Saltwater · San Francisco
Rockfish - Red Banded
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
aRedbanded rockfish are a deep-bodied fish with a rounded head. Underwater they appear white or light pink with four darker red or orange vertical bars on the body (one on the caudal peduncle). The bars tend to be more prominent on smaller fish. The first bar extends from the front of the first dorsal fin to the base of the pectoral fin. They have two oblique bands crossing their heads, one extending backward from the eye and the other near the upper jaw. Underwater and after capture some redbanded rockfish have black coloration on the dorsal, pectoral and anal fin rays. After capture the body appears light pink to red and the bands are usually red.