What kind of fish can I legally catch in the San Francisco Bay for my aquarium?

[sally666]

What kind of fish can I catch in the San Francisco Bay legally, and will fit in a 40 gallon coldwater FOWLR tank?

 

[areefer01]

I would reach out to the Ca department of fish and wildlife. You will need a sport fishing license but you should get clarification on what that allows you to do. Fines can be high so do your homework.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

absolutely none. 40 gallons is basically a nano tank.

 

[areefer01]

absolutely none. 40 gallons is basically a nano tank.

This is pretty much true. There are, however, some small rock/mud skippers (I forget what the name is actually) that could work. Most everything I see while diving in Monterey is large though.

Edit: on that note again reach out to ca fish and game as there are a few small soft coral / anenomes that could work. Some macro algae then pick up some catalina gobies or similar marine cold water animals like a blue headed jawfish that likes colder temperatures could work. Fish though I'm with you - no go for the most part but I've not researched that much.

 

[IrresponsibleReef]

Three anchovies and that might be pushing it

 

[JayM]

None. And it has nothing to do with the size of your tank. In CA, It’s not legal to transport live fish from the waters which they were taken.

 

[BeanAnimal]

None. And it has nothing to do with the size of your tank. In CA, It’s not legal to transport live fish from the waters which they were taken.

Exactly - and this includes bait fish, etc.

 

[KrisReef]

None. And it has nothing to do with the size of your tank. In CA, It’s not legal to transport live fish from the waters which they were taken.

Unless you have a commercial fishing license and/or an Aquarium trade license. I don't know what you would want to catch in the cold water of SF Bay for an aquarium, most of the bay I would not fish in. Most of the fish are not brightly colored, and the cost of a license isn't worth it, imo, but you do what you want.

Marine Aquaria Collector

$615.00

Required for any person taking, possessing aboard a boat, or landing any live native marine species specified in FGC 8597 from California waters for marine aquaria pet trade purposes. At least one person aboard each commercial fishing vessel shall have a valid marine aquaria collector permit.

Commercial Fishing Licenses - Fees and Descriptions

The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

wildlife.ca.gov

 

[LiquidSpace]

If you do anything make sure it’s far enough away from the shore. You wouldn’t want to catch any used needles. I only joke.

 

[KrisReef]

If you do anything make sure it’s far enough away from the shore. You wouldn’t want to catch any used needles. I only joke.

I know of a research vessel that trawled up an amazing adult toy in Southern California, among other interesting things.

 

[winxp_man]

You will also need cold saltwater system. The pacific in NorCal, Central Cal and north is cold. Nothing if reef type fish.