Spearfishing Permit Fish in San Diego: Seasonal Regulations and Size Limits
Permit are one of the most rewarding targets for San Diego spearfishers—powerful, intelligent, and challenging to approach. But before you head out to the kelp forests off Point Loma or the rocky reefs near Sunset Cliffs, you need to know the current regulations. California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) enforces strict rules on permit, and violations carry real penalties.
What You Need to Know About Permit in San Diego
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are found year-round in Southern California waters, but their availability and behavior shift with water temperature and season. In San Diego, permit typically move into shallower, warmer areas from May through October, making summer and early fall prime spearfishing season. Winter months see them move deeper or migrate south, though you can still find them in protected kelp beds like those at La Jolla Shores or off Bird Rock.
The legal minimum size for permit in California is 12 inches fork length. Many spearfishers target larger fish—permit in the 15- to 20-inch range are common in San Diego’s reefs and are worth the extra effort. There is currently no daily bag limit for permit in California state waters, but always verify current regulations with CDFW before your dive, as rules change annually.
Seasonal Patterns in San Diego
Spring (March–May): Permit begin moving into shallower water as the Pacific warms. Water temperatures around San Diego rise from the mid-50s to low 60s. This is when permit start appearing more consistently in the kelp forests off Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. Visibility improves as well, making it easier to spot and stalk these fish.
Summer (June–August): This is peak permit season in San Diego. Water temperatures climb into the upper 60s and low 70s. Permit are abundant in shallow reefs, kelp beds, and sandy flats from Coronado all the way north to Cardiff. The long days and stable conditions make this the best window for serious permit hunters. Expect competition from other spearfishers during this period.
Fall (September–November): As water cools back into the 60s, permit remain accessible but begin to disperse. September and early October are still excellent. By November, water temperatures drop to the mid-50s, and permit start moving deeper or heading offshore. Visibility can be inconsistent due to fall swells and occasional kelp blooms.
Winter (December–February): Permit are harder to find in shallow water. Water temperatures drop to the low 50s. Most permit move to deeper reefs or offshore structure. Local spearfishers who know the deeper wreck sites and outer reefs can still find fish, but it requires more skill and planning. Winter is when many divers shift focus to other species like calico bass and sheephead.
Size Limits and Legal Requirements
California requires all spearfishers to carry a valid fishing license and a spearfishing stamp. Permit are not on any restricted list, meaning you can legally take them with a spear in most San Diego state waters. However, some areas have closures:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Certain reefs and kelp forests are off-limits to all take, including spearfishing. Check CDFW maps for current MPA boundaries around La Jolla, Point Loma, and other sensitive areas.
- Private reserves: Some beaches and coves restrict spearfishing entirely. Always confirm access before entering the water.
The 12-inch minimum is measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. Undersized fish must be returned immediately. If you’re unsure about a fish’s size underwater, err on the side of caution—the penalty for taking undersized fish can include fines up to $250 per fish.
Where to Find Permit Around San Diego
Permit in San Diego prefer structure. Target the kelp forests around Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Bird Rock, where they hunt among the fronds. The rocky reefs off Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma hold good populations, especially in 30 to 50 feet of water. Sandy flats near Coronado and in Mission Bay are productive during summer, particularly at dawn and dusk when permit are feeding.
In spring and summer, focus on shallow water—15 to 30 feet. In fall and winter, move deeper and look for permit near structure like reefs, rocks, and wreck sites.
Final Checks Before You Go
Before any spearfishing trip for permit:
- Check CDFW’s website for the latest size limits and bag restrictions.
- Verify that your target area isn’t within an MPA or closed zone.
- Confirm your fishing license and spearfishing stamp are current.
- Respect the 12-inch minimum and handle undersized fish carefully.
Permit are a legitimate and challenging target for San Diego spearfishers when pursued responsibly. Use the Element app to check water conditions, visibility forecasts, and swell before heading out—clean water and calm conditions make spotting and approaching permit far easier.