California Needlefish

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found near the surface in nearshore bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. Common in Southern California bays and around marinas. A surface-oriented, slender fish that leaps and skitters across the water when frightened.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–74°F. A nearshore surface fish found in sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. Congregates near lights at night — attracted to illumination that concentrates baitfish near piers and docks.

Size & Weight: Typically 12–24 inches. A slender, elongated fish with a long beak. More commonly encountered as bait for larger species than as a target. Excellent live bait for Roosterfish along the Baja coast.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted. Caught incidentally on small jigs and spoons near the surface.

Best Baits: Small pieces of shrimp near the surface produce catches. Small live anchovies attract them. Primarily valued as live bait for large pelagics — particularly Roosterfish in Baja California.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found near the surface in nearshore bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. Common in Southern California bays and around marinas. A surface-oriented, slender fish that leaps and skitters across the water when frightened.

62°F–74°F. A nearshore surface fish found in sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. Congregates near lights at night — attracted to illumination that concentrates baitfish near piers and docks.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted. Caught incidentally on small jigs and spoons near the surface. Best Baits: Small pieces of shrimp near the surface produce catches. Small live anchovies attract them. Primarily valued as live bait for large pelagics — particularly Roosterfish in Baja California.

Typically 12–24 inches. A slender, elongated fish with a long beak. More commonly encountered as bait for larger species than as a target. Excellent live bait for Roosterfish along the Baja coast.