California Spiny Lobster Season is Here- Updated 2024

California spiny lobster featured image

The California spiny lobster season is upon us! Historically, the season opens on Saturday at 6 a.m. before the first Wednesday in October; this year, that falls on September 29 and closes on March 22, 2024. Lobster cards, which cost $11.62 and are due by April 30, 2023… more information is below.) Though I have never fished lobster, I know where they hang out in San Diego.

Down below, I have provided information on the California spiny lobster fishing regulations, a map of where not to look for lobsters (Marine Protected Areas), how to fish for lobsters, as well as a few San Diego recreational lobster boat charters that are available only during this time of year.

Also included is a brief overview of the California spiny lobster life cycle, and a few interesting facts will help you better understand this elusive and revered West Coast invertebrate!

Let’s now take a look!

West Coast vs. East Coast Lobsters

There are 40 different lobsters worldwide, with the California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) being one of the biggest. Affectionately referred to as ‘bugs,’ the California spiny lobster ranges from south of Point Conception to Magdalena Bay on the west coast of Baja California, Mexico.

California Spiny Lobster Scientific Name Blog Chart
California Spiny Lobster Scientific Classification

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Oceanside Harbor Boat Launch-A Closer Look

Oceanside Harbor Featured image boat trailer car

Southern California has been experiencing a terrible heatwave for the past week, so I went to the coast for much-needed relief! My girls and I decided to head over to Oceanside Harbor Beach. While heading to the restroom, I looked at the Oceanside Harbor boat launch. Below, I will showcase some of the highlights of San Diego’s North County-only Ocean boat launch ramp.

First, I have a complete informational post that lists all of the San Diego Launch Ramps. (Click on the link for more information)

Oceanside Harbor Map

Oceanside Harbor Map display

Oceanside Harbor is 38 miles north of Downtown San Diego and  27 miles south of Orange County’s Dana Point Harbor Boat Launch Ramp. So the question is if you live in San Diego, is the  Oceanside launch ramp worth the trip? If you live in North County, San Diego, then it is, yes?

But is it?

Below, I will showcase the west side of Oceanside Harbor, where the boat launch is situated. I love this ramp because everything is close to each other. But if you think about it, this feature could be a negative attribute if it is busy.

Here is a PDF file of the Harbor map. I encourage you to print it out, as it is a great reference to use the next time you are in the area!

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List of San Diego Launch Ramps

Pepper Park Launch Ramp San Diego Bay

Are you thinking about coming down to visit San Diego with your boat or sailboat? Did you know there are ten San Diego coastal boat launch ramps?

Here is a complete list of all available San Diego boat launch ramps. I will concentrate on the entire county of San Diego but only on the coast.

 Also, I will be including smaller launch ramps where you may enter smaller boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Where are all of the San Diego Boat Launch Ramps?

South Shores Launch Ramp Mission Bay
South Shores Launch Ramp- Mission Bay

Did you realize that San Diego County has three separate bays to launch out of- Oceanside, Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay? Altogether, there are ten different boat launch ramps.

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