← Mendocino
Saltwater · Mendocino
Scorpionfish - California
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
SCORPIONFISH
Season
Open: May 1 - Aug 31 Closed: Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Sep 1 – Dec 31
Season notes
brown spots
Depth limit
May 1 - Oct 31: Take is prohibited seaward of 20 fathoms (120 feet) in depth Nov 1 – Dec 31: May be taken at any depth
Daily bag limit
5 fish per person
Minimum size
10 inches total length
Gear restrictions
May be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines may be used
Identification
This fish reaches up to 43 to 47 centimeters long. It is reddish brown in color with many brown and black spots, especially on the fins. The head is spiny. It does not have a swim bladder; it spends most of its time on the ocean floor.