Angel Shark

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern Alaska south to the Gulf of California. Most abundant from Central California to Baja California. A bottom-dwelling species found in sandy and muddy bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters. Also found in similar habitat in the Atlantic.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–68°F. A cold to cool water Pacific shark that concentrates in sandy bottom bays and nearshore areas. Common in Southern California bays at depths of 10–300 feet.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–4 feet and 25–60 lbs. Maximum size approximately 5 feet and 77 lbs. World record: 54 lbs 10 oz. A flat, ray-like shark that lies buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. Protected in California waters — catch-and-release only.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on heavy jigs bounced on sandy bottom.

Best Baits: Fresh cut squid are the top bait. Fresh mackerel chunks produce consistently. Whole small fish laid on bottom in sandy areas catch Angel Sharks. Live or dead anchovies produce strikes. Always check current regulations — protected in some areas.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern Alaska south to the Gulf of California. Most abundant from Central California to Baja California. A bottom-dwelling species found in sandy and muddy bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters. Also found in similar habitat in the Atlantic.

50°F–68°F. A cold to cool water Pacific shark that concentrates in sandy bottom bays and nearshore areas. Common in Southern California bays at depths of 10–300 feet.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on heavy jigs bounced on sandy bottom. Best Baits: Fresh cut squid are the top bait. Fresh mackerel chunks produce consistently. Whole small fish laid on bottom in sandy areas catch Angel Sharks. Live or dead anchovies produce strikes. Always check current regulations — protected in some areas.

Typically 3–4 feet and 25–60 lbs. Maximum size approximately 5 feet and 77 lbs. World record: 54 lbs 10 oz. A flat, ray-like shark that lies buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. Protected in California waters — catch-and-release only.