Last Updated October 17, 2013

Note: Please consult current fishing regulations for species presented in this booklet. To view information on safe fishing eating guidelines, please visit the OEHHA website.

Blue | Bonito | Brown Smoothhound | Common Thresher | Gray Smoothhound | Leopard | Shortfin Mako | Shovelnose Guitarfish | Spiny Dogfish

Spiny Dogfish

Family: Squalidae (Dogfish sharks)

Genus and Species: Squalus acanthias

Description: The body of the spiny dogfish is elongate and slender. The head is pointed. The color is slate gray to brownish on top, sometimes with white spots, becoming white below. This species and the horn shark are the only sharks along the California coast with spines at the beginning of both dorsal fins. These spines may be mildly poisonous and provide a defense for the spiny dogfish.

Range: Spiny dogfish occur in temperate to subarctic waters in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the eastern Pacific Ocean they are found off Chile, and from central Baja California to Alaska and to Japan. This species is common in nearshore waters along most of the coast. It is generally found in waters up to 1,200 feet deep though spiny dogfish have been taken to depths of 2,400 feet.

Natural History: The spiny dogfish feeds upon practically all smaller fishes such as herring, sardines, anchovies, smelts and even small spiny dogfish as well as crabs. The females are larger than the males, and produce from 3 to 14 young at a time and in alternate years. Most adults are 2 to 4 feet long. Spiny dogfish are long lived and non-migratory; as a result, heavy fishing pressure in a given area will lower the population level of this slow growing, low reproductive species quite rapidly.

Fishing Information: You are most likely to catch a spiny dogfish with anchovies or invertebrates on a rock cod jig.

Other Common Names: dog shark, grayfish, Pacific grayfish, spinarola, California dogfish.

Largest Recorded: 5.25 feet; no weight recorded; however, a large fat female about 4 feet long will weigh 15 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Common Thresher Shark

Family: Alopiidae (Thresher sharks)

Genus and Species: Alopias vulpinus

Description: The body of the common thresher shark is moderately elongate. The snout is rather short, and the mouth crescent shaped. The first dorsal fin is large, and located midway between the pectoral and ventral fins. The second dorsal and anal fins are very small. The tail is distinctive since it is very long, almost as long as the rest of the body. The coloration may vary from brownish gray, bluish or blackish above to silvery, bluish or golden below. The dorsal, pectoral and ventral fins are blackish and sometimes the pectoral and ventral fins have a white dot in the lip. The bigeye thresher also occurs off the California coast. It can be distinguished by its large eye; however, if you can count the teeth in the upper jaw, the common thresher has 21 – 22 on each side while the bigeye thresher has 10 – 11 on each side.

Range: The common thresher shark occurs worldwide in warmer seas. In the eastern North Pacific, it is found from central Baja California, to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, British Columbia. The common thresher is an inhabitant of the upper layers of deep offshore waters and is most abundant in areas of steep bottom contour along the edges of the continental shelf. During the spring and summer months smaller threshers may occur near shore where they are often seen leaping completely out of the water.

Natural History: The food habits of the thresher are not well known, but on the California coast they feed mostly upon small fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and squid. They are said to use their long tail as a flail to frighten or stun their prey. The common thresher shark bears live young and appears to become sexually mature in 6 or 7 years. Four pups are produced annually. A 18 foot female contained four young that weighed 13.5 pounds each and were 4 to 4.5 feet long.

Fishing Information: Most thresher sharks caught off California have been taken on live sardines, anchovies, or mackerel. Best localities have been the San Francisco Bay area, the inshore coastal water between Point Conception and Port Hueneme, and Santa Monica Bay, especially around Malibu and Paradise Cove. They are most abundant during the summer months. Considered a fine game species on light or medium tackle, they often put on an aerial demonstration. At other times the battle is entirely beneath the surface and consists of brute strength and shift-towing tactics. An angler would do well to bait a live mackerel on a 9/0 hook attached to 10 or so feet of heavy wire leader.

Other Common Names: thresher, blue thresher, green thresher, longtail shark, swiveltail, fox shark, sea fox.

Largest Recorded: 20 feet; 1,000 pounds. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 575 pounds.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Shortfin Mako Shark (formerly Bonito Shark)

Family: Lamnidae (Mackerel shark)

Genus and Species: Isurus oxyrinchus

Description: The body of the shortfin mako shark is elongate but rather stout. The snout is long and pointed. The first dorsal and the pectoral fins are large, but the second dorsal and anal fins are very small. This species is a deep blue or dark gray above and white below. There is a black spot at the base of the pectorals.

Range: This shark is found worldwide in warm and temperate seas; in the eastern Pacific from Chile to the Columbia River, Washington, including the Gulf of California, but not in the tropics.

Natural History: The diet of the shortfin mako shark includes fishes and squid, often large ones. Whenever possible, the bonito shark takes its food in one gulp. With its tremendous speed, it is unquestionably a dangerous shark. Shortfin mako sharks bear live young.

Fishing Information: The shortfin mako (bonito) shark is one of the larger sharks to inhabit California waters. By all accounts, it is as dangerous as any shark, and it probably swims faster than most. The best way to hook a shortfin mako shark is by trolling with a whole tuna, squid or mackerel using a steel leader. You can also use lures, and chumming does help. Watch out, when you catch one, because this is a dangerous fish that will not hesitate to attack you or your boat.

Other Common Names: bonito, mako, mackerel shark, spriglio, paloma.

Largest Recorded: 13 feet; 1,250 pounds. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 1098 pounds.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Gray Smoothhound

Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)

Genus and Species: Mustelus californicus

Description: The body of the gray smoothhound is elongate, slender, tapering from behind the dorsal fin to a long slender tail. The snout is comparatively long and flattened. The color is brown to dark gray above and whitish below. The gray smoothhound can be distinguished from other smoothhounds by scales present on the posterior one-fifth of the dorsal fin and the teeth are blunt.

Range: This species occurs from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Cape Mendocino, California; and is found in shallow waters to depths of 150 feet.

Natural History: The diet of the gray smoothhound includes crabs, shrimp and small fishes. The female bears the young alive.

Fishing Information: Although the gray smoothhound is of relatively minor importance to sport anglers, it is commonly taken in the surf. It is edible, but not as tasty as the brown smoothhound. If you’re fishing in southern California, you are most likely to catch a gray, and in central California, you are most likely to catch a brown smoothhound.

Other Common Names: shark, dogfish, paloma, sand shark, gray shark.

Largest Recorded: 5 feet 4.25 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Brown Smoothhound

Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)

Genus and Species: Mustelus henlei

Description: The body of the brown smoothhound is elongate, slender, tapering from behind the dorsal fin to the long slender tail. The snout is comparatively long and flattened. The color is brown or bronze above and silvery below. The back one-fifth of the dorsal fin is without scales. The teeth are sharp. The brown and other smoothhounds can be distinguished from the soupfin shark since their second dorsal fins originate well in advance of the beginning of the anal fin; while in the soupfin, the second dorsal begins behind the origin of the anal fin.

Range: The brown smoothhound occurs from the Gulf of California to Humboldt Bay, California. It is found at depths from shallow water to 360 feet.

Natural History: The diet of the brown smoothhound includes crabs, shrimp, and small fishes. Females bear their young live, as do most other sharks.

Fishing Information: The brown smoothhound is a relatively small shark, and is one of the most abundant sharks in the central California sport fishery. This is a good sport species on light tackle, and can be taken in bays from San Francisco to Point Conception. Good baits to use include crabs, shrimp and small fishes. The brown smoothhound is considered a very good table fish.

Other Common Names: mud shark, dogfish, paloma, sand shark, Henle’s shark.

Largest Recorded: 3 feet 1 inch; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Leopard Shark

Family: Carcharinidae (Requiem sharks)

Genus and Species: Triakis semifasciata

Description: The body of the leopard shark is elongate, and the snout is short and bluntly rounded. This shark is easily identified by the gray coloration over most of its body, and the black spots and crossbars on the back and side. It is white underneath.

Range: Mazatlan, Mexico, to Oregon. This well decorated species is abundant in bays and along sandy beaches of southern and central California in shallow water. During the fall, large numbers may be found in San Francisco and Monterey Bays.

Natural History: The leopard shark eats a variety of fishes and invertebrates like anchovies, squid or crab, all of which make good bait. Females, which bear their young live, usually produce 4 to 29 pups in a litter.

Fishing Information: It is considered a relatively harmless shark and is timid around divers; nevertheless, handle a live leopard shark with care. The leopard shark is very good eating, and has been compared favorably to salmon.

Other Common Names: cat shark.

Largest Recorded: 7 feet; 70 pounds.

