When Is Lobster Season in San Diego? (2026–2027 Dates & Rules)

Lobster Fishing Trips & Charters Near Me in San Diego

2026–2027 San Diego lobster season: opens Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and closes Wednesday, March 17, 2027 (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). You need a valid fishing license and a Spiny Lobster Report Card. Want to go? Book a guided night lobster hoop-netting trip ($1,195, up to 6 guests).

When Is Lobster Season in San Diego?

Everything You Need to Know About San Diego’s Lobster Season

If you’ve ever searched for “when is lobster season in San Diego,” you’re among the thousands of anglers, foodies, and travelers who eagerly anticipate this annual tradition. Lobster season isn’t just another fishing window—it’s a cultural event in Southern California. At CaptainClowers.com, we take this season seriously, offering guided lobster charters that combine the thrill of night fishing, the satisfaction of hands-on hoop netting, and the reward of bringing home one of the most delicious crustaceans the Pacific Ocean has to offer.

This article provides a comprehensive look at lobster season in San Diego—covering dates, regulations, biology, hoop netting, best times to fish, cooking tips, drive times, historical catches, and even a few fun stats. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly why lobster season is one of the most anticipated times of the year and why Captain Clowers is the name you can trust for your lobster adventure.

When Is Lobster Season in San Diego?

The California spiny lobster season officially runs from late September or early October until mid-March. For 2026–27, it opens at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2027. The dates are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and shift slightly each year with the calendar.

Opening Day: The 2026–27 season opens at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026. Each year it opens at 6:00 p.m. on the Friday before the first Wednesday in October, so opening night is a festive evening on the water.
Closing Day: The season closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2027 (the first Wednesday after March 15), after which lobsters are protected until the next fall.

That gives you almost six months to enjoy lobster hooping, but the real excitement tends to come in the first few weeks of the season, when lobsters are most plentiful near shore.

Why Lobster Season Is Restricted

Lobsters are not like fast-reproducing fish. The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) can live 40–50 years and takes 5–7 years to reach a legal size. For that reason, strict rules are in place to ensure sustainability. Closing the season during spring and summer protects lobsters during their breeding and molting cycles. This allows female lobsters to carry and release eggs undisturbed, keeping populations strong for years to come. Without these rules, lobster populations could collapse, as has happened in other regions of the world.

The Best Months to Book a Lobster Charter

Although the season is long, certain months stand out:

• October & November: Lobsters migrate into shallow waters, making hooping easy and productive. This is prime time for volume.
• December & January: Lobsters are fewer but bigger. You may not catch as many, but the quality is unmatched.
• February & March: Late season means deep water sets. The die-hard anglers who go this time of year are often rewarded with trophy-sized catches.

For families or first-timers, early-season trips are best. For seasoned anglers chasing giants, late-season hooping can be the ultimate challenge.

Biology of the California Spiny Lobster

Unlike Maine lobsters, California spiny lobsters lack large claws. Their strength is concentrated in their muscular tails, which yield firm, sweet meat. Here are some fascinating facts:

• Average Size: 1–3 pounds is typical.
• Legal Size: Must measure at least 3¼ inches from eye socket to back of the shell.
• Largest Lobster in San Diego: Nearly 16 pounds, a true monster of the deep.
• Growth Rate: Lobsters molt to grow. A young lobster may molt multiple times a year, while older lobsters molt less frequently.
• Lifespan: Up to 50 years.

These lobsters thrive in rocky reefs, jetty structures, and kelp forests. During the day, they hide in crevices. At night, they forage for sea urchins, clams, and fish, which makes nighttime hooping so effective.

Hoop Netting: The Heart of Lobster Charters

In California, recreational lobster can be taken two ways: with hoop nets or by hand while diving. Hoop netting, or “hooping,” is the method we use, and here’s how it works:

1. Bait: Hoop nets are baited with oily fish like mackerel or sardines.
2. Placement: Nets are dropped to the seafloor near reefs and structures where lobsters roam.
3. Soak Time: Nets rest on the bottom while lobsters crawl inside to investigate the bait. By law, every hoop net must be pulled and checked at least every 2 hours.
4. Retrieval: Anglers pull the nets up quickly to prevent lobsters from escaping.
5. Sorting: Legal-sized lobsters are measured and kept; undersized ones are returned unharmed.

