Saltwater · Southern
Rockfish - Cowcod
Take is prohibited / do not catch this species in this area context.
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
ROCKFISH
Season
Closed year-round
Season notes
No retention at any time in California waters. Verify current CDFW list of prohibited rockfish.
Depth limit
No retention at any depth
Daily bag limit
Take is prohibited (0 fish)
Minimum size
Take is prohibited
Gear restrictions
Take is prohibited
Identification
The body and head of the cowcod are somewhat compressed. The head is very large. The mouth is large with a projecting lower jaw. Adults are uniform pale pink to orange in color. Young fish have four dark vertical bands on their sides which gradually fade into dusky blotches as they increase in size. Their heads are large and spined, the dorsal fins are deeply notched, and there is an unusually wide space between the eye and the upper jaw. These three characteristics help to distinguish cowcod from other reddish colored rockfish.