What are the most commonly caught species of fish off of Southern California’s coastline? That’s the main question I’ll be diving into with this article. I want to point out some of the most common species in surf fishing as well as some “not so common” species in the surf. The main focus of this article will be to educate anglers (new and experienced) on what’s out there, how to identify your catch, the legal limits, and the legal sizes. If you’re looking for MLPA’s check out the government website here. My page on San Diego beaches goes into some specifics on MLPAs and parking but so far it’s still just San Diego. I will be making an effort to expand that list north to eventually cover all or most beaches in So Cal.
Please note that this article is not exhaustive nor are the legalities listed meant to be a legal reference for you. The Department of Fish and Wildlife updates fishing regulations every year and it’s important to check in with original and official sources. That said, I will be doing my best to keep this page relevant and current with all regulations. It’s also worth mentioning that it is absolutely possible to catch other species of fish than the ones listed in this article. I’ve had my fair share of surprise and I’m sure I’ll have some more. That’s one of the many beauties of surf fishing in So Cal. In 2020, I was shocked to have hooked up on a yellowtail from the surf! If you come across a species that you’re unfamiliar with, the best thing to do is to release it safely and take a photo only if you can do so quickly. When you get home afterward, do some quick research and expand your knowledge of common species and uncommon species.
The species with “learn more” links each have an individual profile page. This list will likely be expanding and many of the pages that do not have “learn more” links will soon have them. If you have a photo of a species that “needs pic”, and would like it to be featured, send it in here.
California Corbina
California Corbina
Legal Limit (#)
10 Bag Limit
Legal Size (in)
N/A
Record Size (in/lb)
28-inches/8.5-pounds
Fighting Strength (-/10)
8/10
Range
Gulf of California, Mexico – Point Conception, California
Habitat
shallow/sandy
All information within this chart and this page is unofficial. Refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for official numbers and regulations.
unknown/ found sources that said 17.5-inches (I’d believe much bigger)
Fighting Strength (-/10)
6/10
Range
Baja California, Mexico to Oregon
Habitat
bays, piers, jetties, sandy flats
All information within this chart and this page is unofficial. Refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for official numbers and regulations.
Sevengill Shark
Legal Limit (#)
1
Legal Size (in)
N/A
Record Size (ft/lb)
9.8 feet/ weight unknown
Fighting Strength (-/10)
unknown
Range
Globally in tropical to temperate water temps
Habitat
rocky/reefy/kelp beds/sandy
All information within this chart and this page is unofficial. Refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for official numbers and regulations.
Spiny Dogfish Shark
Legal Limit (#)
10
Legal Size (in)
N/A
Record Size (in/lb)
unknown
Fighting Strength (-/10)
unknown
Range
worldwide in temperate and subarctic temperatures
Habitat
rocky/reefy/kelp beds/sandy
All information within this chart and this page is unofficial. Refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for official numbers and regulations.
California Sheephead
Legal Limit (#)
5
Legal Size (in)
12-inches
Record Size (in/lb)
unknown length/34.8-pounds
Fighting Strength (-/10)
unknown
Range
Gulf of California to Monterey Bay
Habitat
rocky/reefy/kelp beds
All information within this chart and this page is unofficial. Refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for official numbers and regulations.
Common Species: California Fish Types
Here are some graphs that display which species of fish in Southern California are caught at which times of year. The first graph is yellowfin croaker, followed by corbina and a complete graph of common species per time of year.
Stacked Species ChartBest Time of Year for Yellowfin Croaker FishingBest time of year to catch California CorbinaSan Diego Coastal Fish Species
These graphs are strictly for the year of 2018 but are a good representation of when these species are caught every year. I hope this page helps you out as you navigate through each common species link and learn about each fish local to California.
Good morning Nick, thanks for the limits and regulations for surf fishing.
I fished Torrey Pines South Friday early morning incoming high tide, it turned out to be a good morning… yahoo !!!
