Saltwater · Northern
Flatfish - Sand Sole
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
FLATFISH
Season
Open all year
Depth limit
None
Daily bag limit
10 fish of each species, limit 20 fish in combination
Minimum size
None
Gear restrictions
May be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines
Identification
A right-eyed flatfish with an elongate to oval body shape. The skin on the eyed side feels like fine sandpaper and is light green or gray to brown with fine, dark brown to black speckles. Both dorsal and anal fins often have dull yellow on the edges. The blind side is white. Sand sole have a rounded caudal fin and a lateral line with a slight curve over the pectoral fin. The accessory dorsal branch is short to moderate in length. This species has a large mouth with large teeth and a maxillary that extends below the middle of the lower eye. Eyes of the sand sole are small with a flat, wide space between them. The anal spine is strong. A distinguishing characteristic of this species is that the first few dorsal fin rays are elongate and mostly free of the membrane.