Shortfin Mako Shark in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags shortfin mako shark.
- 2 a daydaily bag
- 1098 lbs., 12 oz.record
shortfin mako shark in California
Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is one of the sharks/rays species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide rule, the bag is 2 a day with a size of none.
The record book shows 1098 lbs., 12 oz. from Anacapa Island (2010). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north, central and south coast.
CDFW on shortfin mako shark
“This shark is found worldwide in warm and temperate seas, but not in the tropics; in the eastern Pacific from the Columbia River, Washington to Chile, including the Gulf of California, Mexico. It is common in southern California.”
“Pelagic, open ocean ecosystems. In the summer months, they tend to concentrate in the California Current and move offshore in the winter and spring months. The Southern California Bight (SCB) appears to be particularly important habitat for juveniles with a higher proportion of young sharks, suggesting the SCB could be a productive pupping and nursery area.”
- Size4 meters (13 feet); 567 kilograms (1,250 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
- SeasonThe California recreational fishery is open year-round, with a limit of two sharks per day. The commercial fishery is open year-round.
- GearRecreationally taken using hook and line gear. Commercially taken as incidental catch with drift gillnets and on hook-and-line in California. Pelagic longline gear is used outside of Exclusive Economic Zone and may be landed in California.
- Where fishedOff California, makos are most commonly taken within the Southern California bight, but are allowed to be taken statewide.
- Other namesbonito shark, mako, mackerel shark, blue pointer, spriglio, paloma
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on shortfin mako shark
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2 a day | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
shortfin mako shark in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 1098 lbs., 12 oz. | Anacapa Island | 2010 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 484 lbs., 4 oz. | San Diego | 2017 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Species near shortfin mako shark
- Bat RaySharks/Rays
- Blue SharkSharks/Rays
- Broadnose Sevengill SharkSharks/Rays
- Brown Smoothhound SharkSharks/Rays
- Common Thresher SharkSharks/Rays
- Leopard SharkSharks/Rays
- Pacific Spiny DogfishSharks/Rays
- Round StingraySharks/Rays
- Salmon SharkSharks/Rays
- Shovelnose GuitarfishSharks/Rays
- Soupfin SharkSharks/Rays
- ThornbackSharks/Rays
California shortfin mako shark, answered
How many shortfin mako shark can I keep in California?
2 a day (Statewide), size none.
What does the California record shortfin mako shark weigh?
1098 lbs., 12 oz. from Anacapa Island (2010).
Where can I catch shortfin mako shark in California?
Off California, makos are most commonly taken within the Southern California bight, but are allowed to be taken statewide.
Do hatcheries raise shortfin mako shark?
No.
What does shortfin mako shark look like?
4 meters (13 feet); 567 kilograms (1,250 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
What months can I keep shortfin mako shark?
Year round
Do I need a report card for shortfin mako shark?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target shortfin mako shark?
No listing names it.
Find shortfin mako shark near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.