Habitat: Bay Environment

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Blue Shark

Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)

Genus and Species: Prionace glauca

Description: The body of the blue shark is elongate and slender. Its head is slender and the snout is long and pointed. The color is blue or light bluish gray above and white below. This species has up to three rows of functional teeth in each jaw and there are 14 or 15 serrated teeth in each side of each jaw. The pectoral fins are long and sickle shaped.

Range: The blue shark occurs worldwide. In the eastern Pacific, blue sharks are found from Chile to the Gulf of Alaska, but not in the tropics. It is common off southern California most of the year, but during warm water periods occurs much further north.

Natural History: Blue sharks do not mature until they attain a length of 7 or 8 feet. Of several thousand blue sharks taken on longline gear, the smallest female was 7 feet long. A female weighing 95 pounds and 7 feet 7 inches long, contained 26 apparently fully developed young ranging in length from 15.5 to 17.75 inches. As many as 54 young have been counted in a single adult female captured in the Mediterranean Sea.

Fishing Information: Most are taken incidentally by albacore or rockfish anglers. Should you wish to specifically fish for blue sharks, they are easily taken once located. Either casting a bait at a previously located fish or chumming in an area known to be inhabited by blue sharks will usually produce results. Dead fish or squid make excellent bait, and ground up anchovies make good chum. Blue sharks tend to “roll up” on the line, so it is necessary to use a long wire leader to avoid cutting the line on the shark’s skin. The fish may be eaten, but it is necessary to bleed it while it is still alive. After it is dead it should be cleaned, skinned and soaked as soon as possible to avoid the taste of urea in the meat.

Other Common Names: blue whaler, great blue shark.

Largest Recorded: 8.3 feet. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 258.5 pounds in 2008.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Shovelnose Guitarfish

Family: Rhinobatidae (Guitarfishes)

Genus and Species: Rhinobatos productus

Description: The body of the shovelnose guitarfish is depressed and gradually tapers into the tail; the disk is longer than wide. The snout is rather long and rounded at the tip. The color is gray above becoming lighter below. This species is distinguished from the banded guitarfish by the absence of dark crossbars on the back. It can be separated from most others of this flattened and plated group by the presence of a tail fin and two dorsal fins. Its sharp pointed nose distinguishes it from the other guitarfishes.

Range: Gulf of California to San Francisco, California. The shovelnose can be found, sometimes in large numbers, over sand or mud sand bottoms in colder, shallow coastal waters.

Natural History: The guitarfish diet consists of a variety of crustaceans, worms and clams. They have been observed feeding on sand crabs in water less than 3 inches deep. At times they are left stranded on the beach by receding waves and must wiggle their way back into the water much like grunion. Shovelnose guitarfish bear live young, with as many as 28 from a single female. Mating takes place during the summer months and the young, apparently born during the following spring and summer, are 6 inch miniatures of the adults

Fishing Information: Shovelnose guitarfish are caught in the surf, in bays and from piers. They take live or dead bait including clams, mussels, sand crabs and almost any other bait or lure. The flesh, especially the tail and back straps, is considered quite good.

Other Common Names: shovelnose shark, pointed nosed guitarfish, guitarfish.

Largest Recorded: 5 feet 1.5 inches; 40.5 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Last Updated October 17, 2013

Note: Please consult current fishing regulations for species presented in this booklet. To view information on safe fishing eating guidelines, please visit the OEHHA website.

Black Rockfish | Blue Rockfish | Bocaccio | Canary Rockfish | Chilipepper | Copper Rockfish | Cowcod | Greenspotted Rockfish | Olive Rockfish | California Scorpionfish aka Sculpin | Starry Rockfish | Vermilion Rockfish | Widow Rockfish | Yellowtail Rockfish

California Scorpionfish aka Sculpin

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Scorpaena guttataDescription: The body of the California scorpionfish is stocky and slightly compressed. The head and mouth are large, as are the pectoral fins. The color is red to brown, with dark blotches and spotting over the body and fins.

Range: The California scorpionfish occurs between Uncle Sam Bank, Baja California, and Santa Cruz, California, with an isolated population in the Gulf of California. They are caught over hard, rocky bottoms at depths ranging from just below the surface to 600 feet. Some may occasionally be taken over sand or mud bottoms.

Natural History: The diet of the California scorpionfish includes crab, squid, octopus, fishes and shrimp. California scorpionfish first spawn when they are 3 or 4 years old. Spawning takes place from April through August, and probably occurs at night. The eggs are embedded in the gelatinous walls of hollow, pear shaped egg-balloons. The paired egg-balloons, each 5 to 10 inches long are joined at their small ends. The walls of these “balloons” are about 0.1 inch thick, transparent or greenish in color, and contain a single layer of eggs. Each egg is about 0.05 inch in diameter. The “balloons” are released at the bottom of the sea and rise rapidly to the surface. The eggs hatch within 5 days, 58 to 72 hours after the egg balloon is released. Maximum estimated age is 21 years.

Fishing Information: California scorpionfish readily take a hook that has been baited with a piece of squid or fish and lowered to the bottom in a rocky area where they are known to inhabit. A lot of rebaiting time can be saved by utilizing a “difficult to steal” bait. At times, a considerable amount of chumming with ground fish will attract California scorpionfish to the surface. Hooked California scorpionfish are not noted for their fighting qualities. The California scorpionfish is the most venomous member of the scorpionfish family in California. Its dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are associated with venom glands and are capable of causing an extremely painful wound. Penetration of the skin by any of these spines is followed almost immediately by intense and excruciating pain in the area of the wound. Many treatments have been used for California scorpionfish stings, but immersion of the affected part in very hot water seems to be the most effective. Multiple punctures can be quite serious, producing shock, respiratory distress or abnormal heart action and may require hospitalization of the victim.

Other Common Names: spotted scorpionfish, scorpion, rattlesnake, bullhead, scorpene.

Largest Recorded: 17 inches; no weight recorded; however, a 15.25 inch female weighed 3.5 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Black Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes melanopsDescription: The body of the black rockfish is oval or egg-shaped and compressed. The head has a steep upper profile which is almost straight; the mouth is large and the lower jaw projects slightly. The color is brown to black on the back, paler on the sides, and dirty white below. There are black spots on the dorsal fin. This species is easily confused with the blue rockfish; however, the anal fin of the black rockfish is rounded while the anal fin of the blue rockfish is slanted or straight. The black rockfish has spots on the dorsal fin, the blue rockfish does not.

Range: Black rockfish occur from Amchitka Island to Huntington Beach. They are wide-ranging fish that can live on the surface or on the bottom to 1,200 feet near rocky reefs or in open water over deep banks or drop-offs.

Natural History: The diet of the black rockfish includes squid, crab eggs, and fishes. Black rockfish are ovoviviparous, like all members of this family fertilization and development of the embryo take place in the body of the mother. When embryonic development is complete, the female releases the eggs and the exposure to sea water activates the embryo and it escapes from the egg case.

Fishing Information: These fish are commonly caught from commercial passenger fishing vessels and when trolling for salmon. Use similar fishing techniques as for blue rockfish. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: black snapper, black bass, gray rockfish, red snapper.

Largest Recorded: 27.6 inches; 11 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Blue Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes mystinusDescription: The body of the blue rockfish is oval or egg-shaped and compressed with similar dorsal and ventral profiles. The head is relatively short and bluntly pointed. The mouth is relatively small with the lower jaw slightly projecting. The color is dark blue or olive brown to grayish black on the back becoming lighter below; blotched with lighter shades on back and sides. The presence of five spines on the preopercle (gill cover), easily distinguish this species as a rockfish rather than a perch, a bass or a halfmoon which is of similar color. The black rockfish can be confused with this species; however, the black rockfish has spots on the dorsal fin while the blue rockfish does not. The anal fin of the black rockfish is rounded while that of the blue rockfish is slanted or straight.

Range: The blue rockfish occurs from Punta Baja, Baja California, to the Bering Sea. It is a schooling species that is often caught in large numbers over rocky bottoms and around kelp beds. It is most commonly caught from the surface to 100 feet, although it has been taken from depths as great as 300 feet.

Natural History: Blue rockfish principally eat salps, jellyfish, crustaceans, small fishes and algae. Algae may be accidentally ingested while picking up small shrimp and other tidbits. As with other rockfishes, fertilization is internal and live young are born which are quite small and helpless. A 16 inch female contained just over 500,000 eggs. The main spawning season runs from about November to March. Maximum age: 24 years..

Fishing Information: Blue rockfish can be caught in quantity near rocky shores and around breakwaters, sunken ships, piles of rubble and similar localities along the entire California coastline, especially north of Point Conception. They are caught just beneath the surface in and around kelp beds, but where there is no kelp they live mostly near the bottom. Almost any kind of cut fish will prove productive bait. Mussel, clam, crab, shrimp and squid strips work almost equally as well, as do some kinds of wet flies and other artificial lures. Blue rockfish are noted for putting up an excellent battle when hooked. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: blue bass, blue fish, reef perch.

