Saltwater · Southern
Rockfish - Deacon
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
Southern Management Area (Point Conception to U.S.–Mexico border): Apr 1–Jun 30: Open all depths Jul 1–Sep 30: Take prohibited seaward of the 50-fathom (300 ft) RCA line (inshore only) Oct 1–Dec 31: Nearshore rockfish/cabezon/greenling closed; shelf & slope rockfish and lingcod — take prohibited shoreward of the 50-fathom RCA line (offshore only) Jan 1–Mar 31: Closed Descending device required when taking/possessing federal groundfish from a boat.
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
Deacon Rockfish are a deep bodied fish with large pectoral fins. They have a blue-gray to dark brown body color with many small speckles covering the sides of body. Two stripes run across the eyes and distinct striping is also present on the forehead. Their bodies are lighter ventrally with blue-tipped pelvic fins.