May be taken only on hook-and-line or with the hands. No traps may not be used to take octopus.

In San Francisco and San Pablo bays and saltwater tributaries east of the Golden Gate Bridge invertebrates may not be taken at night except from the shore. Take of all invertebrates is prohibited within state marine reserves.

Scuba diving equipment may not be used to take octopus north of Yankee Point, Monterey County (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.05).