Market Squid in California
California rules, records and waters for market squid.
- n/adaily bag
California market squid at a glance
CDFW covers Market squid (Doryteuthis (Loligo) opalescens) among its baitfish species, found on salt water. The CDFW tables carry no row for it.
The Marine Species Portal lists the north, central and south regions.
How CDFW describes market squid
“Market squid range from Baja California, Mexico to southeastern Alaska.”
“Market squid inhabit inshore and offshore pelagic waters of the California Current Ecosystem but are also associated with bottom substrate during spawning events and egg development.”
- SizeMarket squid are fast-growing. They are less than 3 millimeters at hatching and grow to an average mantle length of 152 millimeters at the time of spawning, approximately 6 months later. Individual growth rates vary.
- SeasonIn California, the regulatory fishing season for market squid is year-round April 1 through March 31.
- GearPurse seine, drum seine, lampara, and brail gear are used in the market squid fishery.
- Where fishedThe market squid fishery is centered in the nearshore waters of California, typically over sandy bottom habitats. In California, commercial effort is concentrated in central California around Monterey Bay and in southern California includin
- Other namessquid, Pacific loligo squid, opalescent inshore squid
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
If you like market squid
- California GrunionBaitfish
- Jack MackerelBaitfish
- Northern AnchovyBaitfish
- Pacific HerringBaitfish
- Pacific MackerelBaitfish
- Pacific SardineBaitfish
- Shiner PerchBaitfish
- Smallhead FlyingfishBaitfish
- TopsmeltBaitfish
Things to know about market squid
What is the California bag limit on market squid?
Check the CDFW regulations; no row is listed.
Where was the record market squid caught?
CDFW lists no record for it.
Which California waters hold market squid?
The market squid fishery is centered in the nearshore waters of California, typically over sandy bottom habitats. In California, commercial effort is concentrated in central California around Monterey Bay and in southern
Is market squid part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify market squid?
Market squid are fast-growing. They are less than 3 millimeters at hatching and grow to an average mantle length of 152 millimeters at the time of spawning, approximately 6 months later. Individual growth rates vary.
Does California close the season on market squid?
In California, the regulatory fishing season for market squid is year-round April 1 through March 31.
Which California license covers market squid?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report market squid?
None list it in their counts; see the guides page.
Plan a market squid trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.