Can Cowcod Caught in Mexico Be Imported to U.S. Waters?

May 4, 2011

Question: If we’re fishing in Mexican waters and catch a cowcod, can we legally bring it back into a California port as long as we have all of the proper licenses and the Declaration for Entry form properly filled out? I’d just like to know for sure as we fish Mexican waters frequently targeting rockfish and I’d like to avoid a citation. (Jeff M., San Diego)

Answer: No. Cowcod may not be imported or even possessed in California regardless of where caught (Fish and Game Code, section 2353(a)(2)). Broomtail groupers and canary, yelloweye and bronzespotted rockfishes are also illegal to be possessed or imported into California under this regulation and under California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 28.55(b)(1), even if they were taken legally in Mexico.

Intresting. I remember catching many commercially as well as sport in the 70s and 80s. 600 ft plus as a rule.  Hidden Reef, Cherry banks, Potato bank, Osborne bank, Cortez bank. Also remember having one over 35 lbs. I wish they would make a special permit to fish the Cordell banks say for 3 weeks a year then shut it down and limit permits. Have heard that samples there from checking is off the hook good on Reds and Lings. I remember one day years ago Rod and reel with a 12/0 and 12ft gaff blank for rod (Sabre) 75 hooks had 6 Cows and the rest Reds in 800 ft at Cherry banks. 71 fish total. They floated after 1/4 way up. Commercial days of long ago in So Cal. IN COD WE TRUST.

So...all those yelloweye RF that people catch in AK on vacation...can't be brought back to CA?!

So...all those yelloweye RF that people catch in AK on vacation...can't be brought back to CA?!

I guess ya gotta eat them there.....

How the hell are they gonna know once proccessed lol

I looked for the reg and/or law that says you can't possess cowcod in California. I didn't find it. The closest thing was:

28.55(b)(1)

(1) The limit on bronzespotted rockfish, canary rockfish, cowcod, and yelloweye rockfish is zero. These species shall not be taken or possessed as part of the RCG limit.

If you aren't allowed to possess them at all, the bolded part is unnecessary.