Bonito Regulations

December 31, 2020

Question: I have a question regarding Pacific Bonito. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 28.32 (b) says the minimum size is “24 inches fork length or five pounds except that: Five fish less than 24 inches fork length or weighing less than five pounds may be taken and possessed.” Does that mean I can take and possess five Pacific Bonito or less if they are any length less than 24 inches fork length? For example, could I legally keep two 12-inch Pacific Bonito per day? (Arthur)

Answer: Your interpretation of Title 14 section 28.32 is correct, so long as you possess five or fewer Pacific bonito less than five pounds or 24 inches fork length. Should you catch six or more bonito, you may only keep five fish under five pounds or 24 inches fork length and you cannot catch or possess more than 10 total.

So, assuming you did not already have more than three Pacific bonito shorter than 24 inches in your possession (which includes those at home), your example of two bonito with a length of 12 inches per day would be legal as long as the total number under five pounds or 24 inches in your possession did not exceed five and the total number in your possession did not exceed 10.