Largest Recorded: 21 inches; no weight recorded; however, a 15 inch female weighed 1.75 pounds. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 3 pounds, 14 ounces.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Bocaccio

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes paucispinusDescription: The body of the bocaccio is elongate and compressed. The head is pointed, the mouth large, and the lower jaw greatly protruding. The color varies from shades of brown to reddish and extends down over the belly. Young fish are generally light bronze with speckling over the sides and back. As they mature, their color generally becomes darker and the speckling gradually disappears.

Range: Bocaccio occur from Punta Blanca, Baja California, to Kruzof Island and Kodiak Island, Alaska. Young bocaccio 1 or 2 years old travel in loose schools and move into shallow water where they may be captured in quantity. With increasing age they seek deeper water and move from near the surface to near the bottom. Adults are commonly found in waters of 250 to 750 feet over a somewhat irregular, hard or rubble bottom. They have been found at depths as great as 1,050 feet.

Natural History: The diet of bocaccio includes mainly fishes such as surfperch, jack mackerel, sablefish, anchovies, sardines, Pacific mackerel, deepsea lanternfish, other rockfishes and sanddabs. Squid, octopus, and crab also are eaten. Females start maturing when they are 17 inches long. As with all rockfish, fertilization is internal and development of the embryos takes place within the ovaries of the female until they are ready to hatch. A 28 inch female was estimated to contain nearly 1.5 million eggs. The main hatching period runs from December through April. The newly hatched young, about 0.25 inch long, does not completely absorb the yolk from the egg stage for a period of 8 to 12 days.

Fishing Information: Bocaccio can be found just off the bottom over almost any rocky or rubble bottom at various depths. A typical rockfish rig consists of one or two hooks with enough weight to get to the bottom on a fairly straight course. Bait is usually strips of squid, live anchovies or sardines or lead head scampi, sometimes jigs are used. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: salmon grouper, grouper, mini-grouper (juveniles), red snapper, Pacific red snapper.

Largest Recorded: 3 feet; 21 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Chilipepper

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes goodeiDescription: The body of the chilipepper is slender and rather elongate. The head is elongate, pointed and with no spines; the lower jaw is projecting. The chilipepper is generally pinkish becoming whitish below. The middle of the chillipepper’s side, the lateral line, stands out clearly, as a lighter, bright red zone. In comparison to the bocaccio, it has a smaller mouth with an upper jaw that extends only to about the center of the eye, not past it. Maximum length: 23 inches.

Range: This species occurs from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Chilipeppers are not taken as frequently as other rockfishes because they are rarely caught in depths less than 360 feet along the coast of California. They generally occur over rocky bottoms and have been taken as deep as 1,080 feet.

Natural History: Adult chilipepper feed on small crustaceans, small squids, or on such fishes as anchovies, young hake, small sardines, and lanternfishes. Approximately 50 percent of the males mature when 8.75 inches long and 2 years old; while 50 percent of the females are mature when they are 12 inches long and 4 years old. Chilipeppers may live to be 35 years old. As with other rockfishes, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The number of developing eggs increases from 29,000 in a 12 inch female to about 538,000 in a 22 inch fish.

Fishing Information: Chilipepper are often fished in midwater as well on the bottom. When fishing for chilipepper in deeper waters, the typical rockfish rig and bait is appropriate (see bocaccio). Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: chili, red snapper.

Largest Recorded: 22 inches; 5.25 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Cowcod – NO FISHING ALLOWED

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes levisDescription: The body and head of the cowcod are somewhat compressed. The head is very large. The mouth is large with a projecting lower jaw. Adults are uniform pale pink to orange in color. Young fish have four dark vertical bands on their sides which gradually fade into dusky blotches as they increase in size. Their heads are large and spined, the dorsal fins are deeply notched, and there is an unusually wide space between the eye and the upper jaw. These three characteristics help to distinguish cowcod from other reddish colored rockfish.

Range: Cowcod occur from Ranger Bank and Guadalupe Island, Baja California, to Newport, Oregon. This is a deeper water species occurring at depths from 130 feet (young) to 1,200 feet. Cowcod are found over rocky bottoms, particularly where there are sharp, steep drop-offs.

Natural History: The diet of the cowcod includes mainly fishes, octopus, and squid. Juvenile cowcod eat small shrimp and crabs. Like all members of the genus Sebastes, the cowcod gives birth to live young. These are less than 0.5 inches in length and are produced in great numbers. The young are free floating and may be found in shallower water; however, as they grow larger they move to deeper water.

Fishing Information: No fishing allowed. The species is not expected to recover until 2060.

Other Common Names: cow, cow rockfish, cowfish, red snapper.

Largest Recorded: 37 inches; 28.5 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Olive Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes serranoidesDescription: The body of the olive rockfish is elongate and compressed. The upper profile of the head is almost straight, and the snout is long and pointed. The lower jaw is projecting. The olive rockfish is dark olive brown on the back, often with some light areas under the dorsal fin. The sides are a lighter olive green, and the fins are yellow. This species is very similar in appearance to the yellowtail rockfish. The olive rockfish always has nine soft rays in the anal fin; the yellowtail rockfish usually has eight.

Range: This species occurs from the San Benito Islands, Baja California, to Redding Rock, California. Olive rockfish are generally caught in nearshore waters. They are found primarily around reefs and kelp beds in water less than 150 feet deep, but have been caught as deep as 480 feet.

Natural History: The diet of olive rockfish consists primarily of fishes; however, crab, shrimp, and squid also are consumed in smaller quantities. Olive rockfish mature and spawn for the first time when they are 3 or 4 years old. As is true among the other rockfish, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The main spawning season is from December through March and a large female may spawn as many as 500,000 young during the season.

Fishing Information: Olive rockfish may be found in almost every kelp bed along the mainland shore south of Monterey Bay, California. The best bait is a lively anchovy. The bait should be cast directly into the floating fronds of kelp and no sinker should be used. If there are any olive rockfish around they will hit the bait right at the surface, usually so hard that they set the hook themselves. The ensuing battle is excellent in every respect and the larger the fish the better the fight. Olive rockfish will also strike a streamer fly or a properly worked metal lure or small wooden plug. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: johnny bass, johnathans.

Largest Recorded: 24 inches; no weight recorded. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 5 pounds, 14 ounces.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Yellowtail Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes flavidusDescription: The body of the yellowtail rockfish is elongate and compressed. The head is rather long and the upper profile is steep and slightly curved. The lower jaw projects, but not beyond the upper profile of the head. The color is grayish brown above which shades to white below. The sides are finely spotted with yellow. The tail is yellow, while the other fins are dusky yellow. When the fish is fresh, reddish brown speckling is visible on some of the scales. As with many of the rockfish, identification can be somewhat difficult. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of the yellow tail rockfish include a convex (surface curves outward) space between the eyes, the absence of spines on top of the head, a projecting lower jaw, an anal fin with eight (rarely seven) soft rays and the lining of the belly is white. Maximum length: 28 inches.

Range: The yellowtail rockfish occurs from San Diego, California, to Unalaska Island, Alaska; however, it is most often caught by recreational anglers off of central and northern California. It is regularly found over deep reefs from the surface to depths of 1,800 feet.

Natural History: Adult yellowtail rockfish feed on small hake, anchovies, lanternfishes, and other small fishes, as well as on small squid, and other shrimp-like organisms. These are all good baits to use for the yellowtail rockfish. A few yellowtail rockfish mature when 11 inches long or 3 years old. Fifty percent are mature when 15-18 inches long or 6 years old. They may live to be 64 years old. As with other rockfishes, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The number of developing eggs increases from 56,000 in a fish 12 inches long to about 1,993,000 in a fish 19 to 21 inches long.

Fishing Information: Yellowtail rockfish occur quite often at or near the surface, thus, standard surface fishing techniques and baits such as anchovies or squid fished on a small hook are effective. Small silvery lures or small lead and rubber jigs also work well. When fishing for yellowtail rockfish in deeper waters, the typical rockfish rig and bait is appropriate although with less weight than for bocaccio. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: red snapper, yellowtail.

Largest Recorded: 26 inches; no weight recorded; however, a yellowtail rockfish 24 inches long will weigh about 7.5 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Canary Rockfish – NO FISHING ALLOWED

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfish)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes pinnigerDescription: The body of the canary rockfish is elongate, moderately deep and compressed. The head is large with an upper profile that is somewhat curved. The color is yellow orange with gray mottling on the back and paler, near white, below. The fins are also yellow orange. The middle of the sides are in a clear, gray zone. There is often a black spot near the back of the first dorsal fin in fish shorter than 14 inches. Although the canary rockfish resembles the vermilion rock fish superficially, the two are easily separated. The underside of the lower jaw of the canary rockfish has no scales and feels smooth to the touch when rubbed from back to front. The vermilion rockfish has scales on the underside of its lower jaw so that it feels rough when rubbed forward.