This method is not only effective but also engaging. Guests on Captain Clowers’ charters actively participate, creating a memorable and interactive experience under the San Diego night sky.

What to Expect on a Captain Clowers Lobster Charter

CaptainClowers.com provides everything you need: hoop nets, bait, lights, and expert guidance. Trips usually last 4–6 hours, departing around sunset. Here’s what makes the experience special:

• Hands-On Adventure: You’ll bait, drop, and pull your own nets.
• Scenic Backdrop: The San Diego skyline lights up the night while you hoop near jetties and reefs.
• Catch Variety: While waiting for nets to soak, guests often fish for sand bass, halibut, or sculpin.
• Memorable Rewards: Most guests go home with 2–5 lobsters, sometimes more.

For many, the highlight is pulling up a hoop net and seeing a spiny lobster clinging to the mesh—a moment of excitement that never gets old.

Regulations and Requirements

To fish legally during lobster season in San Diego, you must follow these rules:

• Carry a valid California fishing license (required for anyone 16 and older).
• Purchase a lobster report card, which tracks catches for conservation purposes.
• Adhere to the daily limit of seven lobsters per person.
• Measure every lobster—minimum carapace length is 3¼ inches.
• Use only hoop nets or your hands—no traps, hooks, or spears.

Captain Clowers ensures all trips comply with these rules, teaching beginners how to measure and handle lobsters correctly.

Drive Times to Lobster Charters in San Diego

Our charters launch from central San Diego, easily reachable from nearby coastal communities. Approximate drive times include:

• Point Loma: ~10 minutes
• Coronado Island: ~15 minutes
• La Jolla: ~25 minutes
• Del Mar: ~30 minutes
• Oceanside: ~50 minutes
• Dana Point: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Even if you’re staying further north, like in Orange County, the drive is worth it for a unique nighttime fishing adventure you can’t find anywhere else in California.

Cooking Your Lobster Catch

Few experiences rival cooking a lobster you caught yourself. California spiny lobster is prized for its firm, sweet tail meat. Popular preparation methods include:

• Grilled Lobster Tails: Split, brushed with garlic butter, and seared over flame.
• Lobster Tacos: A San Diego specialty, combining lobster meat with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime.
• Lobster Bisque: A creamy, indulgent soup made with lobster stock and chunks of tail meat.
• Lobster Pasta: Tossed with olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan.

Many charter guests bring a cooler to take home their catch, then enjoy a feast with family and friends the next day. The combination of adventure and cuisine is what makes lobster season unforgettable.

Fun Lobster Facts

• Spiny lobsters can regenerate lost legs and antennae.
• Females carry up to 500,000 eggs under their tail flaps.
• Lobsters migrate miles each season—tagged lobsters in San Diego have traveled over 30 miles along the coast.
• The record California spiny lobster weighed nearly 16 pounds, caught off the San Diego coast.
• Unlike Maine lobsters, spiny lobsters are always wild—never farmed.

Stories from the Captain

Every season brings its share of memorable catches. Captain Clowers recalls one November night when a guest pulled up a net holding three legal lobsters and a 12-pounder—one of the largest seen on the boat. “The look on his face was pure shock,” Clowers says. “Moments like that are why I love running these trips. You never know what’s waiting in the next net.”

Other times, families with kids experience their first lobster catch together. The thrill of measuring, bagging, and later cooking their catch creates lasting memories. Lobster season isn’t just about the food—it’s about the stories you take home.

The Culture of Lobster Season in San Diego

Lobster season has become a cultural staple in Southern California. Local restaurants feature lobster specials, anglers gather at marinas to swap stories, and seafood markets buzz with activity. For many, lobster season is as much about community as it is about fishing. Captain Clowers’ charters are part of that culture, introducing newcomers and veterans alike to the excitement of night hooping.

Why Choose CaptainClowers.com?

When you ask, “when is lobster season in San Diego?” the next question should be “who should I book with?” CaptainClowers.com offers:

• Experience: Years of navigating San Diego waters and targeting lobsters successfully.
• Safety: Fully licensed, insured, and equipped boats.
• Fun: An interactive experience where every guest is part of the action.
• Results: A track record of successful trips and satisfied guests.

