Article 8. Clams And Other Mollusks of California Fish And Game Code >> Division 6. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 8.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, in Districts 8, 9, and 17, clams may be taken between September 1st and April 30th, and in other districts clams may be taken at any time.

All of the species of clams commonly known as littlenecks, chiones and hard-shell cockles, including thin-shelled littleneck, common littleneck, Japanese littleneck, rough-sided littleneck, smooth chione, wavy chione, and banded chione, may be taken at any time, except in the waters of Marin County, where they may be taken only between September 1st and March 31st. No such clams measuring less than one and one-half inches in greatest diameter may be taken, possessed, transported, or sold. The bag limit on such clams is 50 per day, in the aggregate. Not more than one daily bag limit of such clams may be possessed by any person during one day. Clams of the species herein designated, when legally taken outside the State and brought within the State pursuant to this code, may be possessed, transported, and sold without restrictions, except that all shipments of such clams into this State shall be accompanied by a bill of lading, or invoice, showing the species, total number or weight, and the origin of the clams.

In Districts 1 1/2, 8, and 9 the bag limit on Washington clams and gapers, sometimes known as bigneck clams, is 25 in the aggregate. In all other districts the bag limit is 10 Washington clams and 10 gapers. Not more than the prescribed daily bag limit may be possessed by any person during one day, except that a market or restaurant, where clams are sold to the public, may possess any number of Washington clams and gapers legally taken. In Districts 8 and 9 the holder of a commercial fishing license who has in his possession a current daily written order for clams issued by a fish dealer or restaurant may possess any number of Washington clams and gapers legally taken up to but not exceeding the number specified in the order.

No northern razor clams (Siliqua patula) may be sold; but if taken outside the State and brought within the State, they may be possessed, transported, and sold without restriction.

Mussels (Mytilus californianus) may be taken only in accordance with such regulations as the commission may prescribe.

It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase any rock scallops (Hinnites multirugosus) or scallops (Pecten circularis), except that scallops cultivated pursuant to Division 12 (commencing with Section 15000) which may be sold or purchased subject to regulations of the commission.

It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase any pismo clams taken in this State.