Range: Canary rockfish occur from Cape Colnett, Baja California, to Cape San Bartolome, Alaska. Canary rockfish are usually caught at depths of 50 to 300 feet, although juveniles have been taken at the surface and adults have been taken from depths as great as 900 feet. They are found around reefs and over soft bottoms.

Natural History: Adult canary rockfish feed on small crustaceans as well as anchovies, sanddabs, and other small fishes. The canary rockfish, like all members of the genus Sebastes, produces live young. Fertilization and embryo development take place within the body of the mother. The number of eggs increases from 69,000 in a10 inch female to about 1,113,000 in a female 21 inches long. About 50 percent of canary rockfish are mature at a length of 17 inches, or when they are 5 to 6 years old. They may live to be 75 years old.

Fishing Information: No fishing allowed. The species is not expected to recover until 2027.

Other Common Names: red snapper, fantail, canary, orange rockfish.

Largest Recorded: 30 inches; no weight recorded; however, a 24 inch canary rockfish weighs about 7 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Vermilion Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes miniatusDescription: The body of the vermilion rockfish is moderately deep and compressed. The upper profile of the head is some what curved; the mouth is large, with the lower jaw slightly projecting. The color is bright red on the body and fins; many with black and gray mottling on back and sides. On fish shorter than 12 inches, the mottling is much more apparent and the fins are often edged with black. The yelloweye and canary rockfishes are similar in appearance to the vermilion, but the bottom of the yelloweye and canary’s lower jaws are scaleless and feels smooth to the touch. The vermilion rockfish has scales on the bottom of the lower jaw which make it rough to the touch.

Range: Vermilion rockfish occur from Prince William Sound, Alaska to San Benito Island, Baja California. They are generally caught over rocky bottoms at depths of 100 to 500 feet, although they have been taken from depths as great as 900 feet. Maximum depth: 1400 feet.

Natural History: The free swimming young of the vermilion rockfish feed primarily upon shrimp-like organisms, while the larger, bottom-living adults feed almost exclusively upon fishes, squid and octopus. Most fishes that are eaten are other smaller kinds of rockfish. Vermilion rockfish appear to mature and spawn for the first time when they are 14 inches long (5-6 years old). As with all other rockfish, fertilization is internal and they give birth to living young. A vermilion rockfish that is 12.5 inches long is estimated to contain 63,000 eggs, and one that is 21.5 inches long is expected to contain 1,600,000 eggs. The principal reproductive period lasts from December through March.

Fishing Information: Vermilion rockfish can be found just off the bottom over almost any rocky or rubble bottom at various depths The same rig, bait, and technique used for bocaccio works for vermilion rockfish. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: red snapper, red rock cod.

Largest Recorded: 30 inches; no weight recorded; however, they attain a weight of at least 15 pounds. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 14 pounds, 9 ounces.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Copper Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes caurinusDescription: The body of the copper rockfish is moderately deep and compressed. The head is large with a slightly curved upper profile; the mouth is large and the lower jaw projects slightly. The color is copper brown to orange tinged with pink. The back two-thirds of the sides are a clear, light pink area; the belly is white. The lateral line is in a white line along the body.

Range: The copper rockfish occurs from San Benitos Islands, Baja California, to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. It is found in shallow rocky and sandy areas, and is generally caught at depths of less than 180 feet; however, some have been found as deep as 600 feet.

Natural History: The diet of copper rockfish includes snails, worms, squid, octopus, crabs, shrimps, and fishes. Copper rockfish, like all species in the genus Sebastes, give birth to fully developed embryos. Fertilization and development of the embryo take place in the body of the mother. Upon being expelled from the female, the fully developed embryo is released from the egg.

Fishing Information: Copper rockfish can be found near the bottom over rocky habitat. The same rig, bait, and technique used for bocaccio works for copper rockfish. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out. The copper rockfish is often the last species to die in a bag of rockfish. Some individuals continue to twitch long after members of other species have died.

Other Common Names: never die, whitebelly, chucklehead, white belly.

Largest Recorded: 22.5 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Shallow Rocky Environment

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Widow Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes entomelasDescription: The body of the widow rockfish is elongate and compressed. The head is relatively short, and the upper profile is slightly curved. The mouth is relatively small, the lower jaw projects slightly. The color is brassy brown over most of the body with the belly generally lighter in color, often with a reddish cast. The fin membranes, particularly in the anal and pectoral fins, are black. Specimens smaller than 10 inches are lighter in color and are tinged with vague streaks of orange.

Range: Widow rockfish occur from Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, to Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Natural History: Adult widow rockfish feed extensively on small free floating crab-like animals. Occasionally salps, small squids and anchovies are eaten. A few mature when 12 inches long and 3 years old. Fifty percent are mature when 13.5 inches long or 5 years old. As with other rockfish fertilization is internal and the young are born live. The number of developing eggs increases from 55,600 in fish 13 inches long, to about 915,200 in a fish 19 inches long. Widow rockfish may live to 60 years old.

Fishing Information: Widow rockfish are generally caught by sport anglers fishing on or just above the bottom in deep water, although young fish may be taken at or near the surface. On occasion, widow rockfish form huge schools in midwater. Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: widow, widowfish, red snapper.

Largest Recorded: A 20 inch widow rockfish will weigh about 4 pounds. Maximum size: 24 inches or 6.6 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Greenspotted Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes chlorostictusDescription: The body of the greenspotted rockfish is elongate and moderately compressed. The upper profile of the head is rather steep with a nearly straight slope. The jaws are even when closed. The color is yellow pink with distinct green spots over the back and top of the head. There are three to five white blotches with green borders along the upper back, and the pectoral fins carry 17 rays. The underside of the lower jaw has no scales and is smooth to the touch. Two other species, the greenblotched rockfish and pink rock fish, are nearly identical to the greenspotted rockfish. Nevertheless, they can be distinguished from the greenspotted rockfish by the small patches of scales on the underside of their lower jaws. These two look-alike species attain a larger size than the greenspotted rockfish, but are not encountered as frequently since they usually inhabit deeper water.

Range: The greenspotted rockfish occurs from Cedros Island, Baja California, to Copalis Head, Washington. Greenspotted rockfish are caught around offshore, rocky reefs at depths ranging from 160 to 660 feet.

Natural History: As with other rockfishes, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The young are born during the period of April through July.

Fishing Information: The greenspotted rockfish is a common species in the deep-water rockfish catch. It is not considered very desirable, however, because of its small size. The typical rockfish rig and baits are appropriate gear (see bocaccio). Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: chucklehead, red rock cod, bolina.

Largest Recorded: 19.75 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Starry Rockfish

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Genus and Species:

Sebastes constellatusDescription: The body of the starry rockfish is elongate, robust, heavy forward tapering to the tail. The head is rather pointed in profile and the mouth is large with the lower jaw projecting only slightly beyond the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. The body is red orange and profusely covered with small white spots. There are four or five large whitish blotches along the back. It is a very distinctive fish that is not easily confused with any other rockfish.

Range: The starry rockfish occurs from Thetis Bank, Baja California, to San Francisco, California, and is found around rocky offshore reefs at depths of 80 to 900 feet.

Natural History: As with other kinds of rockfish, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The young are usually born during March through May.

Fishing Information: Starry rockfish contribute to the recreational anglers offshore reef catch. The typical rockfish rig and baits are appropriate gear (see bocaccio). Conservation methods (seasons, hooks, depth) for rockfish vary by area, so be sure to check the current regulations before going out.

Other Common Names: spotted corsair, spotted rockfish, chinafish, red rock cod.

Largest Recorded: 18 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Last Updated October 17, 2013

Note: Please consult current fishing regulations for species presented in this booklet. To view information on safe fishing eating guidelines, please visit the OEHHA website.

California Corbina | Queenfish | Spotfin Croaker | White Croaker | White Seabass | Yellowfin Croaker

Queenfish

Family: Sciaenidae (Croakers)

Genus and Species: Seriphus politus

Description: The body of the queenfish is elongate and moderately compressed. The head is compressed with the upper profile depressed over the eyes. The mouth is large. The color is bluish above becoming silvery below and the fins are yellowish. Queenfish can be distinguished from other croakers by their large mouth, the base of the second dorsal and anal fins being about equal, and the wide space between the two dorsal fins. Maximum length: 20.5 inches.

