California Lizardfish

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from San Francisco Bay south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found on sandy bottom near rocky reefs and kelp beds in 6–200 feet. Common in Southern California and Baja California over sandy areas. Named for its long, cylindrical body and lizard-like head with numerous sharp teeth.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–70°F. A sandy bottom species found near structure in Southern California and Baja California. Often lies partially buried in sand waiting for prey — an ambush predator. Common incidental catch when targeting California Halibut.

Size & Weight: Typically 10–16 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. World record: 1 lb 11 oz. A slender, cylindrical fish with a reptile-like head. Rarely targeted specifically but commonly caught as bycatch on sandy bottom rigs.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits near sandy bottom produce incidental catches. Small jigs work near structure.

Best Baits: Fresh anchovies and squid produce catches near sandy bottom. Typically caught incidentally when fishing for Halibut and other sandy bottom species. Not a primary target.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from San Francisco Bay south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found on sandy bottom near rocky reefs and kelp beds in 6–200 feet. Common in Southern California and Baja California over sandy areas. Named for its long, cylindrical body and lizard-like head with numerous sharp teeth.

58°F–70°F. A sandy bottom species found near structure in Southern California and Baja California. Often lies partially buried in sand waiting for prey — an ambush predator. Common incidental catch when targeting California Halibut.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits near sandy bottom produce incidental catches. Small jigs work near structure. Best Baits: Fresh anchovies and squid produce catches near sandy bottom. Typically caught incidentally when fishing for Halibut and other sandy bottom species. Not a primary target.

Typically 10–16 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. World record: 1 lb 11 oz. A slender, cylindrical fish with a reptile-like head. Rarely targeted specifically but commonly caught as bycatch on sandy bottom rigs.