California ocean waters (outside MPAs)

Recreational spearfishing is permitted in California ocean waters outside of closed Marine Protected Areas, with a sport fishing license and ocean enhancement stamp for those 16 and older. Spearguns and Hawaiian slings are generally permitted; powerheads are generally prohibited. Coordinate is a representative offshore point in Monterey Bay (central California coast), not a precise boundary.

License + ocean enhancement stamp required (16+); powerheads generally prohibited; no take inside State Marine Reserves; many State Marine Conservation Areas prohibit spearfishing - check the CDFW interactive map per site.

Species-specific seasons apply