Surf Fishing 102 – Barred Surf Perch
- / BY Joe Sarmiento
- / December 3, 2013
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15 Comments Surf Fishing 102 – Barred Surf Perch
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at 4:40 pm
This is good information, however, there is no size limit on barred surf perch. The 10.5″ limit only applies to redtail perch. Also, if you’re fishing at high tide, there is no need to cast way out. Most of the fish are feeding in close, on crabs and such, that wash off the beach. Sand crabs are the #1 bait to use, if you can find them.
at 5:07 pm
OK, thanks Steve. I added your site to my Stuff I Read links. I just found it and got a lot of really good info from some of the members on the forum and the articles. Thanks for coming by.
at 10:56 pm
Hi Joe. We met on the overnight trip on the Pacific Islander last week. (Yellow seed corn hat and ponytail from Iowa) As to the sand crabs, I watched a guy the other morning, and went to Wal Mart and bought a $4.50 live well dip net. Next morning I simply drug it thru the receding waves in the turbid water kind of scooping down into the sand and into the wave against the flow. Waited for the next wave to slosh it around in to wash out all the sand, and Hello! Never less than a dozen feisty sand crabs each scoop. I was told they are filter feeders, sticking their antenna up as the waves recede to catch their foods and these create a small but discernible little v in the water. I didn’t see that, and just went for it any ole place, and phenomenal results. I’ve been putting 2-3 on per hook, and I found dead ones work as well as live ones so far. I sort of think live ones would just bury themselves in the sand and not be seen by the fish. Still haven’t got into the really frying pan sized striped perch yet, but out every morning trying. Besides, it was 9’F back home a few days ago, so what do I care? 😉
Good fishing!!
at 11:04 pm
The chile farmer! I remember you. Where are you fishing? I’m having a helluva time finding sand crabs. I’ll have to try that trick. There’s an even more desirable fish, the corbina, that is very elusive, but the crabs are supposed to offer your best shot at them. Thanks for coming by.
at 8:01 am
Chili Billy,Yupper. Staying in Oxnard, so been walking the beach’s up and down on 5th St.,South of the power plant. There, and further down by a small kids park heading towards the breakwater at the Oxnard Harbor. Some mornings I try over at Ventura Harbor at the parking lot on the left–called Surfers Cove, or something. On the sweeping rt hand turn across from the dive shop and sea food shop.
Went up to the State Park just past the Ventura River awhile ago, but so much kelp around we caught more snags than anything.
I’ll agree on the red and green Gulp sand worms. Until I figured out the sand crabs, that was my bait of choice.
Well, high tide’s at 10:11 this morning, and it’s almost 7:00. Best be gettin to it.
Just remember Joe ——————— as to peppers————————————–
Mo Hotta —-> Mo Betta.
Most Hot ——> Most Betta!!
at 12:38 am
I think you nailed it here Joe. Berkley Camo Worms, longer rods, light line and high tides. Its such an under appreciated way to enjoy some time soaking a line. All year long you can catch surf perch, and its better fishing than most pay lakes in my opinion. Only thing I would add is fishing crank baits and shiny spoons like the Krokodile during a spring grunion run. The halibut fishing can be out of this world. Better yet, catch some bay (top) smelt and make a quick run to the beach at high tide. Smelt and grunion look almost identical, and halibut just love them. Thanks, great stuff.
at 7:57 am
Thanks Jeff! It took some trial and error, but I was able to figure this small piece out fairly quickly. Totally agree with you on the pay lakes. Besides the fishing itself, the environment is a 1000% better on the beach. I’m also with you on the hali. I’ve got my Lucky Craft and Kroc in my pier/surf kit. I’ve thrown them a little, but haven’t connected on one yet. Guys are telling me that low light hours are the best time. I got a tip on an alternate rig too that I’m dying to try. Stay tuned.
at 1:27 am
Finally. Hit 12-15 12″ plus perch today. Using the sand crabs I got on scene. Not sure why y’all have such a hard time finding them. I just use that cheap ass dip net and get more than I need every scoop anywhere I scoop. But I’m from Iowa, and as a Flatlander….WTF do I know? Heheheeeeeee Good Fishin to Y’all!!
at 10:00 am
Don’t get too cocky there Chile Billy! Sure way to turn your luck the other way. Glad it’s working out for you. Was going to head out today, but it’s raining. Maybe I’ll go look for a dip net today. Take care buddy.
at 1:01 pm
great read!!! i just started to shore fish recently and man AM I HOOKED. I tried Venice beach this weekend twice and had great success with mussels as bait. One thing i notices was my line was taken for RIDES, but i could never hook anything to reel in. any advice?
at 1:25 pm
Thanks Adrian. First of all, I’m really excited to hear you got into some action this weekend. Been meaning to get back on the sand, but it was really lousy all year because of how warm the water had been. Not sure what you mean by your line getting taken for rides, but what I’m guessing is you are getting hung up on kelp or some other floating debris. When that happens, all you can really do is move. If it’s everywhere, better to pack it up. If you do get hung up, don’t fight it. Just try to time it as the debris is getting pushed in by a wave and that way you can try to save your tackle. Have fun out there. Say hi if you see me out there.
at 11:34 pm
Hello I’ve also been fishing for Barred Surf Perch. I’ve noticed that the bigger the sand crab the bigger the fish. You have to dig a little more but they’re there. 1 in. To 1-1/2 in.
at 6:22 am
Absolutely Joel. And if you can find the ones with a soft shell and the orange eggs showing, even better. I haven’t had luck surf fishing though since El Nino started. Where are you fishing?
at 11:40 am
Hey all, where do you consider an Ideal location nowadays? We used to go to Torrance Cliffs (Esplanade) 40 years ago and the fishing was great for Bar Perch but now nothing. We also used Blood worms which was part of the experience 🙂 More North around Zuma good for bar perch? Anyone recommend a spot? Used to go with my Dad and now I am taking my son.
at 3:48 pm
Sorry for the late reply Gerard, I do most of my writing these days on Bloody Decks
This year was a weird one for BSP, I didn’t catch a lot. Part of it was I was hyper-focused on trying to catch a 25″ corbina, so I didn’t do a lot of the normal surf fishing. There was a ton of yellowfin croaker around this year. The best bait is always sand crabs, but now they are getting scarce on the beach. I’d just go with Gulp camo worms, and fish the incoming tide where there is structure.