Monkeyface Prickleback in California
Where monkeyface prickleback live in California, with limits.
- 20 a daydaily bag
- 7 lbs., 8 oz.record
Angling for monkeyface prickleback across the state
Monkeyface prickleback (Cebidichthys violaceus) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its other group. Bag and size (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay): 20 a day, none.
The California record is 7 lbs., 8 oz. from Pescadero (2019). CDFW maps it along the north and central coast.
monkeyface prickleback in CDFW words
“From southern Oregon to San Quintin Bay, Baja California, Mexico. They are rare south of Point Conception.”
“Monkeyface prickleback occur in waters from the intertidal zone to 24 meters (80 feet). Typical habitat for monkeyface prickleback includes rocky areas with ample crevices, including high and low intertidal tide pools, jetties and breakwaters, and relatively shallow subtidal areas, particularly kelp beds.”
- SizeMonkeyface prickleback can grow to 76.2 centimeters (30 inches) TL and weight as much as 2.3 kilograms (6.1 pounds).
- SeasonAllowed year-round.
- GearMonkeyface prickleback are frequently taken by “poke-poling,” a process where a bamboo or other pole rigged with a wire leader and small baited hook on the end is inserted into crevices or cracks in the rocks, especially at low tide. To a l
- Where fishedAllowed statewide.
- Other namesmonkeyface eel, blenny eel, monkeyface blenny
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for monkeyface prickleback
| 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.
Record monkeyface prickleback from California
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Bait | 7 lbs., 8 oz. | Pescadero | 2019 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 7 lbs., 5 oz. | Carmel | 2013 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Related to monkeyface prickleback
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
Short answers on monkeyface prickleback
Does California set a size limit on monkeyface prickleback?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
Is there a state record for monkeyface prickleback?
7 lbs., 8 oz. from Pescadero (2019).
Where in California should I fish for monkeyface prickleback?
Allowed statewide.
Will CDFW plant monkeyface prickleback this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do monkeyface prickleback get?
Monkeyface prickleback can grow to 76.2 centimeters (30 inches) TL and weight as much as 2.3 kilograms (6.1 pounds).
When can I target monkeyface prickleback?
see rule
Do I need a license for monkeyface prickleback?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for monkeyface prickleback?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase monkeyface prickleback statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.