Surfperch Fishing

Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches, and there are plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore.

he most popular and While there are a lot of Tabundant target for the personal preferences when surf angler is surfperch – it comes to fishing tackle, slim, saucer-shaped fish a good starter outfit for that can reach up to 2 surfperch could include pounds. Perhaps their most a long (9- to 11-foot) rod unusual feature is that the capable of handling a 2- to females bear live young 6- ounce weight, and a that look like miniature spinning reel large enough versions of the adults. to hold 200-300 yards There are nine different of 15- to 30-pound species of surfperch found monofilament line. off the Oregon coast, but the most often-caught are If you’d like to try surfperch redtail surfperch. Schools of fishing before you invest in surfperch often congregate new tackle, some sporting within 30 feet of the goods stores on the coast shoreline, darting in and out allow you to rent rods and of the surging surf in search reels by the day. of food, and presenting an accessible target for anglers. Terminal tackle License requirements A popular set-up for A general Oregon Angling License is all that’s required to surfperch includes two #4 fish for surfperch. or #2 hooks, some swivels and a pyramid sinker. Three- When and where to fish sided pyramid sinkers are Although surfperch are available year-round, the most common, easy to cast and productive time to fish for them is in the spring and early tend to roll less in the surf. summer when they school up along sandy shorelines for The size of the weight will spawning. The best fishing often occurs on an incoming vary with surf conditions and tide, especially an hour or two before high tide. the size of your rod – use Take advantage of low tides to scout out good surfperch whatever it takes (usually 2 water. Look for places where there’s a deep hole or to 6 ounces) to keep your depression that could hold surfperch. These places rigging in one spot in include steeply sloped beaches where the waves break the surf. hard, rocky areas in the sand or sandy areas near jetties, About 12 inches above the or places where the shore cuts inward. sinker attach a 3-way swivel. On one loop tie on the first Equipment for surfperch fishing hook with 6-8 inches of monofilament. You want just enough monofilament to keep your bait away from the Rod and reel mainline. About 16 inches above the first hook attach a Surfperch fishing requires heavy tackle – not to land a second hook in the same way. 2-pound fish but to handle the heavy surf these fish live in. Bait some kinds of structure (rocks, jetties, pilings, sunken Popular baits for surfperch include mole crabs, marine ships, etc.) and keep your line and bait close to that worms, sand shrimp, mussels and clam necks – the structure. choice depends on availability, convenience and In most cases, you won’t be dealing with heavy surf so personal preference. Many anglers gather crabs, worms you can use lighter gear than that for surf fishing. Sand and shrimp during low tide from the same beaches shrimp is a popular bait in these environments, but don’t they’re going to fish later. A growing number of surfperch hesitate to check with local bait sellers to see what’s anglers are using plastic baits such as Berkley Gulp sand been “hot” in that area. worms, which are convenient, stay on the hook well and catch fish. One bonus of fishing in bays and from rocky shores is the opportunity to catch other kinds of fish such as Footwear rockfish and greenling, in addition to several other kinds Fishing in the surf, it’s guaranteed your feet are going to of surfperch. get wet. If air and water temperatures are comfortable, many anglers simply wear shorts and sandals and A final note on keeping fish get wet. In cooler waters, however, you will be more The bag limit for surfperch is generous – 15 per day in comfortable in good quality hip boots that keep your feet 2010. However, a lot remains unknown about the size and legs dry. Chest waders can be comfortable if it’s cold of surfperch populations off the Oregon Coast. Certainly and rainy, but aren’t usually necessary. keep enough for a dinner or two (they are excellent eating), but don’t hesitate to catch and then carefully Other surfperch opportunities release surfperch to help safeguard future populations. Many kinds of surfperch are also found in bays, estuaries and along rocky ocean shorelines. Look for water with

http://www.dfw.state.or.us OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE