Everything the ocean is doing today — when the water moves, what's biting this month, and the rules that keep fishing fair.
Southern California coast · estimated from the moon, for learning
The moon's gravity tugs the ocean into a bulge. As Earth spins, that bulge sweeps past us — that's a high tide.
Most California days have two high tides and two low tides, about 6 hours and 12 minutes apart.
Near a new or full moon, the sun and moon pull together, so highs get higher and lows get lower.
The best bite is usually while the tide is moving — an hour before and after a high or low, not at dead slack.
Pick a month to see what the ocean is doing and which fish are around.
🌡️ Coldest water of the year, about 56°F
🪱 Best bait: Ghost shrimp, mussel, small swimbaits
💡 Fish the sunny middle of the day — bites pick up as the water warms a little.
California saltwater basics, in kid language. Rules change every year — always check the current ones before you go.
Anglers under 16 can fish for free in California saltwater. At 16, your grown-up helps you buy a license from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and you carry it any time you fish.
⭐ Under 16? You're already legal — just fish with an adult.
On public ocean piers and jetties in California, anyone can fish without a license. Size limits, bag limits and closed seasons still apply everywhere, pier or not.
⭐ Piers are the easiest legal place to start.
Many species have a minimum legal length so young fish get to grow up and spawn. California Halibut is 22 inches, Calico Bass 14 inches, White Seabass 28 inches. Measure from the nose to the tip of the tail.
⭐ Too short? Wet your hands and slip it back gently.
A bag limit is how many of one species one angler may keep in a day — for example 5 Calico Bass or 5 rockfish in most areas. Once you hit the limit, you keep fishing catch-and-release.
⭐ Take only what your family will eat today.
Groundfish like rockfish and lingcod have depth limits and seasons that change every year so the population stays healthy. Check the current season before a deep-water trip.
⭐ The captain always knows what's open today.
MPAs are underwater parks where fish are left alone so they can grow big and refill the ocean around them. Southern California has dozens, and boundaries are posted on maps and signs.
⭐ Fishing next to an MPA is often the best spot of all.
In ocean water you may fish with up to two rods, and some fisheries require circle hooks or barbless hooks so fish can be released unharmed. Never leave a line unattended.
⭐ Pinch the barb down with pliers — it's easier on fish and fingers.
If you see someone taking undersized fish, fishing in an MPA, or dumping trash, tell your grown-up. They can report it to CalTIP anonymously.
⭐ Protecting the ocean is part of being an angler.
