Saltwater · Northern
Rockfish - Red Stripe
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
The body of redstripe rockfish is elongate with reduced dorsal spines. Underwater they are dorsally red, pink or tan with pink or yellowish sides and light-colored fin rays. Once captured their body appears more red in color. They have a black, forward-directed symphyseal knob on their lower jaw, darkened lips, and several green stripes radiating from the eye. This species has a lateral line that forms a clear, distinct stripe that usually appears pink or red. The anterior part of the lower jaw is olive or black and a series of dark horizontal streaks may be found along the caudal fin. They have a very shallow notch in the dorsal fin.