Shiner Perch

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Alaska south to Baja California — found in bays, estuaries, harbors, and nearshore waters. 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. The most abundant surfperch in California bays and estuaries. Very common in San Francisco Bay, Morro Bay, and coastal lagoons. Often found in schools near the surface around docks and pilings

Size & Weight: Typically 4–8 inches and under 0.5 lbs. The smallest and most abundant of the California surfperch. A great species for beginning anglers and youth fishing programs — bites readily on almost any small bait. 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 Alaska south to Baja California — found in bays, estuaries, harbors, and nearshore waters. 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. The most abundant surfperch in California bays and estuaries. Very common in San Francisco Bay, Morro Bay, and coastal lagoons. Often found in schools near the surface around docks and pilings

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 4–8 inches and under 0.5 lbs. The smallest and most abundant of the California surfperch. A great species for beginning anglers and youth fishing programs — bites readily on almost any small bait. Surfperch are viviparous — females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Popular target for surf anglers using light spinning tackle.