Results:
3 yellow fin croakers
1- on e-z flea fish bites
2 – on gulp sand worms
Looking over the fish catching chart, it appears we care catching lots of corbina really early this year. Your thoughts? Great articles, always appreciate the great info!
It’ll be different for everyone to some degree. I personally have caught only a handful of Corbina this season. Many more yellowfin croaker and actually more Spotfin than Corbina. All in all I think we’re on a fairly normal trend right now with Spotfin being relatively up in numbers.
Nick, I’ve fished here since the 1950s. I grew up in Solana Beach, where I still live. This summer I have hooked large fish in the river mouth at Dog Beach in Del Mar. Three times, lost all three times, as I was rigged for Corbina/halibut, with 6lb test and ultra light gear. Yesterday I kept that sucker on for 45 minutes but in the end the line broke when the fish shook its head wildly. I was able to get an unclear look at yesterday’s fish, from about 30 yards, early in the hookup. It appeared to be shark-like but was very dark. Could have been a species of shark. Any other possibilities? Tomorrow I’ll go with some medium weight gear and 15-lb line. They all bit on sand crabs. Of course I was hoping for a satellite-dish size halibut, but it did not appear to be that.
Could be a leopard shark or a smoothound shark. I know mullet like going through those inlet but they don’t typically feed on anything but vegetation. I’d say best bet is to catch one. You’ve got me intrigued. What time you goin?
Great article, can you recommend a less crowded surf fishing area. All the Beach goers take up a lot of area
Thanks!
Silver strand, north Del Mar, South TP, Blacks, Middle of Cardiff is lessish crowded, Oceanside beaches have a lot of open space too. Check out this article: https://surffishingsocalsd.com/best-surf-fishing-spots-in-san-diego/
Good morning Nick, thanks for the limits and regulations for surf fishing.
I fished Torrey Pines South Friday early morning incoming high tide, it turned out to be a good morning… yahoo !!!
Results:
3 yellow fin croakers
1- on e-z flea fish bites
2 – on gulp sand worms
Have a peaceful week my friend
Thanks, Richard. Same to you and keep up the progress.
I have Parkinsons mid range/manageable. Can I safely surf fish around el mar/solana beach? Is it good there?
Absolutely! Easy access and good bite.
Looking over the fish catching chart, it appears we care catching lots of corbina really early this year. Your thoughts? Great articles, always appreciate the great info!
Thanks for the support, Scott!
It’ll be different for everyone to some degree. I personally have caught only a handful of Corbina this season. Many more yellowfin croaker and actually more Spotfin than Corbina. All in all I think we’re on a fairly normal trend right now with Spotfin being relatively up in numbers.
Relatively new to surf fishing in Orange County. Like your articles, learned a lot already.
Thanks for the recognition. Keep up the good work!
sorry about the anonymous. My first reply
No worries at all!
Hey Nick, is there a particular spot you hook your sand crabs? I’ve always thought off to the side. . .
Just published this: https://youtu.be/KJ0LVEABPi8
Hope it helps
Nick, I’ve fished here since the 1950s. I grew up in Solana Beach, where I still live. This summer I have hooked large fish in the river mouth at Dog Beach in Del Mar. Three times, lost all three times, as I was rigged for Corbina/halibut, with 6lb test and ultra light gear. Yesterday I kept that sucker on for 45 minutes but in the end the line broke when the fish shook its head wildly. I was able to get an unclear look at yesterday’s fish, from about 30 yards, early in the hookup. It appeared to be shark-like but was very dark. Could have been a species of shark. Any other possibilities? Tomorrow I’ll go with some medium weight gear and 15-lb line. They all bit on sand crabs. Of course I was hoping for a satellite-dish size halibut, but it did not appear to be that.
Could be a leopard shark or a smoothound shark. I know mullet like going through those inlet but they don’t typically feed on anything but vegetation. I’d say best bet is to catch one. You’ve got me intrigued. What time you goin?