Saltwater · Southern
Sheephead - California (Female)
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
SHEEPHEAD
Season
Open: Mar 1–Dec 31 Closed: Jan 1–Feb 28
Depth limit
Take is prohibited seaward of the 60 fathom depth contour 360 feet
Daily bag limit
5 fish per person
Minimum size
12 inches total length
Gear restrictions
NA
Identification
Male and female California sheepsheads have different color patterns and body shapes. Males are larger, with black tail and head sections, wide, reddish orange midriffs, red eyes, and fleshy forehead bumps. Female sheephead are dull pink with white undersides. Both sexes have white chins and large, protruding canine teeth that can pry hard-shelled animals from rocks or inflict nasty puncture wounds on skin divers. After powerful jaws and sharp teeth crush the prey, modified throat bones grind the shells into small pieces. California sheephead can reach a size of 3 ft and a weight of 35 lb. All sheepheads are born as females and eventually change to males at roughly 45 cm. The age of the transition depends on environmental factors such as food supply. When supplied with a large amount of food, the California sheephead can live for up to 21 years. If food is scarce, they can live up to 9 years