#surfperch

[i-give-you-a-fish]

feesh? :3

You get a Tule Perch

Hysterocarpus traskii

[randomanimaloftheday]

Day 149#: Kelp Perch

Today's animal of the day is the Kelp Perch (Brachyistius frenatus)!

Photo credit: Jeff Stauffer

This species of surfperch can be found in the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean from off the coast of British Columbia all the way down to Baja California in Mexico. As their name suggests, they primarily inhabit kelp forests, and their brownish-green coloration helps them to better hide amongst the kelp from predators. They can sometimes be found swimming in small schools for protection, and while their diet mostly consists of tiny crustaceans that they find hiding in the kelp canopy, they've also been observed eating parasites off the bodies of larger fish.

[leftcoastsportsfishing]

Left Coast Surf Fishing

Ocean Surf Fishing along the beautiful California coast is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day or two. Hidden below the waves are fish ranging from Perch to Halibut to many other species looking for a meal. Surf fishing involves wading ankle-deep out into the incoming waves. Tossing your bait selection as far as you can into the deepening water. When heading out for an afternoon, I usually have 8-10 types of artificial baits and my trusty rake. The rake is for digging out sand crabs. What's fun about this type of fishing is that you can use freshwater tackle. Saltwater is corrosive and will devour tackle not saltwater specified even if you're meticulous about cleanup. Call it suicide, but when I go out ocean surf fishing, my rig consists of a spinning reel loaded with 10 or 12-lb monofilament line. One would think I'm fishing for panfish but in the back of my mind is the potential for larger species. Those species include striped bass, white seabass, and halibut. Sharks are always in the water but nothing to worry about other than getting busted off. Ocean Surf Fishing Bait(s) of ChoiceOther than telling you what I use, you're on your own deciding what to throw into the drink, okay? Many surf fishermen use soft plastic baits, hard plastic baits, spoons, and live sand crabs. Live bait usually out fishes artificials but you never know what's lurking under the surface. Overall, plastic baits produce more bites across a wider number of species but having access to live bait reduces the risk of being skunked.Fish caught in the surf is not bad table fare. For me, the real prize when ocean surf fishing is Halibut. When using larger bait in the surf, you must consider using heavier lines with fluorocarbon leaders. Halibut has sharp teeth, get large, and are mean making it a challenge to land anywhere. Stripped Bass can also be caught when surf fishing so tackle selection is important and centered around bait choice. There are many other flavorful species available so try what you catch and decide for yourself what you like to eat. Ocean surf fishing is fun and good exercise. Being out on the water always makes me feel at peace whether I catch fish or not. Please take a moment to peruse our online store where you can see many of the baits I personally use. Most rigs the serious ocean surf fishing community uses are extremely long rods and the reels can get expensive. I started off with low-end tackle and graduated to the good stuff once I decided surf fishing is something I was interested in. And with all the walking I've managed to lose weight and improve my health. Ocean Surf Fishing is one of the best cardio exercises available. PSASharks are often caught in the surf so keep that in the back of your mind when tossing bait into the surf. I usually release the large "breeders" to keep the species safe so feel free to contribute to the next generation.

[green-algae]

The striped surfperch [Embiotoca lateralis] is a pretty little fish of the family Embiotocidae, encompassing a group of fishes known as surfperches. They’re found in the North Eastern Pacific Ocean. Images by Joseph Dougherty.

[dingosaidso]

Found a honey hole on an amazing November night in Newport!!! #okumafishing #fishing #surffishing in #november #catch #surfperch #corbina #mackeral #smelt #newportbeach #balboa #ocean #paradise in the #winter @okumafishingtackle (at Newport Beach, California)

[calisurffishing]

Berkley Gulp! Sand Crab Flea Review

Product Description:

1″ plastic sand flea bait. Tested in Natural Flea and Amber Glow.

Cost:

24 count for $6.99

First Thoughts:

One of the best and most common live baits used for surf fishing is the sand crab. I have used them fresh from the surf many times and have been very successful catching with them. I normally use one of two baits while surf fishing: Berkley Gulp! Sandworms or live sand crabs. So why not try the best of both worlds. I knew I had to give them a try even though they didn’t have the most realistic look. 

Testing:

After first taking it out of the package I was not too impressed by the looks. It does look like a sand crab but it’s not quite as 3-D as I would hope. With that being said the colors are very natural and I felt good about casting this bait. Unfortunately, I have had very little luck with this bait. I have fishing with it many times now and have had a few bites and only 2 perch landed. However, I have never given up using it and it paid off! A few weeks ago I had to give it another try and landed my first Striped Bass in the surf! Although I might not have the best luck with this bait, it did catch my first ocean striper so it has a special place in my heart.

Results:

This bait has a spot in my tackle box simply because it landed me my first striped bass from the beach. Other than that it stays in the tackle box for those special days where I can see tons of sand crabs in the surf zone. I have not had much luck using this bait but I can see where it can come in handy. It is definitely a different looking bait also which gives it a few more points in my book. Even with the few great catches I have had with this bait, I have not had enough action with it to really say it is a great choice for everyone.

RATING:

6/10 Holds a special spot in my tackle box but isn’t the best producer.

[qphoto503]

"For most of history, man has had to fight #nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it."- Jacques-Yves Cousteau #surfperch #fishing (at Seaside, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBeGSb5sZi_/?igshid=2pqurjpakn9o

[catchandcook-blog]

How to Make Fish Ball from Scratch? Catch and Cook Surf Perch, A Surpris...