Pacific Sardine in California
Where Pacific sardine live in California, with limits.
- 20 a daydaily bag
Angling for Pacific sardine across the state
Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its baitfish group. Bag and size (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay): 20 a day, none.
CDFW maps it along the north, central and south coast.
Pacific sardine in CDFW words
“Sardine are found worldwide in the subtropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and in the Atlantic by South Africa. Pacific sardine are found off the coast of western North America from southeastern Alaska to the Gulf of California, Mexico.”
“Adults inhabit the pelagic, open ocean, environment typically near shallow banks from the surface to 383 meters (1,256 feet). Juveniles are commonly found off sandy beaches, around kelp beds, and in open bays.”
- SizePacific sardine can grow to 41 centimeters (16 inches) long.
- SeasonAllowed year-round in commercial minor directed (< 1 mt), live bait, exempted fishing permit fisheries, and as incidental catch unless specific commercial catch limits are reached. Allowed year-round in the recreational fishery.
- GearCommercially taken with purse and drum seine and recreationally with hook and line.
- Where fishedAvailable statewide
- Other namespilchard, California sardine, sardina
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for Pacific sardine
| 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.
Related to Pacific sardine
- California GrunionBaitfish
- Jack MackerelBaitfish
- Market SquidBaitfish
- Northern AnchovyBaitfish
- Pacific HerringBaitfish
- Pacific MackerelBaitfish
- Shiner PerchBaitfish
- Smallhead FlyingfishBaitfish
- TopsmeltBaitfish
Short answers on Pacific sardine
Does California set a size limit on Pacific sardine?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
Is there a state record for Pacific sardine?
No record is on the CDFW table.
Where in California should I fish for Pacific sardine?
Available statewide
Will CDFW plant Pacific sardine this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do Pacific sardine get?
Pacific sardine can grow to 41 centimeters (16 inches) long.
When can I target Pacific sardine?
see rule
Do I need a license for Pacific sardine?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for Pacific sardine?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase Pacific sardine statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.