in the group with California moray eel
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
- GaribaldiOther
California moray eel questions, answered briefly
What daily bag applies to California moray eel in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
How big is the state record California moray eel?
None on the CDFW list.
Where are California moray eel found?
Allowed statewide but only commonly found in Southern California. When taken recreationally, it is often from tidepools.
Are California moray eel planted in California?
The 2026 plan does not include it.
What is California moray eel also called?
California morays have been recorded up to 1.52 meters (5 feet) long.
Can I fish for California moray eel all year?
see rule
Is a validation needed for California moray eel?
A California sport fishing license ($64.54 resident) from age 16; report cards apply to steelhead, sturgeon, North Coast salmon and lobster.
Who guides for California moray eel?
No charter lists it.