Range: Queenfish occur from Uncle Sam Bank, Baja California, to Yaquina Bay, Oregon. They are common during summer in shallow water around pier pilings on sandy bottoms. They are found at depths up to 180 feet; however, occur more often from 4 to 27 feet. Queenfish are common in southern California, but are rare north of Monterey, California.

Natural History: Queenfish feed on small, free swimming crustaceans, small crabs, and fishes. Adult queenfish spawn in the summer. The eggs are free floating. Tiny young queenfish, less than 1 inch long, appear in late summer and fall; first at depths of 20 to 30 feet, gradually moving shoreward until they enter the surf zone when 1 to 3 inches long.

Fishing Information: Queenfish may be caught using live anchovies as bait. They are quite often the most commonly caught fish by anglers from piers.

Other Common Names: herring, kingfish, herring croaker, shiner.

Largest Recorded: 20.5 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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White Seabass

Family: Sciaenidae (Croakers)

Genus and Species: Atractoscion, nobilis*
*previously known as Cynoscion nobilis.

Description: The body of the white seabass is elongate, and somewhat compressed. The head is pointed and slightly compressed. The mouth is large, with a row of small teeth in the roof; the lower jaw slightly projects. The color is bluish to gray above, with dark speckling, becoming silver below. The young have several dark vertical bars. The white seabass is closely related to the California corbina, but is the only California member of the croaker family to exceed 20 pounds in weight. They are most easily separated from other croakers by the presence of a ridge running the length of the belly.

Range: White seabass occur from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Juneau, Alaska. They usually travel in schools over rocky bottoms and in and out of kelp beds.

Natural History: The diet of white seabass includes fishes, especially anchovies and sardines, and squid. At times, large fish are found which have eaten only Pacific mackerel. At the minimum legal length of 28 inches, the average white seabass is about 5 years of age, weighs about 7.5 pounds and has been sexually mature for at least one spawning season.

Fishing Information: White seabass are fished primarily with live bait in relatively shallow water, but they will also take a fast-trolled spoon, artificial squid or bone jig. Live squid appear to be the best bait for a white seabass, but large anchovies and medium-size sardines are also good. At times, large white seabass will bite only on fairly large, live Pacific mackerel. The young of this species are exceptionally vulnerable to sport anglers for two reasons. The first is that as juveniles they inhabit shallow nearshore areas, bays, and estuaries, and the second is that they are not easily recognized as white seabass by the average angler. Commonly, these young fish are mistakenly called “sea trout” because of their sleek profile and vertical bars or “parr marks”. To add to the confusion, these bars fade as the fish grows.

Other Common Names: sea trout (juvenile), weakfish, king croaker.

Largest Recorded: 5 feet; 83 pounds.

Habitat: Deep Rocky Environment

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Yellowfin Croaker

Family: Sciaenidae (Croaker)Genus and Species: Umbrina roncador

Description: The body of the yellowfin croaker is elliptical-elongate with the back somewhat arched. The head is conical and blunt. The color is iridescent blue to gray with brassy reflections on the back diffusing to silvery white below. The sides and back have many diagonal dark wavy lines. The fins are yellowish except for the dark dorsal fins. The yellowfin croaker differs from other California croakers in having a single fleshy projection, a barbel, on the lower jaw and two heavy spines at the front of the anal fin. Maximum length: 21.6 inches.

Range: Yellowfin croakers occur from the Gulf of California, Mexico, to Point Conception, California. They frequent bays, channels, harbors and other nearshore waters over sandy bottoms. These croakers are more abundant along beaches during the summer months and may move to deeper water in winter.

Natural History: The diet of the yellowfin croaker consists mainly of small fishes and fish fry; however, invertebrates such as small crustaceans, worms and mollusks are also eaten in large numbers. Spawning takes place during the summer months when this species is most common along the sandy beaches. Maturity is apparently not reached until the fish are slightly over 9 inches long.

Fishing Information: Yellowfin croaker are most often taken by surf anglers using softshelled sand crabs, worms, mussels, clams or cut fish as bait.Other Common Names: Catalina croaker, yellowtailed croaker, golden croaker.

Largest Recorded: 21.6 inches; no weight reported. However, an 18 inch yellowfin croaker weighed 4.5 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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California Corbina

Family: Sciaenidae (Croakers) Genus and Species: Menticirrhus undulatusDescription: The body of the California corbina is elongate and slightly compressed. The head is long and the mouth is small, the upper jaw scarcely reaching a point below the front of the eye. The color is uniform grey with incandescent reflections, and with wavy diagonal lines on the sides. This croaker and the yellowfin croaker are the only two of the eight coastal croakers present in California waters to have a single fleshy projection, or barbel, on the lower jaw. The California corbina usually has only one weak spine at the front of the anal fin, while the yellowfin croaker has two strong spines.

Range: California corbina occur from the Gulf of California, Mexico to Point Conception, California, and is a bottom fish found along sandy beaches and in shallow bays. This species travels in small groups along the surf zone in a few inches of water to depths of 45 feet.

Natural History: Adults have been seen feeding in the surf, at times in water so shallow that their backs were exposed. They scoop up mouthfuls of sand and separate the food by sending the sand through the gills. They are very particular feeders, apparently spitting out bits of clam shells and other foreign matter. About 90 percent of the food they eat is sand crabs. Other crustaceans and clams are of lesser importance. Males mature when 2 years old at a length of about 10 inches and females at age 3 when about 13 inches long. Spawning extends from June to September, but is heaviest during July and August. Spawning apparently takes place offshore as running ripe fish are not often found in the surf zone. The eggs are free floating. Young corbina, 1 inch long, have been observed outside the surf in 4 to 8 feet of water in August.

Fishing Information: California corbina are caught throughout the year along southern California’s sandy beaches, although fishing is at its best from July through September. They are very wary and difficult to hook as many an avid surf fisherman can affirm. Perhaps one reason is that they tend to mouth and chew their food and don’t strike solidly very often. Sand crabs (usually softshells) are the preferred bait, though some anglers swear by blood worms, mussels, clams, pileworms, and ghost shrimp.

Other Common Names: California whiting, surf fish, sucker. California corbina should not be confused with corvina which are taken in the Salton Sea.

Largest Recorded: 28 inches; 8.5 pounds.

Habitat: Surf Environment

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White Croaker

Family: Sciaenidae (Croakers)

Genus and Species: Genyonemus lineatus

Description: The body of the white croaker is elongate and somewhat compressed. The head is oblong and bluntly rounded, with a mouth that is somewhat underneath the head. The color is incandescent brownish to yellowish on the back becoming silvery below. The fins are yellow to white. The white croaker is one of five California croakers that have mouths located under their heads (subterminal). They can be distinguished from the California corbina and yellowfin croaker by the absence of a single fleshy projection, or barbel, at the tip of the lower jaw. The 12 to 15 spines in the first dorsal fin serve to distinguish white croakers from all the other croakers with sub- terminal mouths, since none of these has more than 11 spines in this fin.

Range: White croakers have been taken from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, but are not abundant north of San Francisco. White croakers swim in loose schools at or near the bottom of sandy areas. Sometimes they aggregate in the surf zone or in shallow bays and lagoons. Most of the time they are found in offshore areas at depths of 10 to 100 feet. On rare occasions they are fairly abundant at depths as great as 600 feet.

Natural History: White croakers eat a variety of fishes, squid, shrimp, octopus, worms, small crabs, clams and other items, either living or dead. While the ages of white croakers have not been determined conclusively, it is thought that some live as long as 15 or more years. Some spawn for the first time when they are between 2 and 3 years old. At this age they are only 5 to 6 inches long and weigh less than 0.10 pounds.

Fishing Information: These fish can be caught on almost any kind of animal bait that is fished from piers or jetties in sandy or sandy mud areas. In fact, they are so easily hooked that most anglers consider them a nuisance of the worst sort. If a person desires to fish specifically for white croakers a tough, difficult-to- steal bait, such as squid, is recommended. When hooked, they put up little or no fight. Fishing and catching is good throughout the year.

Other Common Names: kingfish, shiner, Pasadena trout, tommy croaker, little bass.

Largest Recorded: 17 inches; no weight recorded. However, a 14.5 inch white croaker weighted 1.41 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Spotfin Croaker

Family: Sciaenidae (Croakers)

Genus and Species: Roncador stearnsii

Description: The body of the spotfin croaker is elongate, but heavy forward. The upper profile of the head is steep and slightly curved, and abruptly rounded at the very blunt snout. The mouth is underneath the head (subterminal). The color is silvery gray with bluish luster above and white below. There are dark wavy lines on the side, and a large black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. The subterminal mouth, absence of a fleshy barbel and the large black spot at the base of the pectoral fin distinguish spotfin croakers from all other California croakers. Small “spotties” are sometimes confused with small white croakers, but a count of the dorsal fin spines will quickly separate them; the spotfin croaker has 11 or fewer (usually 10), while the white croaker as 12 to 15. So-called “golden croakers” are nothing more than large male spotfin croakers in breeding colors.

