Northern
Flatfish - Rex Sole

Saltwater · Northern

Flatfish - Rex 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 body, small scales and a rounded snout. The eyed side is uniformly light brown to gray with the dorsal and ventral fin edges dark or dusky. The pectoral fin on the eyed side is very long, tapered and mostly black. The blind side tends to be off-white to dusky in color. This species has a caudal fin that is rounded with the longest rays in the center, forming a broad V. Rex sole have a lateral line that is straight. They have a very small mouth with a maxillary that extends to below the anterior edge of the lower eye. The eyes are large with a ridge that runs between them. Rex sole have a strong anal spine. Rex sole can grow up to 24 inches in length. Maximum age is 27 years old.