Vermilion / Sunset Rockfish in California
How to find and keep vermilion / sunset rockfish in California.
- 10 a daydaily bag
Where vermilion / sunset rockfish fit in California
The rockfish group in CDFW references includes Vermilion / sunset rockfish (Sebastes miniatus / crocotulus), a salt water fish. The Northern Groundfish Management Area limit is 10 a day, size none.
CDFW places it in the north, central and south regions of the coast.
CDFW notes on vermilion / sunset rockfish
“This taxon is composed of 2 species, Vermilion Rockfish ( Sebastes miniatus ) and the tentatively named Sunset Rockfish ( Sebastes crocotulus ). Overall geographic range for the 2 species is Zaikof Bay, Montague Island, Prince William Sound, Alaska to Islas San Benito, central Baja California. Genetically identified vermilion rockfish occur from from Neah Bay, Washington to Punta Baja, northern Baja California, Mexico but are most commonly found from central California to northern Baja California. Genetically identified Sunset Rockfish occur from Monterey, California to Colonett Bank, northern Baja California, Mexico and are common from southern California to northern Baja California.”
“Vermilion / sunset rockfish adults can be found from 12 to 478 meters (39 to 1,568 feet) deep, and mostly live on rocky reefs. Juveniles may be found shallower.”
- SizeVermilion / sunset rockfish can grow up to 76 centimeters (30 inches), and weigh up to 6.61 kilograms (14.5 pounds).
- SeasonRecreational and commercial fishing seasons and other regulations for vermilion rockfish vary by fishing sector, geographic area, and time of year, and are subject to changes inseason in response to recent stock and catch information. For c
- GearLegal recreational gears for vermilion rockfish include hook and line and spear gears. Legal commercial gears for vermilion rockfish vary by sector and may include a variety of hook and line gears as well as gill nets, trawls, and traps.
- Where fishedAllowed statewide, but closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
- Other namesred rockfish, red snapper, rock cod
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
vermilion / sunset rockfish bag and size rules
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Mendocino Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| San Francisco Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Central Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Southern Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | Apr. 1 – Jun. 30: open all depths; Jul. 1 – Sep. 30: 50 fathom – inshore only; Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathom – offshore only (take prohibited shoreward of the 50 |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Neighbors of vermilion / sunset rockfish on the list
- Black RockfishRockfish
- Black-and-Yellow RockfishRockfish
- Blue RockfishRockfish
- Bocaccio RockfishRockfish
- Brown RockfishRockfish
- Calico RockfishRockfish
- Canary RockfishRockfish
- Chilipepper RockfishRockfish
- China RockfishRockfish
- Copper RockfishRockfish
- CowcodRockfish
- Flag RockfishRockfish
vermilion / sunset rockfish: the usual questions
Can I keep vermilion / sunset rockfish in California?
10 a day (Northern Groundfish Management Area), size none.
What is the biggest vermilion / sunset rockfish caught in California?
No record is kept for it.
Where do anglers catch vermilion / sunset rockfish?
Allowed statewide, but closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
Where does CDFW plant vermilion / sunset rockfish?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell vermilion / sunset rockfish apart?
Vermilion / sunset rockfish can grow up to 76 centimeters (30 inches), and weigh up to 6.61 kilograms (14.5 pounds).
Is vermilion / sunset rockfish season open now?
April 1 – December 31: open all depths
What stamps apply to vermilion / sunset rockfish?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for vermilion / sunset rockfish?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target vermilion / sunset rockfish this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.