Home/Species Almanac/California Spiny Lobster

Photo: NOAA - Claire Fackler · Public domain · 1/3

crustacean

California Spiny Lobster

Panulirus interruptus

Min Size: 3.25" TLBag: 7 / daySeasonal ClosureFGC § 7153 Exempt

Southern California's prized marine crustacean. Unlike American Maine lobsters, spiny lobsters lack large front claws and rely on powerful tails and spiny antennae. They forage nocturnally around piling biofouling and jetty riprap.

Monthly Seasonality & Run Timing

12-Month Calendar

Month 1peak

Prime winter hoop netting on dark nights and new moon phases.

Month 2fair

Solid night action; active foraging before spring molt.

Month 3fair

Season closes mid-March (first Wednesday after March 15).

Month 4closed

Season closed to protect spawning females.

Month 5closed

Season closed.

Month 6closed

Season closed.

Month 7closed

Season closed.

Month 8closed

Season closed.

Month 9closed

Season closed.

Month 10peak

Season opener 6:00 AM first Saturday preceding first Wednesday in Oct.

Month 11peak

Heavy autumn foraging around pier pilings and jetty rocks.

Month 12peak

Peak winter action; cold clean water.

Water Column Layerbottom

Feeds predominantly in the bottom habitat.

Ideal Water Temp56°F – 64°F

Active feeding thermal band in SoCal.

Best Tide Stageincoming

Peak bite frequency during tide movement.

Best Time of Daynight

Optimal lighting and foraging activity.

California Fish & Wildlife Regulations

Size & Measurement Rules3.25 inches Minimum Carapace Length

3 ¼ inches (82.6 mm) minimum carapace length (not total length) measured in a straight line along the mid-line from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the carapace.

Daily Bag & Aggregate Limits7 Fish Per Day

7 lobsters per day; possession limit equals daily bag limit.

Official Regulatory Citations (CCR Title 14 & FGC)

14 CCR § 29.90:View official California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulation ↗· reviewed 2026-08-28
14 CCR § 29.80:View official California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulation ↗· reviewed 2026-08-28

Recommended Terminal Rigs for California Spiny Lobster

Tested terminal configurations, mainline, leader diameters, and hook sizes.

Recommended Rig Setup

Conical Hoop Net Rig

Rigid conical hoop net (e.g. Promar Ambush) with center bait cage and sinking leaded line.

Main Line100 ft 5/16 in. leaded sinking poly rope

LeaderBridle assembly attached to hoop net ring

HookNo hooks — bait cage with wire latch

Sinker / WeightWeighted net base ring (integral)

Effective Baits & Lures

Chopped Pacific MackerelSalmon HeadsBonito CarcassesSquid

💡 Angling Presentation Tip:Drop straight down alongside pilings or rock transitions. Let soak 30–45 minutes; pull rapidly with steady hand-over-hand speed.

Where to Fish for California Spiny Lobster in SoCal

0 Piers & Jetties in Pier Scout

This species is caught across open Southern California beaches and coastal waters.