Rockfish season opens March 1, 2019 and closes December 31, 2019. News for 2019 season – the rockfish conservation area has been increased to a 75 fathom depth contour (450 feet) area. The conservation area was previously in waters shoreward of lines approximating the 50-fathom depth contour, defined by connecting the set of 50-fathom waypoints adopted in Federal regulations. This fishing has been opened up in waters previously restricted. But read up on protected areas still in effect. Fishing is restricted in the calcod conservation zones, including the 43 fathoms spot and the 14 mile bank. Check the CA DFW for a full list of the southern California marine protected areas.
From the California DFW, here is the summary of recreational groundfish (rockfish is a part of this group) regulations for the southern California area which includes a part of Santa Barbara county and all of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
The recreational fishery for rockfish is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers.The fishery is closed to boat-based anglers from January 1, 2019 through February 28, 2019. These species may only be taken or possessed in waters less than 450 feet (75 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in combination of all species within the RCG Complex (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings) per person, with a sub-limit on black rockfish (3 per person) and canary rockfish (2 per person), also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit. Yelloweye rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish, and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero). When filleting fish on a vessel, the fillet must have the entire skin attached.
The Sportfishing Association of California has compiled rockfish conservation area 75 fathoms waypoints and navigational charts to download so you know where to fish. Here are links to their Orange and San Diego county charts: