Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in California
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
California Halibut
Verified
World Record
67 lb 4 oz
Paul S. Varela / 2011
Santa Rosa Island, California
Paul S. Varela / 2011
Santa Rosa Island, California
Signature Fact
Up to 40% are mirror-imaged right-eyed 'reversals'-a coin-flip eye migration rare among flatfish.
2
White weakfish
Verified
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
This croaker sports oversized canine teeth, a predatory grin rare among its drum-and-croaker cousins.
3
Leopard Shark
Verified
World Record
40 lb 4 oz
Roy E. Walker / 1981
San Francisco Bay, California
Roy E. Walker / 1981
San Francisco Bay, California
Signature Fact
They regularly push into ankle-deep water, bellies skimming mudflats as they vacuum ghost shrimp from burrows.
4
Black Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
23 lb 4 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA
Signature Fact
She can bank a mate's sperm for months, then unleash over a million live larvae in one birth.
5
Pacific Barracuda
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
13 lb 0 oz
James R. Toth / 2000
California, USA
James R. Toth / 2000
California, USA
Signature Fact
Its upper fangs slot into holes in the lower jaw-built‑in blade guides for ultra‑clean, scissor‑like cuts.
6
Striped Bass (Striper)
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
7
Pacific Halibut
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
459 lb 0 oz
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska
Signature Fact
The IGFA all-tackle record hit 459 pounds-an 8-foot, refrigerator-door flatfish nicknamed a true "barn door.
8
Shortraker Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 1 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
Signature Fact
Radiocarbon dating pegged a shortraker at over 120 years old-older than your grandfather's favorite reel.
9
Striped Marlin
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
494 lb 0 oz
Bill Boniface / 1986
Tutukaka, New Zealand
Bill Boniface / 1986
Tutukaka, New Zealand
Signature Fact
Their cobalt stripes can switch on like neon under nervous control, apparently signaling teammates during tag-teamed baitball raids.
10
Roosterfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
114 lb 0 oz
Mark Davis / 1960
La Paz, Mexico
Mark Davis / 1960
La Paz, Mexico
Signature Fact
Roosterfish push hornlike swim bladder extensions into the skull, supercharging low-frequency hearing to home on thrashing prey.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in California?
You’ll find California halibut, white weakfish, leopard shark, black rockfish, and more along California’s saltwater coast.
What is the best time of year to fish in California?
Spring through fall delivers the best saltwater action in California for most species.
Where are the best places to fish in California?
California’s coastal saltwater is loaded with action, from rocky structure to open water. Find halibut, rockfish, and more all along the coast.
What gear do you need for fishing in California?
Bring medium to heavy rods, strong line, and tough tackle—these California saltwater species don’t play soft.
What are the easiest fish to catch in California?
Black rockfish and white weakfish are usually the most accessible for anglers starting out in California saltwater.