Range: Spotfin croakers occur from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Point Conception, California, including the Gulf of California. In California, they are most commonly found south of Los Angeles Harbor. They live along beaches and in bays over bottoms varying from coarse sand to heavy mud and at depths varying from 4 to 50 feet or more. They prefer depressions and holes near shore.

Natural History: Spotfin croakers eat a wide variety of food items. Apparently they prefer clams and worms. Small crustaceans are also eaten extensively. They use the large pavement- like pharyngeal (throat) teeth to crush their food. Male spotfin croakers first mature and spawn when 2 years old and about 9 inches long. Most females mature when 3 years old and 12.5 inches long. All are mature by the time they are 4 years old and have reached a size of 14.5 inches. The spawning season runs from June to September and apparently takes place offshore, since no ripe fish have been caught in the surf zone. One inch juveniles do appear in the surf in the fall. Spotfin croaker travel considerably, but with no definite pat- tern. They move extensively from bay to bay. For example, fish tagged in the Los Angeles Harbor were later taken as far south as Oceanside. Spotfin tagged in Newport Bay moved to Alamitos Bay and vice versa.

Fishing Information: Although some are caught throughout the year, late summer is best for spotfin croaker fishing. Good fishing seems to depend on runs. When a “croaker hole” is found and a run is on, good fishing can be had by all present whether in a bay, from a pier or in the surf. Most spotfin croaker caught are small to medium sized fish.

Other Common Names: spotties, spot, golden croaker.

Largest Recorded: 27 inches. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 14.0 pounds in 1951.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Last Updated October 17, 2013

Note: Please consult current fishing regulations for species presented in this booklet. To view information on safe fishing eating guidelines, please visit the OEHHA website.

Barred Surfperch | Redtail | Rubberlip | Shiner | Silver | Walleye

Silver Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Hyperprosopon ellipticum

Description: The body of the silver surfperch is oval and strongly compressed. The head is small and the mouth is moderately large. The body is silvery with dusky (brownish to gray) coloration on the back and dusky bars on the sides. The tail is usually pink with an occasional orange spot on the anal fin. The specific name ellipticum refers to its elliptical body out- line. It looks similar to the walleye surfperch but lacks the silver coloration on its pelvic fins.

Range: Silver surfperch occur from Rio San Vicente, Baja California, to Schooner Cove, near Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These small surfperch primarily frequent the sandy surf zone although they are also caught among shallow rocks from piers, and in bays.

Natural History: The diet of silver surfperch includes shrimp, crustaceans, amphipods and algae. As with all surfperch, the young are born alive and are relatively large. Mating occurs during the fall and early winter months. The male approaches the female from below; both swim with vents close for 2 or 3 seconds, then separate and repeat the process. Three to 17 young are born the following spring and summer.

Fishing Information: Silver surfperch rank among the top ten in numbers caught by recreational anglers in central and northern California, even though the average weight is 0.1 pound. They are plentiful, easy to catch and occur in large numbers in surf, shore and pier catches.

Other Common Names: silver perch, shiner.

Largest Recorded: 10.5 inches; no weight recorded.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Walleye Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Hyperprosopon argenteum

Description: The body of the walleye surfperch is oval and strongly compressed. The head is small and the eyes are large. The mouth is small and slanted downward. The color is silver with faint dusky shading on the back. The tips of the ventral fins are black as are the borders of the anal fin and tail. The walleye surfperch can be distinguished from other surf- perch by the distinctive black tips on the ventral fins and black borders on the tail and anal fins.

Range: Walleye surfperch occur from Point San Rosarito, Baja California, to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This species is found in dense schools along sandy beaches, near rocks and around piers. They appear to move into embayments such as Humboldt Bay during summer.

Natural History: Walleye surfperch feed primarily on small crustaceans. Mating takes place in October, November and December when the usual dense schools break up and the males and females pair off. The encroachment of another male is immediately countered by a quick charge from the courting male toward the intruder’s snout. Between 1 and 19 young, depending on the size of the mother, are born the following spring. They average a little over 1.5 inches in length at birth. They reach maturity the following fall and winter; in fact, the largest proportion of the breeding population appears to be young of the year. Walleyes are probably short-lived as are most other surfperches. A 10.5 inch walleye was only 6 years old.

Fishing Information: Walleyes can be caught in the surf, from rocks, and from piers anywhere along the open coast. They usually are the most abundant surfperch caught from piers. A small hook baited with mussels, pieces of fish, worms, squid or shrimp will catch walleyes any season of the year. Often occurring in dense schools 6 to 8 feet thick, comprised of several hundred fish, the walleye can provide very rewarding fishing.

Other Common Names: walleye surf fish, walleye seaperch, china pompano, white perch.

Largest Recorded: 12 inches

Habitat: Bay Environment

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Shiner Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Cymatogaster aggregata

Description: The body of the shiner surfperch is elongate oval and compressed. The head is short and the mouth is small. The body is gray to greenish above with vertical lemon yellow cross bars in the shape of a “711” and eight horizontal sooty lines along the sides. During courtship and breeding the males are dark gray, almost black, in color and have a black spot on each side of the snout.

Range: Shiner surfperch occur from San Quintin Bay, Baja California, to Port Wrangell, Alaska. They prefer calm water and are most abundant in bays around eelgrass beds and the pilings of wharfs and piers. They have been captured in trawl nets fishing in 350 to 480 feet of water and have been observed by divers at depths as great as 120 feet, but are more numerous in shallow inshore waters.

Natural History: The diet of shiner surfperch consists mostly of small crustaceans and other invertebrates. They are frequently observed around pier pilings nipping off the appendages of barnacles. Mating takes place during the summer months in most localities, and the young are born the following spring and summer. During courtship, the male closely follows the female, their movements remarkably well synchronized. He will leave her side frequently to chase off other fish, many of which are not the least bit attracted to his mate. They are apparently short-lived as a 6 inch female (large for shiner surfperch) was only 3 years old.

Fishing Information: Shiner surfperch are caught from shore, docks, piers, rocks, and almost any other fishing area. They are probably the number one fish caught by youngsters along the California coast. They can be taken on almost any type of bait and any type of fishing equipment from handline to spinning gear so long as the hook on the end of the line is small enough for the fish to get in their mouths.

Other Common Names: shiner perch, shiner, shiner seaperch, yellow shiner, bay perch, seven-eleven perch.

Largest Recorded: 7 inches, reported to 8 inches; no weight recorded; however, a pregnant female 6.75 inches long weighed just under 3 ounces.

Habitat: Bay Environment

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Redtail Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Amphistichus rhodoterus

Description: The body of the redtail surfperch is oval and compressed. The upper profile of the head is nearly straight from the snout to the dorsal fin except for a slight depression above the eye. The body color is silver with olive green mottling and bars on the side. The tail is pink to deep purple. This species can be separated from the other two species that live off sandy beaches and have similar color markings (barred and calico surfperch) by the red to deep purple tail and the spines in the dorsal fin, which are longer than the soft rays.

Range: The redtail surfperch occurs from Avila Beach, California, to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and is the most often encountered surfperch from San Francisco northward. Redtail surfperch are predominantly surf dwellers off sandy beaches, but have been taken in rocky areas adjacent to beaches. They are common in estuaries and protected embayments during the spawning season.

Natural History: Small crustaceans are the major food items preferred by this species; however, small crabs, shrimp, mussels or marine worms are also attractive to redtail surfperch. Like all surfperch, the redtail gives birth to live young. The young are carried inside the mother until birth when they emerge as miniature replicas of the adults. Males mature at age 2 and females at age 4. They breed in fall and give birth in spring and summer, primarily from June to August. Females contain up to 51 young with the average of 27.

Fishing Information: Redtail surfperch concentrate just before spawning in sheltered inshore waters during the spring and early summer. They are frequently caught in large numbers at this time. The average size of redtail surfperch that an angler usually catches is 1.8 pounds, although 3 pound fish are not uncommon. Light tackle and crab backs for bait is the preferred method of take in Humboldt Bay. For surf fishing, sand crabs, tube worms or clams can be used for bait.

Other Common Names: rosy surf fish, redtail seaperch, porgie, Oregon porgie.

Largest Recorded: 16 inches; no weight recorded. Largest taken off California by a recreational angler: 3 pounds, 4 ounces.

