Pile Perch

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Alaska south to Baja California — found around pier pilings, dock structures, rocky areas, and 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. Named for its association with pier pilings and dock structures. Very common around harbors, piers, and jetties throughout California. Also found in kelp beds and rocky areas

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 12–17 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 8 oz. A larger surfperch — the most common perch caught from California piers. Deep, compressed body with a distinctive forked tail. 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.