Saltwater

Palos Verdes Kelp Beds

The kelp forests along the Palos Verdes Peninsula run deep and dense, holding calico bass year-round and white seabass during spring squid runs. Access is mostly by boat or kayak given the rocky, exposed shoreline. The same coastline holds two of the most important MPAs in the county: Point Vicente (no-take) and Abalone Cove (spear/pelagic only for recreation). Fish the legal kelp; do not drift into the boxes.

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What you'll find here

Rocky reef and deep kelp. Point Vicente SMCA is no-take; Abalone Cove SMCA is highly restricted.

Marine protected areas

Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area is no-take (all recreational fishing prohibited). Abalone Cove SMCA allows only recreational spearfishing of white seabass and pelagic finfish, plus market squid by hand-held dip net. Do not fish these boxes. Use the CDFW ocean sportfish / MPA map.

CDFW MPA maps and regulations →

Species caught at Palos Verdes Kelp Beds

Map

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Regulations reminder

Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and MPA rules are set by CDFW and can change in-season. Public-pier license exceptions (CCR 1.88) apply only on qualifying structures — not on the beach next to them. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with CDFW.

wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing →