Rainbow Surfperch

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Northern California south to Baja California — found in rocky nearshore areas and around kelp beds. A member of the surfperch family — one of the few fish families that gives birth to live young fully formed. Found along the California coast in sandy beach surf zones and nearshore rocky areas.

Preferred Water Temperature: 52°F–65°F. A cool-water Pacific species found in the surf zone and shallow nearshore waters. Found in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and around rocky offshore reefs. One of the most colorful surfperch — orange, blue, and red stripes on the sides. More of an offshore species than some surfperch

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. The most colorful of California's surfperch family. Surfperch are viviparous — females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Popular target for surf anglers using light spinning tackle.

Best Lures: Small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) with soft plastic bodies in pink, chartreuse, or white produce consistent results. Small swimbaits near the bottom in the surf zone. Small Berkley Gulp! grubs are very effective. Small tube jigs produce catches along rocky shorelines.

Best Baits: Fresh sand crabs (mole crabs) are the top bait for all surfperch in the surf zone. Pile worms and blood worms are excellent. Fresh mussels produce results near rocky areas. Ghost shrimp work in bays. Small pieces of fresh shrimp are effective. Light surf spinning gear with 6–12 lb line and small hooks (size 4–8) is standard.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Northern California south to Baja California — found in rocky nearshore areas and around kelp beds. A member of the surfperch family — one of the few fish families that gives birth to live young fully formed. Found along the California coast in sandy beach surf zones and nearshore rocky areas.

52°F–65°F. A cool-water Pacific species found in the surf zone and shallow nearshore waters. Found in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and around rocky offshore reefs. One of the most colorful surfperch — orange, blue, and red stripes on the sides. More of an offshore species than some surfperch

Best Lures: Small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) with soft plastic bodies in pink, chartreuse, or white produce consistent results. Small swimbaits near the bottom in the surf zone. Small Berkley Gulp! grubs are very effective. Small tube jigs produce catches along rocky shorelines. Best Baits: Fresh sand crabs (mole crabs) are the top bait for all surfperch in the surf zone. Pile worms and blood worms are excellent. Fresh mussels produce results near rocky areas. Ghost shrimp work in bays. Small pieces of fresh shrimp are effective. Light surf spinning gear with 6–12 lb line and small hooks (size 4–8) is standard.

Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. The most colorful of California's surfperch family. Surfperch are viviparous — females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Popular target for surf anglers using light spinning tackle.