Soupfin Shark in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags soupfin shark.
- 1 a daydaily bag
- 38 lbs., 4 oz.record
soupfin shark in California
Soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is one of the sharks/rays species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide rule, the bag is 1 a day with a size of none.
The record book shows 38 lbs., 4 oz. from Torrey Pines (2017). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north, central and south coast.
CDFW on soupfin shark
“Temperate waters nearly worldwide.”
“Pelagic, open ocean, waters.”
- SizeUp to 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches) and 45.4 kilograms (100 pounds).
- SeasonCommercial fishing of the Soupfin shark is open year-round, with specific area closures. Recreational fishing is open year-round in all depths, except in the Cowcod Conservation Areas where these species may not be taken or possessed at any
- GearTaken recreationally with hook and line. The commercial catch is primarily with set gill nets along with some trawl and hook and line catch.
- Where fishedAllowed to be taken statewide, though specific groundfish area closures apply, including in the Cowcod Conservation Areas where soupfin shark may not be taken or possessed at any time or depth except for transit as provided in Title 14, Cal
- Other namestope, flake, school shark and vitamin shark
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on soupfin shark
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 1 a day | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
soupfin shark in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Bait | 38 lbs., 4 oz. | Torrey Pines | 2017 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Species near soupfin 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
- Shortfin Mako SharkSharks/Rays
- Shovelnose GuitarfishSharks/Rays
- ThornbackSharks/Rays
California soupfin shark, answered
How many soupfin shark can I keep in California?
1 a day (Statewide), size none.
What does the California record soupfin shark weigh?
38 lbs., 4 oz. from Torrey Pines (2017).
Where can I catch soupfin shark in California?
Allowed to be taken statewide, though specific groundfish area closures apply, including in the Cowcod Conservation Areas where soupfin shark may not be taken or possessed at any time or depth except for transit as provi
Do hatcheries raise soupfin shark?
No.
What does soupfin shark look like?
Up to 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches) and 45.4 kilograms (100 pounds).
What months can I keep soupfin shark?
Year round
Do I need a report card for soupfin shark?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target soupfin shark?
No listing names it.
Find soupfin shark near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.