Halfmoon

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Klamath River, California south to the Galapagos Islands. Most common from Point Conception south through Southern California, Channel Islands, and Baja California. Found in rocky nearshore areas, kelp beds, and around pier pilings in 10–130 feet. Named for its distinctive half-moon-shaped tail.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–68°F. A nearshore species associated with rocky and kelp bed environments. Often found in schools around structure — pier pilings, rocky reefs, and kelp forest edges. Common at the Channel Islands.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 5 lbs. World record: 4 lbs from California. Distinctive blue-gray to olive body with a crescent-shaped tail and bright blue eyes. Good eating — mild, white meat. Also called Halfmoon Perch.

Best Lures: Small jigs near structure produce catches. Small swimbaits work around kelp edges.

Best Baits: Fresh mussels and clams are excellent — they feed on mussels in the wild. Fresh shrimp work well. Small pieces of squid produce catches. Ghost shrimp are effective. Light tackle near rocky structure and pier pilings.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Klamath River, California south to the Galapagos Islands. Most common from Point Conception south through Southern California, Channel Islands, and Baja California. Found in rocky nearshore areas, kelp beds, and around pier pilings in 10–130 feet. Named for its distinctive half-moon-shaped tail.

55°F–68°F. A nearshore species associated with rocky and kelp bed environments. Often found in schools around structure — pier pilings, rocky reefs, and kelp forest edges. Common at the Channel Islands.

Best Lures: Small jigs near structure produce catches. Small swimbaits work around kelp edges. Best Baits: Fresh mussels and clams are excellent — they feed on mussels in the wild. Fresh shrimp work well. Small pieces of squid produce catches. Ghost shrimp are effective. Light tackle near rocky structure and pier pilings.

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 5 lbs. World record: 4 lbs from California. Distinctive blue-gray to olive body with a crescent-shaped tail and bright blue eyes. Good eating — mild, white meat. Also called Halfmoon Perch.