San Diego Lobster Season 2026–27 at a Glance

Opening night is here. The 2026–27 California spiny lobster season opens Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and runs through Wednesday, March 17, 2027 at 11:59:59 p.m. Here are the numbers people ask us about most at the dock.

Opening Night in San Diego: The 24-Hour Hoop Net Rule

South of Point Arguello, which covers all of San Diego, nobody can put a hoop net in the water during the 24 hours before the opener. For 2026, that means no nets from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1 until 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 2. You can’t drop at 5:00 p.m. and pull at 6:00. Sunset on opening night is around 6:31 p.m., so the first legal sets go in right at dusk, just as lobsters start moving out of the rocks. Before your first net goes in, write that night’s line on your report card.

Best Time for Lobster in San Diego, Month by Month

Here’s how the 2026–27 calendar looks from the water. Moon dates are approximate. A lot of local hoopers like the darker nights around the new moon, but bright nights can still fill nets.

October 2026

The season opens Oct. 2, sunsets run from about 6:30 to 6:00 p.m., and the new moon is around Oct. 10. The first two weekends draw the most boats, so try a weeknight to skip the crowd.

November 2026

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, so sunset jumps to about 5:00 p.m. That means earlier starts and earlier nights home. New moon is around Nov. 9.

December 2026

December has the earliest sunsets of the season (about 4:45 p.m.) and a new moon near Dec. 8. When winter swell hits the outer coast, the protected water in San Diego Bay is a big advantage.

January 2027

Nights are cold and clear, there are fewer boats, and the new moon is near Jan. 7. Dress a layer warmer than you think you need.

February 2027

The new moon is around Feb. 6, and sunsets push back past 5:15 p.m.

March 2027

The new moon is near Mar. 8. Daylight saving time starts Mar. 14, which moves sunset to about 7:00 p.m. The season closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 17. Online report card reporting opens right after that.

Where to Hoop-Net for Lobster in San Diego (and Where You Can’t)

San Diego Bay

The bay is sheltered and close to the Point Loma docks. Its rocky edges, riprap and structure hold lobster, and calm water makes it the easiest choice for families and first-timers. Watch for boat traffic, keep nets out of marked channels, and stay well clear of posted military security zones.

Point Loma Kelp and the Outer Coast

Off Point Loma, rocky reef and kelp make classic lobster habitat. Expect more swell and deeper water than in the bay, so this ground depends more on the weather.

Marine Protected Areas Where You Can’t Take Lobster

• Cabrillo State Marine Reserve: off the tip of Point Loma, near Cabrillo National Monument. No take of any kind.
• Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve (La Jolla): no take.
• South La Jolla State Marine Reserve: no take.
• South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area: offshore of the reserve. Only pelagic finfish on hook-and-line are allowed. No lobster.
• San Diego–Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area: only coastal pelagic fish on hook-and-line. No lobster.
• Tijuana River Mouth State Marine Conservation Area: no lobster.

North County has more protected areas, including Swami’s and several lagoons. You can drive a boat through a reserve with lobster aboard, but your nets can’t be in the water while you pass through or anchor there. Check the CDFW Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Map before you set.

How to Measure a California Spiny Lobster

• Use a real lobster gauge. CDFW recommends a fixed-arm gauge over a tape or ruler because it leaves less room for error.
• Measure right away. When hoop-netting, measure as soon as the net comes out of the water. Divers have to measure in the water.
• Find the starting point. Set one end of the gauge at the back edge of the eye socket, between the horns.
• Measure straight down the middle of the back to the back edge of the body shell (the carapace). The tail doesn’t count.
• Shorter than 3¼ inches? Put it back right away. A short lobster can’t go in a bucket, bag or cooler, even for a minute.
• Keep legal lobsters whole so they can still be measured if a warden checks your catch.

