San Diego’s Forbidden Species List: Fish You Cannot Take While Spearfishing

Spearfishing in San Diego’s kelp forests, reefs, and nearshore waters is exhilarating—but it comes with strict rules. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintains a detailed list of species you cannot take, and violating these restrictions carries hefty fines and potential criminal charges. Before you suit up and head to Wreck Alley, Bird Rock, or the kelp beds off Point Loma, understand exactly which fish are protected.

Why These Species Are Protected

San Diego’s marine ecosystem is under pressure from fishing pressure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protected species lists exist to maintain breeding populations, preserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable fisheries. Some fish are protected year-round; others have seasonal closures. Many species have size and bag limits you must respect even if they’re not entirely forbidden.

Year-Round Forbidden Species

All Rockfish Species (Sebastes spp.)

This is non-negotiable in California: you cannot spearfish any rockfish, period. This includes calico rockfish, copper rockfish, gopher rockfish, and every other member of the Sebastes genus. Rockfish are slow-growing, late-maturing, and vulnerable to overfishing. You’ll find them throughout San Diego’s rocky reefs and kelp forests—they’re tempting targets, but they’re completely protected from spearfishing. Rod-and-reel anglers have restrictions too, but spearfishers have zero allowance.

Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)

Lingcod are apex predators in San Diego’s nearshore food web. They’re entirely protected from spearing year-round, though they’re legal for rod-and-reel fishing under strict size and bag limits. If you encounter a lingcod while hunting, leave it alone.

Cabezon (Scorpaena guttata)

Cabezon are excellent eating and abundant in our kelp forests and rocky areas, but they’re off-limits for spearfishing. The CDFW considers them a species requiring special protection due to their ecological role and vulnerability to overharvesting.

White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis)

White seabass are a prized gamefish in San Diego, especially around the kelp forests and open water. They’re entirely protected from spearing. Rod-and-reel anglers can target them under strict regulations, but spearfishers cannot.

All Shark and Ray Species

California prohibits spearfishing for sharks and rays. This includes leopard sharks, horn sharks, bat rays, and eagle rays—all common in San Diego waters. There are limited exceptions for specific shark species under special permits, but recreational spearfishers should assume no sharks or rays are legal targets.

Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus)

The Garibaldi is California’s state marine fish and is entirely protected. These brilliant orange fish are iconic in our kelp forests and rocky reefs. They’re federally protected within marine reserves, and state law prohibits taking them anywhere in California. Admire them, photograph them, but never spear them.

Treefish (Sebastes serriceps)

Treefish are another rockfish species that deserves specific mention due to their abundance in San Diego’s kelp forests. Protected as part of the broader rockfish prohibition.

Seasonal Closures and Restricted Species

California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus)

Halibut are legal for spearfishing in California, but there are seasonal and size restrictions. Check current CDFW regulations for the season opening and size minimums—these can change year to year. In San Diego, halibut are found in sandy areas and near structure from spring through fall.

Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata)

While sharks are generally prohibited, leopard sharks—common in San Diego’s shallow bays—are completely off-limits for spearfishing.

California Scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata)

Scorpionfish are protected from spearing, even though they’re abundant in rocky areas and kelp forests throughout San Diego County.

Marine Protected Areas Add Extra Restrictions

San Diego’s marine reserves—including the San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Protected Area, Swami’s SMR, and others—add another layer of restrictions. Some reserves prohibit all take; others allow specific species. Before diving any reserve, verify current rules with CDFW or the Element app, which provides real-time regulatory updates by location.

Know Before You Go

Ignorance isn’t a legal defense. The CDFW regularly conducts compliance checks at boat launches and popular dive spots. Fines for taking protected species can exceed $1,000 per fish, plus confiscation of equipment and potential criminal charges.

Get the current, detailed CDFW Sport Fishing Regulations booklet before each season. Regulations change, and San Diego’s marine environment is dynamic. Use the Element app to check conditions, locate your dive site, and verify local restrictions before heading out.

Spearfishing in San Diego is rewarding when done responsibly. Respect the protected species list, and you’ll help preserve the abundance that makes our waters world-class.