Sanddab

Sanddab

Citharichthys sordidus
SanddabSaltwaterEdibility: ExcellentSport Fish

<p><strong>Oceans &amp; Range:</strong> Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Baja California. Most abundant from Alaska south through California. Found on sandy bottom in 30–1,800 feet — primarily in 120–300 feet in California. Left-eyed flatfish (unlike most California flatfish). One of the finest-eating small flatfish in the Pacific.</p>
<p><strong>Preferred Water Temperature:</strong> 40°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on sandy bottom at moderate to considerable depths. Very common off Central and Northern California in 100–300 feet. An important party boat species in California.</p>
<p><strong>Size &amp; Weight:</strong> Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–14 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. World record: 2 lbs 4 oz. Among the finest-eating flatfish in the Pacific — sweet, delicate, thin fillets. Very popular in California seafood restaurants. The only left-eyed flatfish commonly caught by California sport anglers.</p>
<p><strong>Best Lures:</strong> Rarely taken on lures. Small jigs occasionally produce catches at depth.</p>
<p><strong>Best Baits:</strong> Fresh whole squid are the top bait — Sanddab love squid. Fresh shrimp work very well. Small pieces of clam are excellent. Multi-hook dropper rigs dropped to sandy bottom in 100–300 feet are the standard party boat approach. Catching multiple fish per drop is common.</p>

Range

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Baja California. Most abundant from Alaska south through California. Found on sandy bottom in 30–1,800 feet — primarily in 120–300 feet in California. Left-eyed flatfish (unlike most California flatfish). One of the finest-eating small flatfish in the Pacific.

How to Catch Sanddab

Equipment

40°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on sandy bottom at moderate to considerable depths. Very common off Central and Northern California in 100–300 feet. An important party boat species in California.

Tackle & Bait

<strong>Best Lures:</strong>
Rarely taken on lures. Small jigs occasionally produce catches at depth.

<strong>Best Baits:</strong>
Fresh whole squid are the top bait — Sanddab love squid. Fresh shrimp work very well. Small pieces of clam are excellent. Multi-hook dropper rigs dropped to sandy bottom in 100–300 feet are the standard party boat approach. Catching multiple fish per drop is common.

Game Qualities

Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–14 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. World record: 2 lbs 4 oz. Among the finest-eating flatfish in the Pacific — sweet, delicate, thin fillets. Very popular in California seafood restaurants. The only left-eyed flatfish commonly caught by California sport anglers.

Taxonomy

kingdomAnimalia
phylumChordata
classActinopterygii
orderPleuronectiformes
familyParalichthyidae
genusCitharichthys
speciesCitharichthys sordidus
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