Spiny Lobster Report Card: Step-by-Step

• Buy the card before your trip online from CDFW or at a license agent like a local tackle shop. Everyone who drops nets, pulls nets or handles lobster needs one, kids included. Someone who’s only watching doesn’t. Bring the physical card with you.
• Fill in a line before the first net goes in: month, day, location code and gear code.
• When you finish at a spot or for the night, write down how many lobsters you kept, then move to the next line.
• Start a new line every time you change locations or switch between hoop net and diving.
• Filled every line? Report that card, then buy another one.
• Report by April 30, 2027. You can report online from the day after the season closes, or mail the card to CDFW Lobster Report Card, 3883 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123, postmarked by April 30. If you report online, save your confirmation number.
• Report even if you didn’t fish or catch anything. Miss the deadline and you’ll pay a $21.60 non-return fee next season, or sit a season out.

The location and gear codes are explained in the instructions on your card.

Hoop-Netting vs. Diving for Lobster in San Diego

The season, the seven-lobster limit, the 3¼-inch minimum and the report card are the same for both. The methods are not.

What a Guided Night Lobster Charter Includes

• A private boat for your group: $1,195 for up to six guests aboard our 36-foot Riviera.
• About six hours on the water, usually between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. depending on daylight.
• Based in Point Loma, Captain Clowers, 1403 Scott St., San Diego, CA 92106.
• The net limit applies to the whole boat. Even with six guests aboard, no more than 10 hoop nets can be fished from one vessel.
• Your part: a California fishing license for everyone 16 and older, and a Spiny Lobster Report Card for everyone who’ll pull nets or handle lobster, kids included. A one-day license ($21.09 in 2026) works fine and doesn’t need the Ocean Enhancement Validation. An annual license does.
• What to bring: warm layers, rubber boots, food and canned drinks. Leave an ice chest in your car for the ride home. The full list is on the booking page.

How to Cook California Spiny Lobster

Keep Them Lively Until You Cook

Keep lobsters whole in a cold cooler under a damp towel or seaweed, out of fresh water and melted ice. Cook them that night or the next day.

Clean and Split

Chill the lobster first, split it lengthwise with a heavy knife, and pull out the dark vein that runs down the tail. Spiny lobsters have no big claws, but the base of the antennae and the legs hold sweet meat, so don’t throw them away.

Cooking Times

• Boiled whole: about 8–10 minutes for a 1–1½ lb lobster in well-salted water.
• Grilled halves: shell side down over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes, basting with butter, until the meat turns opaque.

Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and reaches 145°F, so don’t overcook it. Frozen lobster still counts toward your seven-lobster possession limit.

San Diego Lobster Season FAQ

When does lobster season start in San Diego?

The 2026–27 recreational season opens Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Every year it opens at 6 p.m. on the Friday before the first Wednesday in October.

When does lobster season end in California?

It closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2027, which is the first Wednesday after March 15. That makes March 17 the last day of lobster season.

Is it lobster season right now?

Lobster season is open from 6 p.m. on October 2, 2026 through March 17, 2027, about five and a half months. Outside those dates, recreational lobster fishing is closed.

Do I need a license to catch lobster in San Diego?

Anyone 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license, and everyone who fishes for lobster, any age, needs a Spiny Lobster Report Card. On a public pier you don’t need a license, but you still need the report card.

How many lobsters can you keep, and how big do they have to be?

Seven per person, which is also the possession limit. Each one needs a carapace of at least 3¼ inches, measured from the back of the eye socket to the back edge of the body shell.

Can you dive for lobster in San Diego?

Yes. The season, limit, size and report card rules are the same as for hoop-netting. Divers can only use their hands and have to measure in the water. Spears, hooks and tickle sticks are illegal for lobster.

How much is a San Diego lobster fishing trip?

Our private guided night lobster hoop-netting trip is $1,195 for up to six guests. You buy your own licenses and report cards.

Book Your San Diego Night Lobster Charter

The bugs are crawling and the 2026–27 season is short. Grab your license and report card, gather up to five friends, and spend a night pulling hoop nets with Captain Alan Clowers out of Point Loma. Book your San Diego lobster fishing trip or call (619) 800-3474 to check dates.

Conclusion

Lobster season in San Diego runs from 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2027, making it one of the longest and most exciting seasonal fisheries in California. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of pulling hoop nets under the stars, the satisfaction of learning a new fishing skill, or the taste of freshly cooked lobster, CaptainClowers.com is your ticket to adventure. Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and join us this season. Don’t just wonder when lobster season is—experience it for yourself with the team that knows San Diego lobsters best.