U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of interactions that result in incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.
The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is a highly sought-after crustacean that supports both commercial and recreational fisheries along the California coast. Lobster season in California is carefully regulated to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. So when exactly does lobster season come to an end in the Golden State?
Overview of Lobster Season Dates
The recreational lobster fishing season in California typically opens on the Saturday preceding the first Wednesday in October each year For example, in 2023 the season opened on September 30
The season then continues until midnight on the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. So for the 2023-2024 season, lobster season will close at midnight on March 20, 2024.
- Season Opens: The Saturday before the 1st Wednesday in October
- Season Closes: Midnight on the 1st Wednesday after March 15
So to directly answer the question – lobster season in California ends on the 1st Wednesday after March 15 at midnight.
Why Lobster Season Ends in March
The reason the lobster season closes in March is to protect spawning lobsters, Spiny lobsters migrate inshore and into shallow waters to reproduce between March and June along the California coast
Ending lobster season in early-mid March allows the lobsters to migrate and spawn without being targeted by fishers. This helps maintain a healthy, sustainable population.
Lobster Fishing Regulations
While lobster can be fished recreationally from October to March, there are regulations in place including:
- Bag limit – 7 lobsters per day
- Size limit – minimum 3 1/4 inch carapace
- Gear restrictions – lobster can only be taken by hand or with hoop nets
- License requirements – Need report card and fishing license
These regulations are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and are important for conserving lobster stocks.
Closing of Lobster Season Protects Vulnerable Spawning
While enthusiasts look forward to the reopening of lobster season each fall, the spring closure is a necessary part of managing this valuable marine resource. Respecting the regulations and sustainability of the lobster fishery will help ensure lobster seasons can continue well into the future.
Current Classification on the List of Fisheries
Category |
II |
|
Estimated Number of Participants |
189 |
|
Target Species |
Spiny lobster |
|
Applicable Take Reduction Plans |
None |
|
Observer Coverage |
None |
|
Marine Mammal Species/Stocks Killed or Injured |
Bottlenose dolphin, CA/OR/WA offshore California sea lion, U.S Gray whale, Eastern North Pacific Humpback whale, Central America/Southern Mexico-CA/OR/WA1 Humpback whale, Mainland Mexico-CA/OR/WA Southern sea otter, CA |
^ Number of participants estimates are based on state and federal fisheries permit data. The estimated number of participants is expressed in terms of the number of active participants in the fishery, when possible. If this information is not available, the estimated number of vessels or persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no recent information is available on the number of participants, then the number from the most recent LOF is used. NOAA Fisheries acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimations may be inflating actual effort.
*Observer coverage levels include the latest information reported in the most current final Stock Assessment Report (SAR).
1Indicates the stock or species is driving the classification of the fishery.
2023-2024 Catch by Gear Type (by percent of reported catch)
- Rigid Hoop Net (49.1%)
- Free Diving (22.5%)
- SCUBA Diving (21.3%)
- Traditional Hoop Net (7.1%)
Lobster Diving Southern California | End of the 2022-2023 Season
FAQ
How long is lobster season in California?
The spiny lobster fishery occurs in the Southern California Bight, ranging from Point Conception to the U.S.-Mexico border, including areas surrounding the offshore Channel Islands. Spiny lobster fishing is only allowed in districts 18, 19, 20 and 20A. The fishing season runs from early October to mid-March each year.
How long does lobster season last?
The California lobster season typically runs from late September or early October through mid-March. However, the start of the season often yields the most abundant catches.
What months are not good for lobster?
In Maine, lobster season is all year long. Generally, the best lobsters can be caught before Memorial Day or after Labor Day than at any time in between. But this does not always hold true. Mother Nature does not always cooperate.
Do you need a license to catch lobster in California?
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California Sport Fishing License:Required for anyone 16 years of age and older who is fishing for, taking, or assisting with fishing for spiny lobster.
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Spiny Lobster Report Card:Required for everyone fishing for spiny lobsters, including those under 16 and those fishing from a public pier.
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Ocean Enhancement Validation:If fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello, you also need an Ocean Enhancement Validation.
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Where to Obtain:You can purchase these licenses and report cards online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
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Lobster Season:The recreational spiny lobster season in California typically runs from early October to mid-March.
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Gear Restrictions:All skin and SCUBA divers must only use their hands to take lobster. While fishing from a public pier, you may use up to 2 hoop nets. When fishing from a vessel, you may possess up to 5 hoop nets, but the total number of hoop nets from a vessel cannot exceed 10, even if there are more than 2 people on the boat.
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Report Card Return:Spiny Lobster Report Cards must be returned by the deadline or you may incur a fee to purchase a new card the following season.
When is California spiny lobster season?
The California spiny lobster season is upon us! Historically, the season opens on Saturday at 6 a.m. before the first Wednesday in October; this year, that falls on September 27 and closes on March 19, 2024, at 11:59.59 p.m. Lobster cards, which cost $12.14 and are due by April 30, 2025… more information is below.)
When does lobster season start & end in San Diego?
Historically, the season opens on Saturday at 6 a.m. before the first Wednesday in October; this year, that falls on September 27 and closes on March 19, 2024, at 11:59.59 p.m. Lobster cards, which cost $12.14 and are due by April 30, 2025… more information is below.) Though I have never fished lobster, I know where they hang out in San Diego.
When does lobster season open & close?
Recreational lobster season opens at 6:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the first Wednesday in October and closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on the first Wednesday after the 15th of March.
When is California spiny lobster season 2024-2025?
Mark your calendar! The 2024-2025 recreational California spiny lobster season is currently scheduled to open Friday Sept. 27, 2024 at 6 p.m. and run through Wednesday Mar. 19, 2025. Before you begin your lobstering adventure, here are a few quick tips: Be sure to grab a Spiny Lobster Report Card before you go, they’re on…
What is the California spiny lobster?
The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is a highly sought-after target of both California’s recreational and commercial fisheries. Explore CDFW’s Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (PDF)
Do you need a license to fish spiny lobster in California?
Permit Requirments- A California Department of Fish and Wildlife Spiny Lobster Report Card and a California Recreational Fishing License. No fishing license is required on public piers and jetties. (Remember that a jetty is surrounded by water in three places.) What is a Spiny Lobster Report Card?