A left-eyed flatfish that lies buried in sand and ambushes baitfish. Around LA it is the flagship inshore target from kayaks, small boats, and the longer piers.
Sandy bottoms next to structure — Santa Monica Bay harbor mouths, channel edges, and the surf zone in roughly 10–100 ft.
Legal fish in LA water are usually 5–15 lb, with the 22-inch stick as the hard filter. Incoming tide at Marina del Rey, Alamitos Bay, and the Redondo sand line is the classic pattern. From Venice and Santa Monica piers, a sliding-sinker live bait or a slow swimbait along the first drop can connect. CDFW measures total length.
Giant sea bass is prohibited. Know the difference before you gaff a large brown fish.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — California halibut →
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.
