Saltwater · San Francisco
Shark - Sixgill
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
SHARK
Season
Open year around
Depth limit
No depth limit
Daily bag limit
One fish per day per person
Minimum size
No size limit
Gear restrictions
May be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines may be used
Identification
The bluntnose sixgill shark has a heavy, powerful body with a broad head and small florescent green-blue eyes. They range in color from brown to tan to black, with darker colored spots on the sides. This species has a light colored lateral line down the sides and on the fins’ edges. They have one dorsal fin located near the base of the tail. The pectoral fins are broad with rounded edges. This species has six gill slits, rather than the five of most other shark species, which gives the species its name. The mouth of this species is ventral with 6 rows of lower, bladelike, comb-shaped teeth on each side. Teeth in the upper jaw have one strong cusp and several smaller cusps, and are used for gripping food while the lower jaw saws pieces away. As an adult the bluntnose sixgill shark can grow to a massive size, with females generally growing larger than males.