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Saltwater · Northern
Smelt - Night
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
SMELT
Depth limit
None
Daily bag limit
25 pounds in combination(Night Smelt, Day Fish, Whitebait Smelt).
Minimum size
None
Gear restrictions
may be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines
Identification
Night smelt are similar in appearance to the longfin smelt (Sprinchus thaleichthys). The maximum length of night smelt is 9 inches. They are bright golden to silvery in color, and give off the distinctive odour of cucumber.