Fishing for Cuttlefish

February 2, 2017

Question: Can you please tell me if recreational cuttlefish fishing is allowed in Los Angeles County? I am interested specifically in Santa Monica Bay from Playa Vista all the way down to Redondo Beach? (Karim B.)

Answer: Cuttlefish (a cephalopod closely related to squid and octopus) are seldom seen in cool California waters, so it’s unlikely you will encounter them here, thus we have no fishing regulations for them.

She didn't answer the question, so I will:

They are a mollusk not otherwise provided for in the regulations.  The limit is 35, and you may not take them in MPAs, reserves, in tidepools, or within 1000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line.

It's the exact same situation as for gooseneck barnacles.

Cuttlefish...sounds like an STD you get from mermaids.

They are a mollusk not otherwise provided for in the regulations.  The limit is 35, and you may not take them in MPAs, reserves, in tidepools, or within 1000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line.

But...does that mean we can't catch squid within 1000ft of the shoreline?

They are a mollusk not otherwise provided for in the regulations.  The limit is 35, and you may not take them in MPAs, reserves, in tidepools, or within 1000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line.

But...does that mean we can't catch squid within 1000ft of the shoreline?

No.  read 29.05(b)(1).

Squid are specifically exempted from the 1000 ft exclusion.  So are clams, crabs, abalone, lobster, urchins, octopus, mussels, scallops, etc.

February 2, 2017


Answer: Cuttlefish (a cephalopod closely related to squid and octopus) are seldom seen in cool California waters, so it’s unlikely you will encounter them here, thus we have no fishing regulations for them.

Baby pigeons are rarely seen too yet I make no assumptions about the likelihood I will encounter one if I tried. Cuttlefish aren't THAT rare in California's water. Case in point, this angler wanting to target them.
  -Amos

February 2, 2017


Answer: Cuttlefish (a cephalopod closely related to squid and octopus) are seldom seen in cool California waters, so it’s unlikely you will encounter them here, thus we have no fishing regulations for them.

Baby pigeons are rarely seen too yet I make no assumptions about the likelihood I will encounter one if I tried. Cuttlefish aren't THAT rare in California's water. Case in point, this angler wanting to target them.
  -Amos

Yes, but those baby pigeons probably make good bait for huge bass, or pike if you're fishing Lake Davis

i thougth they drained davis to remove all the pike after poisoning it

i thougth they drained davis to remove all the pike after poisoning it

I wish they would drain Davis. But where would you flush all those people?

No.  read 29.05(b)(1).

Squid are specifically exempted from the 1000 ft exclusion.  So are clams, crabs, abalone, lobster, urchins, octopus, mussels, scallops, etc.

Talk to me about urchins.  What restrictions are there for those abalone messing malingerers?