California Sheephead in California
California rules, records and waters for California sheephead.
- 2 a daydaily bag
- 30 lbs., 8 oz.record
California California sheephead at a glance
CDFW covers California sheephead (Bodianus (formerly Semicossyphus) pulcher) among its other species, found on salt water. CDFW sets a Statewide bag of 2 a day and a size rule of 12 in minimum.
Newport Beach produced the state record of 30 lbs., 8 oz. in 2009. The Marine Species Portal lists the central and south regions.
How CDFW describes California sheephead
“Sheephead range from Monterey Bay, California to the Gulf of California, Mexico, although they are uncommon north of Point Conception.”
“Both adult and juvenile sheephead primarily reside in kelp forest and rocky reef habitats.”
- SizeMale sheephead can grow up to a length of three feet (91 centimeters) and weigh over 36 pounds (16 kilograms).
- SeasonRecreational anglers can fish for sheephead from March 1 through December 31 onboard boats. Recreational divers and shore-based anglers can fish for sheephead year-round. The commercial fishing season for sheephead is open year-round.
- GearThe primary recreational fishing gear is hook and line, as well as spear. The primary fishing gears used to target sheephead in the commercial live fish fishery are traps and line gear including stick gear, set longline, rod and reel, as we
- Where fishedSheephead are fished primarily south of Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) in nearshore waters around the offshore islands and along the mainland shore over rocky reefs and in kelp forests.
- Other namessheepie, goat, billygoat, red fish, humpy, fathead, snaggletooth
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
How many California sheephead you may keep
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2 a day | 12 in minimum | Boat-based anglers: March 1 through December 31; recreational divers and shore-based anglers: year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Biggest California sheephead on record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 30 lbs., 8 oz. | Newport Beach | 2009 |
| Ocean diving | Scuba | 40 lbs., 7 oz. | San Miguel Island | 1992 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
If you like California sheephead
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- DolphinfishOther
- GaribaldiOther
Things to know about California sheephead
What is the California bag limit on California sheephead?
2 a day (Statewide), size 12 in minimum.
Where was the record California sheephead caught?
30 lbs., 8 oz. from Newport Beach (2009).
Which California waters hold California sheephead?
Sheephead are fished primarily south of Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) in nearshore waters around the offshore islands and along the mainland shore over rocky reefs and in kelp forests.
Is California sheephead part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify California sheephead?
Male sheephead can grow up to a length of three feet (91 centimeters) and weigh over 36 pounds (16 kilograms).
Does California close the season on California sheephead?
Boat-based anglers: March 1 through December 31; recreational divers and shore-based anglers: year round
Which California license covers California sheephead?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report California sheephead?
None list it in their counts; see the guides page.
Plan a California sheephead trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.