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Saltwater recreational limits, refreshed each season from the state agency.

REGULATIONS / CALIFORNIA

Kelp Bass (Calico) regulations

California · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected California ocean-sport reference subset is not a complete rulebook.

2026
SOURCECDFW ocean sport fishing regulations ↗UPDATED JULY 17, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The CDFW page is an informational summary; the California Code of Regulations (Title 14) and emergency orders are authoritative.
LISTINGOPENListed open
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
Kelp Bass (Calico)[confirmed] Year-round. Minimum size is 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length. The cited CDFW rule groups kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass; the maximum-4 barred-sand-bass provision remains in effect until June 1, 2028, when the booklet says it is repealed.Listed open5 fish in any combination of kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass; maximum 4 may be barred sand bass.14"OPEN
LISTED LIMIT
5 fish in any combination of kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass; maximum 4 may be barred sand bass.
LISTED MIN SIZE
14 inches
APPLICABILITY
[confirmed] Year-round. Minimum size is 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length. The cited CDFW rule groups kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass; the maximum-4 barred-sand-bass provision remains in effect until June 1, 2028, when the booklet says it is repealed.
SOURCE AUTHORITY
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2026 California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, T14 CCR §28.30 (last updated July 17, 2026)

UPDATED July 17, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026

CDFW ocean sport fishing regulations ↗

The CDFW page is an informational summary; the California Code of Regulations (Title 14) and emergency orders are authoritative.

This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.