Habitat around Los Angeles
Rocky reefs and kelp, often shallower than the vermilion drop — Palos Verdes, Catalina, and jetty toes.
How LA anglers actually fish them
Part of the RCG complex, so they count in the 10-fish combo with rockfish and greenling. 2026 CDFW bag table: no minimum size for cabezon. Older anglers still remember a size limit — check the current table, not memory.
Current CDFW regulations
- Size limit: No minimum on the 2026 CDFW RCG table
- Bag / possession: Counts in the 10-fish RCG with rockfish and greenling
- Season: Follows Southern Management Area groundfish rules
Greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos share this RCG bag.
CDFW groundfish summary — cabezon →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