Habitat: Surf Environment

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Rubberlip Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Rhacochilus toxotes

Description: The body of the rubberlip surfperch is oval and compressed. The mouth is comparatively large and the lips are extremely thick. The lower jaw is slightly shorter than the upper. The color is variable but it is generally whitish with brown to brassy overtones on the back fading to tan below. The lips are whitish or pink. Juveniles have one or two vertical dusky bars on the body, although these usually are not found on adults. Its large size and thick prominent lips distinguish it from all other surfperches.

Range: Rubberlip surfperch occur from Thurloe Head, Baja California, to Russian Gulch State Beach, California. They frequent rocky areas, tidepools and kelp beds on the outer coast as well as bays and harbors.

Natural History: Adults feed upon crabs, shrimps and octopus. Juveniles feed on typical surfperch food such as worms, small crabs, mussels, and tiny snails. Like all surfperch, the rubberlip surfperch bears its young live. A 16.5 inch female, that was 8 years old and weighed slightly less than 3 pounds contained 21 young that averaged a little over 3.5 inches in length.

Fishing Information: Recreational anglers catch rubberlip surfperch from skiffs, piers and the shore. The greatest number have been taken from piers in the Monterey Bay area, with the average size caught by sport anglers being 2 pounds. Most hook-and-line catches are made using mussels, clams, sand worms, cut shrimp or similar bait.

Other Common Names: pile perch, rubberlip seaperch, porgee, sprat, liverlip, buttermouth.

Largest Recorded: 19.6 inches; no weight recorded; however, a 16.5 inch rubberlip surfperch weighed nearly 3 pounds.

Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment

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Barred Surfperch

Family: Embiotocidae (Surfperches)

Genus and Species: Amphistichus argenteus

Description: The body of the barred surfperch is oval and compressed. The head is blunt and the mouth is comparatively large. The color is olive green to yellow green on the back becoming silver below; with bronze, brassy or yellow vertical bars and spots on the side. This surfperch is one of three living off sandy beaches with similar color markings; however, it can be distinguished from the other two (calico and redtail) by its lower jaw being slightly shorter than the upper, and by the absence of red or reddish color on its fins.

Range: The barred surfperch occurs from Plaza Maria Bay, Baja California, to Bodega Bay, California. It is more abundant than the calico and redtail south of Cayucos, California. Barred surfperch are found in the surf zone along sandy beaches where they seem to congregate in depressions on the bottom. They have been taken from water as deep as 240 feet.

Natural History: The major portion of the barred surfperch diet is sand crabs, with other crustaceans, bean clams and small crabs comprising the remainder. Barred surfperch give birth to living young from March to July. As few as four and as many as 113 have been counted, but the average is 33 per female. They are about 2.5 inches long at birth, and mature when about 6.5 inches long and 1 or 2 years old. This species is relatively short lived with the oldest males being about 6 years old and 12 inches long. The oldest females are about 9 years old and up to 17 inches long. Tagging studies indicate barred surfperch move very little, usually less than 2 miles, although movements up to 31 miles have been recorded.

Fishing Information: The most popular bait for barred surfperch is soft shelled sand crabs, but blood worms, mussels, cut fish, and small artificial lures also work. Fishing is usually best on an incoming tide when the perch are feeding inside the breaker zone.

Other Common Names: barred perch, silver perch, surf perch, sand perch, silver surf fish.

Largest Recorded: 17 inches; 4.5 pounds.

Habitat: Surf Environment

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Last Updated June 26, 2015

Note: Please consult current fishing regulations for species presented in this booklet. To view information on safe fishing eating guidelines, please visit the OEHHA website.

Albacore | Bigeye Tuna |  Bluefin Tuna | Pacific Bonito | Pacific Mackerel | Skipjack | Yellowfin Tuna

Pacific Mackerel

Family: Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Scomber japonicus

Description: The body of the Pacific mackerel tapers at both ends, is rather elongate, and somewhat compressed. The head is pointed and the mouth is large. The head is dark blue, the back is dark blue with about 30 dark wavy lines, and the undersides are silver green. The widely separated first and second dorsal fins serve to distinguish Pacific mackerel from all of the other tuna-like fishes that inhabit our waters, except for the frigate and bullet mackerel. Pacific mackerel and bullet mackerel can be differentiated by counting the dorsal finlets. Pacific mackerel typically have four to six, while bullet and frigate mackerel have seven to eight finlets.

Range: Worldwide in temperate seas; in the eastern Pacific from Chile to the Gulf of Alaska.

Natural History: Larval, juvenile or small fishes appear to be the most important natural food of Pacific mackerel, but there are times when they rely heavily on small crustaceans. They feed upon squid to a lesser extent, and eat whatever other bite-sized organisms they may encounter. Off southern California, spawning normally reaches a peak during the early spring months, especially March, April and May. Pacific mackerel eggs are about 0.045 inch in diameter and float free in the upper layers of the ocean, usually within 300 feet of the surface. At average water temperatures they will hatch 4 or 5 days after being spawned.

Fishing Information: Pacific mackerel have long been cast in the role of an intruder or nuisance fish by most anglers, especially those seeking larger sportfish like yellowtail or barracuda. Nevertheless, they have been the most frequently caught species on hook and line in California waters in recent years. Known as a voracious, indiscriminant feeder, Pacific mackerel will devour a live anchovy, engulf dead cut bait, strike readily on lures and often on flies. While it is relatively small in size (2 pounds or 16 inches would be trophy size), it scores high for power (ounce for ounce) and beauty. Pacific mackerel put up an excellent fight against light tackle.

Other Common Names: American mackerel, blue mackerel, greenback jack, chub mackerel.

Largest Recorded: 25 inches; 6.3 pounds.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Skipjack

Family: Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Euthynnus pelamis

Description: The body of the skipjack is cigar-shaped (tapers at both ends). The snout is sharply pointed and the mouth is relatively large. The color is dark blue to purple on the back become silvery or white below, with four to six dark horizontal stripes on the belly.

Range: Skipjack occur worldwide in warm seas. They are found in the eastern Pacific from Peru to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Skipjack usually visit California waters in the fall when water is relatively warm (about 68° F) and the currents are from either the south or southwest.

Natural History: The diet of the skipjack tuna includes fishes such as anchovies and sardines, as well as pelagic red crabs and squid. Skipjack tuna do not spawn in waters off California, but further south in the eastern Pacific, with spawning occurring during the summer months. Females mature at about 16 inches. Depending on size, females can produce between 100,000 and 2 million eggs per spawning event. Young fish grow rapidly reaching 12 inches by the time they are 1 year old. Maximum age is estimated to be 8 to 12 years.

Fishing Information: Most skipjack are taken incidentally to other fishing activities, especially albacore or tuna fishing. They bite a feather eagerly and will readily come to the boat when live anchovies are used as chum. Most anglers do not actively seek skipjack because of their small size and the undesirability of the meat when fresh. However, skipjack is good if processed and most is consumed after it is canned. Most skipjack taken off California weigh 3.5 – 6.5 pounds, and are 18 to 22 inches.

Other Common Names: skippies, oceanic bonito, striped tuna, arctic bonito, watermelon, victor fish.

Largest Recorded: The maximum reported length of a skipjack tuna is about 3.7 feet; the maximum weight is about 74 pounds. In California, the angling record stands at 26 pounds (no length).

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Pacific Bonito

Family: Scombridae (Mackerel and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Sarda chiliensis

Description: The body of the Pacific bonito is cigar-shaped and somewhat compressed. The head is pointed and conical, and the mouth is large. The color is dark blue above, dusky on the sides becoming silvery below. There is a number of slanted darkish stripes along the back. Pacific bonito are the only tuna-like fishes on the California coast that have the slanted dark stripes on their backs.

Range: Pacific bonito occur discontinuously from Chile to the Gulf of Alaska, with the greatest area of abundance in the northern hemisphere occurring in warm waters between Magdalena Bay, Baja California, and Point Conception, California.

Natural History: The preferred food of bonito appears to be small fishes, such as anchovies and sardines. Occasionally, they rely heavily upon squid in their daily diet. Bonito may not spawn successfully every year in California, but successful spawning does take place further south each year. The bulk of southern California spawning appears to take place from late January through May. The free floating eggs require about 3 days to hatch at average spring water temperatures. Young fish resulting from local successful spawnings are usually first observed by the various live bait haulers when they are 6 to 10 inches long in the early summer months. These fish will often weigh 3 pounds or more by the fall of the year and by May of the following year many will weigh 6 or 7 pounds.

