A cigar-shaped tilefish relative with a rubbery mouth. They can outnumber rockfish on a SoCal deep drift.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Deeper reefs and the sand-rock edge, often the same numbers as a vermilion drop.
CDFW Southern summary: year-round, all depths, 10 fish within the general 20-finfish bag, no minimum size. They do not count as RCG. Squid strips on a dropper. Soft mouths — do not horse them.
Ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps) are tilefish: elongated, tan to yellowish fish with a long dorsal fin, a blue-tinged edge on the fins, and a bulging forehead.
They live over rocky reefs and sand edges, usually deep. Most local catches come from boats fishing reefs off Palos Verdes, in Santa Monica Bay and around Catalina.
In 2026, CDFW's Southern region summary lists ocean whitefish as open year-round at all depths.
Ocean whitefish have mild, flaky meat. They are not named in OEHHA's LA coastal advisories.
Up to 10 ocean whitefish may be kept within the general 20-finfish bag. No minimum size; fillets must be at least 6½ inches with the entire skin attached.
Ocean whitefish are usually a bonus fish on rockfish and reef trips rather than a primary target. They often show up when anglers fish squid strips or small jigs near hard bottom and sand edges. Because they are not part of the RCG complex, they stay open when rockfish depth or season rules change, which makes them a useful option during the October–December nearshore closure for boats.
Ocean whitefish are not venomous, but their gill covers are sharp, so handle them with care. If you fillet on a boat, the fillets must be at least 6½ inches long and keep the entire skin attached so that wardens can identify the species. Whole fish are easier to keep legal if you are unsure.
Their meat is mild and white, comparable to other tilefish. OEHHA's LA coastal advisories do not list ocean whitefish separately; follow the general advice to eat skinless fillets and a variety of species.
Not part of the RCG complex.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — ocean whitefish →
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.
10 fish within the general 20-finfish bag.
Yes, year-round at all depths in the Southern region in 2026.
No. They are tilefish, managed separately from the RCG bag.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
