Redtail Surfperch

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Bodega Bay north to British Columbia — primarily a Northern California and Pacific Northwest surfperch. 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 sandy beach surf zones of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular surf fishing species north of San Francisco. Red-orange coloring on the tail is the key identifier

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–15 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 3 lbs 8 oz. 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 Bodega Bay north to British Columbia — primarily a Northern California and Pacific Northwest surfperch. 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 sandy beach surf zones of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular surf fishing species north of San Francisco. Red-orange coloring on the tail is the key identifier

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.

2 fishing locations where you can catch Redtail Surfperch

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–15 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 3 lbs 8 oz. Surfperch are viviparous — females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Popular target for surf anglers using light spinning tackle.

1 official record on file for Redtail Surfperch