TunaGodz & TunaDivas it’s time to drop the poles for a bit, Lobster Season (October 3, 2020 – Wed. March 17, 2021) has arrived in California! California’s coastal waters are home to a multitude of invertebrates (species lacking a bony skeleton). The California spiny lobster takes a particularly special place within this group as a highly sought-after target of both California’s recreational and commercial fisheries. Recreational lobster season opens at 6:00 a.m. on the Saturday preceding the first Wednesday in October (Sat. October 3, 2020) and closes at 12:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday (night) after the 15th of March (Wed. March 17, 2021) **The season no longer starts at midnight for safety reasons**
Recreational Bag Limit:
Seven lobsters per person.
Minimum Legal Size Limit: Three and one-fourth inches, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell (3 ¼ inch carapace) Under California law, Spiny Lobster may only be taken by hand or by hoop net. You cannot use any other devices to take or assist in taking lobster. In addition, if you are a sport fisherman, you may not use a trap to capture or take a lobster.
Permit Requirements:
Permit Requirements:CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and California recreational fishing license. You must have both. Skin and SCUBA Diver Gear Requirements: All skin and SCUBA divers must only use their hands. No miny scoop nets or gig sticks! Pier Fishing Gear Requirements: You may use up to two 2 hoop nets while fishing from public pier. Vessel Fishing Gear Requirements: You may possess up to 5 hoop nets per person, while fishing from a vessel, but the total number of hoop nets from a vessel cannot exceed 10, even if there are more than 2 people on the boat. 
Fishing Locations: See the CDFW Best results near rocky area, close Ca Outdoorsman suggestions for catching lobster in SoCal:
- Rocky areas of rock jettys (Must be done from a boat or diving only)
- Catalina Island off-shore
- Cabrillo Pier
- Book spots on Special Lobster charters early! (Davey’s Locker Newport Beach, Ca.)
Return your lobster report cards by April 30 following the season closure to:
CDFW
Lobster Report Card
3883 Ruffin Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Like all things fishing, boating and diving, TunaDivas.com advises you to do so with safety, caution and respect for your surroundings!