Fishing Information: Pacific bonito are excellent fighters and have hearty appetites. Once a school is aroused they will take almost any bait or lure that is tossed their way. Most Pacific bonito are taken by a combination of trolling and live bait fishing. The schools are located by trolling feathers, and live anchovies or squid pieces are used to bait the fish once located. Fishing for bonito generally takes place offshore in 300 to 600 feet of water, but may occur next to kelp beds when the fish are near shore. Pacific bonito may arrive off of California as the ocean warms in the spring, but may never show up if oceanic conditions dictate colder than normal water temperatures. Bonito anglers generally catch 1 to 4 year old fish, weighing between 3 and 12 pounds. Pacific bonito fishing tapers off in the fall as the water cools, but persistent anglers still find good bonito fishing around warm water outfalls associated with power plants.

Other Common Names: bonehead, Laguna tuna, magneto, striped tuna, California bonito, ocean bonito.

Largest Recorded: 40 inches; 25 pounds.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Albacore

Family: Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Thunnus alalunga

Description: The body of the albacore tapers at both ends (cigar-shaped). The head is long and the mouth fairly large. The color is dark gray to metallic blue on the back becoming white to gray below. Albacore are easily distinguished from the other tunas occurring off California, with exception of the bigeye, by the extreme length of their pectoral fins (they extend well past the anal fin). Albacore and bigeye can best be distinguished by the characteristics of their livers. The albacore has a heavily striated (covered with blood vessels) liver while the liver of the bigeye is only lightly striated along the edges.

Range: Albacore occur worldwide in temperate seas; in the eastern Pacific they range from south of Guadalupe Island, Baja California, to southeast Alaska.

Natural History: The food of the albacore varies, depending upon where they are feeding in the water column and what items are available at the time and place the albacore are feeding. A majority of the food consists of small fishes, but at times squid, octopus, shrimp-like and crab-like organisms are extremely important. There are indications that albacore spawning takes place in the mid-Pacific, probably north and west of the Hawaiian Islands. Large specimens caught in that area during late summer on long line gear have had nearly ripe eggs in their ovaries. The albacore is one of the world’s fastest migrant fish. Annual trans-Pacific migrations have been documented by tagging. Fish tagged off California were captured off Japan, nearly 5,000 miles away, 294 days later. Traveling “as the crow flies”, this is equivalent to more than 17 miles a day.

Fishing Information: Albacore are the most sought after of the tunas by California anglers. Most fishing for albacore takes place 20-100 miles offshore in central and southern California. They are rarely taken near shore. Albacore have a preference for deep blue oceanic water and mild temperatures. Studies indicate that 57 of every 100 albacore caught are hooked in water ranging in temperature between 60° and 64° F. Albacore travel in loosely knit schools which are located by trolling or observing surface signs (feeding birds, etc.). Once located, they are fished with hook and line using live anchovies for bait. They may also be caught on a trolled feathered jig.

Other Common Names: longfin, albie, pigfish, Pacific albacore, German.

Largest Recorded: 5 feet; 90 pounds (California).

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Bigeye Tuna

Family: Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Thunnus obesus

Description: The body of the bigeye tuna is cigar-shaped (tapered at both ends). The head is pointed and the eye is relatively large. The color is dark metallic brownish blue to dark yellow on the back becoming gray or whitish below. There often is a bluish stripe on the side. In most individuals, the length of the pectoral fins should enable one to identify the species properly. Both bigeye and yellowfin tuna look similar, but bigeye tuna have pectoral fins which extend well past their anal fin, while yellowfin tuna have much shorter pectoral fins. Tuna which cannot be distinguished by external characteristics can be positively identified by liver characteristics. Bigeye tuna livers are striated (covered with blood vessels) along the trailing edges, while yellowfin tuna livers are smooth. Small bigeye tuna also may be distinguished from albacore by the characteristics of the liver. The liver is heavily striated in the albacore while the bigeye tuna liver is only striated along the trailing edges.

Range: Bigeye tuna occur worldwide in warmer seas. In the eastern Pacific these tuna range from Peru to Iron Springs, Washington. They are occasional visitors to California, entering our fishing grounds in June and remaining until November. These fish prefer temperate water in excess of 70° F, but significant catches have occurred in water as cool as 65° F.

Natural History: The diet of bigeye tuna includes fishes, squid, and crustaceans. Like most other tunas, they feed on what is most abundant in the area. Bigeye tuna do not spawn in waters off California, but spawn further south in the Pacific. Bigeye tuna are approximately 3 years old at first spawning. In the equatorial regions of the Pacific, the peak spawning is between April and September. A bigeye tuna weighing 159 pounds will produce an estimated 3.3 million eggs per year. The young are fast growing and weigh about 45 pounds when they first mature. They live 7 or 8 years.

Fishing Information: Bigeye tuna generally are not accessible to recreational anglers because they travel far below the surface during the day. Only rarely are they seen on the surface, and then, only momentarily while feeding. This makes the fish hard to locate since they leave no telltale surface signs nor can they be easily located by trolling. Most bigeye tuna are taken incidental to albacore or marlin fishing. The best way to fish for them is to troll marlin lures in an area where the fish are known to occur. Most bigeye tuna taken in southern California weigh 50 to 100 pounds, with an occasional 150 to 200 pounder landed.

Other Common Names: gorilla, tuna, patudo.

Largest Recorded: 80 inches; 435 pounds; 240 pounds (California).

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Bluefin Tuna

Family: Scombridae (Mackerel and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Thunnus orientalis
Note: Note: It was determined in 1997 that Atlantic (Thunnus thynnus) and Pacific populations are separate species.

Description: The body of the bluefin tuna is cigar-shaped and robust. The head is conical and the mouth rather large. The color is dark blue above and gray below. Bluefin tuna can easily be distinguished from other members of the tuna family by the relatively short length of their pectoral fins. Their livers have a unique and definitive characteristic in that they are covered with blood vessels (striated). In other tunas with short pectoral fins, such vessels are either not present or present in small numbers along the edges.

Range: Worldwide in all but the coldest seas. Bluefin tuna range throughout the eastern North Pacific Ocean with fish being taken from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Shelikof Strait, Alaska. Most bluefin tuna landed by California anglers are 1 or 2 year olds and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Natural History: Examination of a number of stomachs indicates that while in California waters anchovies make up the bulk of the diet. Sanddabs, surfperches, and white croakers are also consumed.

Fishing Information: Bluefin tuna are seasonal visitors to California waters. They usually appear in May and depart by October. Since they are temperate tunas, their availability to anglers depends on water temperatures in the 62° to 68° F degree range. They can be located by either trolling feathers or anchoring at a spot known to be frequented by bluefin tuna, and chumming with live anchovies.

Other Common Names: leaping tuna, tuna, footballs, tunny, shortfin tuna, ahi, great albacore.

Largest Recorded: No length recorded; 363.5 pounds (California). Weight to 495 pounds in the Pacific Ocean, and 1,500 pounds in the Atlantic Ocean.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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Yellowfin Tuna

Family: Scombridae (Mackerel and Tunas)

Genus and Species: Thunnus albacares

Description: The body of the yellowfin tuna tapers at both ends (cigar-shaped), and the head is conical. The color is dark brownish blue to dark yellow on the back becoming gray or whitish below. Identifying tunas can be difficult, especially when yellowfin and bigeye tuna are involved. In most cases, the length of the pectoral fins can distinguish each species. The yellowfin has pectoral fins which do not extend past the anal fin; while in bigeye, the pectoral fins extend well past the anal fin. Tuna which cannot be distinguished by external characteristics can be positively identified by liver characteristics. The surface of a yellowfin’s liver is smooth while the liver of the bigeye is striated, containing many with small blood vessels along the trailing edge.

Range: Widely distributed in the Pacific Ocean. In the eastern Pacific, yellowfin tuna occur from Chile to Point Buchon, California. They occasionally enter California waters when ocean temperatures are warm. They usually are not taken in waters less than 70° F with best catches occurring in waters above 74° F.

Natural History: The diet of the yellowfin tuna includes juvenile fishes, crustaceans, and squid. They are opportunistic feeders taking whatever is most available in the area. Yellowfin tuna do not spawn off the coast of California; however, they do spawn further south in the eastern Pacific. Some spawning takes place during every month of the year, but off Central America it peaks during January and February. Young fish grow very rapidly and by the time they are 1.5 years old they weigh around 7.5 pounds. At 4 years old they weigh approximately 150 pounds. The largest yellowfin tuna taken are 10 or more years old. These larger fish sometimes have an elongated second dorsal fin.

Fishing Information: Yellowfin tuna are fished in much the same manner as albacore; jigs are used to locate the schools, and live anchovies are chummed to keep the fish around the boat. Most yellowfin tuna taken in California weigh 30 to 50 pounds, fish over 200 pounds are occasionally landed. The smaller fish are 1 to 2 years old while the larger ones may be over 10 years of age.

Other Common Names: Allison tuna, ahi, Pacific yellowfin.

Largest Recorded: No length recorded; 239 pounds (California); weight to 450 pounds.

Habitat: Pelagic Environment

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