Opaleye

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from San Francisco Bay south to Baja California and the Gulf of California. Most common from Point Conception south through the Channel Islands. Found in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and tide pools in 3–100 feet. A bright blue-eyed perch-like fish common in Southern California waters.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–68°F. A nearshore, inshore species found in rocky areas with kelp and aquatic vegetation. Very common in tide pools and rocky intertidal zones in Southern California.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–3 lbs and 10–16 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 1 oz. Named for its distinctive opal-blue eyes — one of California's most recognizable nearshore fish. Unusual for a marine fish — feeds heavily on algae.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on traditional lures. Fly fishing with algae-colored flies is a unique approach.

Best Baits: Green peas are a traditional and surprisingly effective bait — matches the algal diet. Fresh moss and algae work as bait. Small pieces of shrimp produce results. Light spinning gear with very small hooks (#8–12) is appropriate. A fun and unusual target for light tackle anglers.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from San Francisco Bay south to Baja California and the Gulf of California. Most common from Point Conception south through the Channel Islands. Found in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and tide pools in 3–100 feet. A bright blue-eyed perch-like fish common in Southern California waters.

55°F–68°F. A nearshore, inshore species found in rocky areas with kelp and aquatic vegetation. Very common in tide pools and rocky intertidal zones in Southern California.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on traditional lures. Fly fishing with algae-colored flies is a unique approach. Best Baits: Green peas are a traditional and surprisingly effective bait — matches the algal diet. Fresh moss and algae work as bait. Small pieces of shrimp produce results. Light spinning gear with very small hooks (#8–12) is appropriate. A fun and unusual target for light tackle anglers.

Typically 1–3 lbs and 10–16 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 1 oz. Named for its distinctive opal-blue eyes — one of California's most recognizable nearshore fish. Unusual for a marine fish — feeds heavily on algae.

1 official record on file for Opaleye