Saltwater · Mendocino
Rockfish - Short Belly
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
Shortbelly rockfish have a slender and elongate body with a deeply forked caudal fin. Underwater they are silvery, pink or bronze with saddles on their backs and white or silvery splotches. Coloring fades to light ventrally. After capture they are usually pink or olive pink and lack bars or other marks. One of the most distinguishing characteristics is the anal vent that is positioned halfway between the anal fin and the pelvic fin. Fish resting on the bottom may be more deeply pigmented or exhibit heavy saddles or blotching.