California recreational spiny lobster reopens Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

SoCal hoop-net and dive crews can mark the opener. CDFW’s Southern Management Area ocean summary (updated Sept. 1, 2026) and the recreational lobster page both say the recreational spiny lobster fishery — closed since March 19, 2026 — reopens Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Bag and possession limit is seven lobsters per person. Minimum size is 3¼ inches carapace length. Legal take is hand or hoop net only. Everyone fishing for or taking lobster needs a Spiny Lobster Report Card plus a California sport fishing license (Ocean Enhancement Validation south of Point Arguello unless on a 1- or 2-day license).

Hoop nets may not be deployed south of Point Arguello during the 24 hours before the opener — so nets stay out from 6:00 p.m. Thursday until 5:59 p.m. Friday. Buy the report card early; CDFW already has 2026–27 cards on sale.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: CDFW Recreational Lobster Fishing and CDFW Southern Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations (reopen Oct. 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m.).