Saltwater · Northern
Rockfish - Blackgil
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
ROCKFISH
Season
Open: Apr 1–Dec 31 Closed: Jan 1–Mar 31
Season notes
Boat-based anglers. Shore anglers and spear divers are largely exempt from groundfish season/depth limits (except no-retention species). Regulations can change in-season — verify with CDFW.
Depth limit
Open at all depths during the open season (Apr 1–Dec 31). Jan 1–Mar 31: Closed — unlawful to possess in all waters (boat-based). Descending device required when taking/possessing federal groundfish from a boat. Always confirm current CDFW Groundfish Management Area rules before fishing.
Daily bag limit
10 fish in combination per person within the RCG complex (rockfish, cabezon, greenling), subject to species sub-bags (e.g. copper, vermilion/sunset, canary).
Minimum size
No minimum size limit. Fillets must have the entire skin attached.
Gear restrictions
Method of take: When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks and one line. A hook is a single hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points connected to a common shank. Descending device required aboard when taking/possessing federal groundfish.
Identification
When viewed underwater, adult blackgill rockfish are pink, with brown and white blotches on their backs. After capture, adults are dark red or dark pink with or without dark saddles. Juveniles are reddish-brown with brown saddles underwater. After capture they are reddish with distinct brown saddles, a dark blotch on the gill cover, and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Blackgill rockfish can be distinguished from other rockfish by the black skin in the fold above the upper jaw, as well as having black in the mouth and on the rear edge of the gill cover.