California Scorpionfish in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags California scorpionfish.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 3 lbs., 10 oz.record
California scorpionfish in California
California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is one of the other species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide rule, the bag is 5 a day with a size of none.
The record book shows 3 lbs., 10 oz. from San Diego Bay (2024). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the central and south coast.
CDFW on California scorpionfish
“California scorpionfish are found from Santa Cruz, California to southern Baja California, Mexico and into the Gulf of California. Preferring warmer water, this species is common south of Point Conception, California.”
“California scorpionfish live from tide pools to depths of about 191 meters (626 feet). Juveniles and adults are most abundant on hard bottom such as rocky reefs, sewer pipes and wrecks.”
- SizeCalifornia scorpionfish grow up to 47 centimeters (18.5 inches) and can weigh as much as 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds).
- SeasonRecreational and commercial fishing seasons and other regulations for California scorpionfish vary by fishing sector, geographic area, and time of year, and are subject to changes inseason in response to recent stock and catch information.
- GearLegal recreational gears for California scorpionfish include hook-and-line and spear gears. Legal commercial gears for California scorpionfish vary by sector and may include a variety of hook-and-line gears as well as gill nets, trawls, and
- Where fishedAllowed statewide, but closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
- Other namesSculpin, scorpion
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on California scorpionfish
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5 a day | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
California scorpionfish in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Bait | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | San Diego Bay | 2024 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Charters catching California scorpionfish
- 22nd Street Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Pedro, (310) 832-8304
- Dana Wharf Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, Dana Point, (949) 496-5794
- Davey's Lockersportfishing landing / party boat, Newport Beach, (949) 673-1434
- Fisherman's Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 221-8500
- H&M Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 222-1144
- Hooks Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, Oxnard
- Long Beach Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, Long Beach, (562) 432-8993
- Newport Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, Newport Beach, (949) 675-0550
Top species in sportfishingreport.com dock totals, October 2025 to October 2026.
Species near California scorpionfish
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
- GaribaldiOther
California California scorpionfish, answered
How many California scorpionfish can I keep in California?
5 a day (Statewide), size none.
What does the California record California scorpionfish weigh?
3 lbs., 10 oz. from San Diego Bay (2024).
Where can I catch California scorpionfish in California?
Allowed statewide, but closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
Do hatcheries raise California scorpionfish?
No.
What does California scorpionfish look like?
California scorpionfish grow up to 47 centimeters (18.5 inches) and can weigh as much as 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds).
What months can I keep California scorpionfish?
Year round
Do I need a report card for California scorpionfish?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target California scorpionfish?
8 operators list it in their counts, including 22nd Street Landing.
Find California scorpionfish near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.