Lingcod (also known as Ling, Buffalo Cod) in California. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the CDFW guide, 2026.
In California, the minimum legal size for Lingcod is 22 in and the daily bag limit is 2 per person. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current California rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current California rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open season/depths vary by recreational groundfish management area. STATE waters and federal/offshore waters; part of the Pacific groundfish management framework — open season, depth zones and area boundaries are set annually via the Pacific Fishery Management Council process and subject to in-season change. Confirm current dates + open depth/area.
These limits are pulled from the CDFW ocean sport fishing regulations. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. California Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
California requires a sport fishing licence for anyone aged 16 or older; an Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required to fish ocean waters south of Point Arguello. CDFW licences.
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