California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 1 - Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game
Subdivision 1 - Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles
Chapter 1 - General Provisions and Definitions
Section 1.62 - Minimum and Maximum Size

No fish, mollusks or crustaceans less than the legal minimum size or greater than the maximum legal size (total, fork or alternate) may be possessed, except as otherwise provided. Total length is the longest straight-line measurement from the tip of the head to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. Fork length is the straight-line distance from the tip of the head to the center of the tail fin. Tip of the head shall be the most anterior point on the fish with the mouth closed and the fish lying flat on its side. Alternate length is the straight-line distance from the base of the foremost spine of the first dorsal fin to the end of the longest lobe of the tail. Unless otherwise provided, all fish, mollusks or crustaceans less than the legal minimum size or greater than the maximum legal size must be returned immediately to the water from which they were taken.

1. Amendment filed 3-1-90; operative 3-1-90 (Register 90, No. 10).
2. Amendment of section heading and section filed 2-28-2007; operative 2-28-2007 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2007, No. 9).
3. Change without regulatory effect amending NOTE filed 8-8-2019 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2019, No. 32).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 200, 205, 219, 265 and 275, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 200, 205, 265 and 270, Fish and Game Code.