Fishing Etiquette and Sustainability: How to Fish Responsibly

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By Elisa Parhad on February 23, 2025

Ventura County is a coastal gem, rich with excellent saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. Despite its close proximity to the large coastal population of Los Angeles, the ocean habitat off the coast of Ventura is, by some estimates, the most healthy it has been in decades. Known for large beds of kelp, deep canyons and nutrient-rich waters, a thriving population of marine life flourishes here.

Eric Huff, owner of Eric’s Tackle Shop in Ventura marvels at the good news. “The one thing that amazes me today, after fishing locally for close to 50 years,” he says, “is that the health of our ocean is as good as I’ve ever seen it. We’re seeing more whales—and different types of whales—and an incredible amount of seals and dolphins. All these populations have skyrocketed.”

Below are a few ways you can help to ensure Ventura’s waterways stay clean and viable, so that exceptional fishing is available for generations to come.

Support Responsible Fishing Operations

When deciding on a fishing charter, choose local and reputable operations that promote sustainable practices, such as the boats at Ventura Sportfishing and Channel Islands Sportfishing. Experienced captains know that a healthy fish population means their businesses will prosper. Shawn Steward, who manages both the Aloha Spirit and the Graylight boats out of Channel Islands Sportfishing in Oxnard, notes, “We want a sustainable fishery because it’s our livelihood. ‘Respect the resource’ is our bottom line.”

📸 Channel Islands Sportfishing

Be Mindful of Fishing Regulations

Laws regarding seasonal fishing closures and size and catch limits are in effect to keep the local fisheries productive and balanced. It is up to anglers to familiarize themselves with these legal seasons and limits and follow the rules.

Michael Fowlkes, creator of the documentary film series “The History of Sportfishing,” explains, “It’s changing all the time, so you’ve got to know the basic fundamentals of what species you’re going to fish for. Is it in season? How many can I take? And, what are the size limits?”

Many resources are available to figure these questions out, including the California Fish and Wildlife website, local tackle shops and reputable fishing charter companies, who ensure all current restrictions and laws are adhered to on their boats.

In short, be informed and always fish within the laws. Do not fish out of season, catch more than the catch limit or keep fish that are undersized or weigh more than the legal limit. If you catch a fish outside the legal limits, gently release it back into the water.

Focus on Abundant Fish

Overfishing causes stress on fragile species and ecosystems. By focusing on catching fish that are abundant, such as rockfish, halibut, and yellowtail, anglers can help to protect more vulnerable species, such as the elusive white sea bass.

Known as the “silver ghost,” white seabass is a large, hard-to-catch fish with prized, flaky white meat. This particular fish tops the bucket list of many anglers, and the Ventura County Coast is a prime spot to seek it out. Due to overfishing in the past, it is a protected species that is actively managed to ensure population recovery. Regulations include catch and size limits, especially during the late spring spawning season in specific spawning waters. Strict adherence to these laws will ensure fish populations continue their recovery.

Practice Catch-and-Release

While the eating of your catch is a delicious reward of fishing, some anglers practice catch-and-release. This allows for all the fun of the chase while minimizing impact on fish populations. The documentary filmmaker, Fowlkes, is an avid fisherman himself and has his own take on the concept: C-P-R, or Catch-Photograph-and-Release.

Support Conservation Efforts and Organizations

Many organizations work hard to ensure the Ventura County Coast maintains the health of its ocean and inland fisheries. Supporting these organizations with your time, money and voice help to protect local marine ecosystems and fish populations. For local opportunities, check in with Surfrider Ventura County or the Ventura Suburban Kiwanis Club, which hosts beach clean-up events on the 2^nd Saturday of every other month from 9 am to 11 am at Marina Park.

Doing your part to be an informed and responsible angler will ensure we all enjoy Ventura County Coast’s inland and ocean sportfishing—not just for today, but far into our future. 

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