In California, you can keep up to 20 total surfperch daily, with a maximum of 10 per species. Redtail surfperch must be at least 10.5 inches long, while other species don’t have size restrictions. Shiner perch get a separate 20-fish limit. Be aware of seasonal closures from April to July in San Francisco and San Pablo Bays during spawning season. Always use hook and line methods only. Checking local regulations before your next surfperch adventure will save you potential headaches and fines.
Surf Fishing Highlights
- The combined daily limit for surfperch is 20 fish total, with a maximum of 10 fish allowed for any single species.
- Redtail surfperch must be at least 10.5 inches in total length, while other surfperch species have no size restrictions.
- Shiner perch has a separate bag limit of 20 fish per day, allowing anglers to keep up to 40 perch in total.
- Seasonal closures exist during spawning season (April 1-July 31) in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay areas.
- Hook and line is the only permitted fishing method, with recommended rod lengths of 8’6″-10′ and 6-10 pound test line.
General Daily Bag Limits for California Surf Perch
Anglers casting into California’s foam-flecked surf should keep their counting skills sharp! The state’s regulations let you take home a combined total of 20 surfperch daily—perfect for those liberation-seeking beach warriors among you.
You’re capped at 10 fish for any single surfperch species, preventing you from loading up on just your favorites. Redtail surfperch specifically must meet a minimum size limit
of 10.5 inches total length to be kept. Additionally, it’s crucial to check local fishing regulations before heading out, as these can vary by region.
Mix it up, surf anglers! California’s 10-fish single-species limit keeps the ocean’s buffet diverse for everyone.
Shiner perch, those silvery little fighters, play by different rules—you can bag 20 of these feisty fellows separate from your main count. That’s right, potentially 40 perch in your cooler!
The surfperch season runs year-round, so these limits apply whenever you hit the waves. These updated regulations have been effective since 2006 when the California Fish and Game Commission raised the limits.
In San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, however, stricter regulations apply with a reduced aggregate limit of five surfperch, excluding shiner perch.
Species-Specific Regulations and Exceptions
Beyond the general bag limits, California’s surf perch regulations include a web of species-specific rules you’ll need to navigate.
While you can keep 20 total surfperch in a day, you’re capped at 10 fish per individual species—a detail that trips up many anglers. It is crucial to also check local guidelines to ensure compliance with fishing regulations.
Shiner perch break the mold with their own separate limit of 20 fish, fundamentally doubling your potential catch! They’re also exempt from certain seasonal closures that affect their cousins.
The commercial fishing season for surfperch runs from August to April, with strict tagging requirements for shipments south of Point Arguello.
In Oregon, anglers should be aware that the daily bag limit for surfperch is 15 in aggregate, which differs from California’s regulations.
Size Requirements for Redtail Surfperch
When fishing for redtail surfperch along California’s coast, you’ll need to pay special attention to size restrictions that don’t apply to their cousins.
The law mandates a minimum size of 10½ inches total length for redtails only—all other surfperch species are fair game regardless of size. It’s important to choose the right hook size to maximize your chances of success when targeting these fish.
Keep a measuring device handy to avoid accidentally pocketing an undersized redtail. Remember, that measurement runs from snout tip to tail fin end, no shortcuts!
This year-round rule helps guarantee these feisty fighters reach maturity before landing in your cooler.
Conservation isn’t just talk—it’s the difference between surf fishing today and tomorrow.
A successful trip often involves catching various sizes, as evidenced by recent outings where perch ranged from 11 to 13 inches in length.
Seasonal Closures in Bay Areas
During the spawning season from April 1 through July 31, you’ll find surfperch fishing completely off-limits within the boundaries of San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay.
This closure, enforced under Title 14 regulations, gives these fish their well-deserved reproductive privacy.
Three key things to remember:
- Shiner surfperch remain fair game year-round
- The closure boundaries run from Golden Gate to Carquinez Bridge
- All tidal waters, estuaries, and sloughs within these limits are included
Commercial fisheries face additional closures, with commercial surfperch fishing prohibited from May 1 to July 31 when commercial landings have been steadily decreasing since 2011.
Outside these bay areas, you’re free to pursue surfperch any time of year, with October offering exceptional surf perch fishing opportunities along the entire California coastline.
These restrictions aren’t about limiting your fishing freedom—they’re about ensuring future generations can enjoy the catch!
Measurement Standards for Surf Perch
Correctly measuring your catch is essential for staying legal while enjoying California’s diverse surfperch fishery. Measure total length from snout tip to tail fin end with the fish laid flat—no bending allowed!
While most surfperch species don’t have size restrictions, redtail surfperch must be at least 10½ inches to keep.
Grab yourself a reliable measuring tool (your tackle box deserves one anyway) to avoid any fish tales with wardens.
In San Diego waters, catching perch over 14 inches is considered a notable achievement, with most anglers typically landing specimens in the 6-8 inch range.
Fishing Methods and Equipment Restrictions
Though California’s surf perch fishery welcomes anglers of all skill levels, you’ll need to follow specific equipment guidelines to stay legal on the beach.
Your tackle setup matters for both success and compliance with state regulations.
- Hook and line fishing is the only permitted method—leave those cast nets and traps at home.
- Rods between 8’6″ and 10′ with light to medium action work best with 6-10 pound test line. Many anglers prefer using a fluorocarbon leader
for improved success when targeting barred surf perch. - Terminal rigs should include appropriately sized hooks (#1-6) with egg sinkers (½-2 oz). For most effective bait presentation, consider using a Carolina Rig-style setup, especially when fishing with sand crabs during summer months.
- Sharp hooks are essential when targeting surf perch as they have tough, bony mouths that require penetrating power for successful hooksets.
Special Considerations for Shiner Perch
While most surf perch species actively patrol California’s turbulent shorelines, shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) prefer life’s calmer side.
Unlike their surf-loving cousins, shiner perch seek out California’s tranquil waters, avoiding the chaotic shoreline altogether.
You’ll find these silver-sided beauties, marked by distinctive yellow vertical bars, in protected estuaries and lagoons rather than crashing surf zones.
When targeting these smaller perch (typically 10-15 cm), you’ll need fine wire hooks (sizes 4-1) and light tackle.
They’re often exempt from the minimum size restrictions that govern other surfperch, but still count toward your daily bag limit.
These “pocket-sized perch” make perfect catches for beginners and young anglers fishing accessible shoreline spots. These fish prefer water temperatures below 19°C and will rarely be found in areas where temperatures exceed 24-25°C. The shiner perch travels in loose schools throughout coastal wetlands and bays from Alaska to Baja California. Despite their small commercial value, they are one of the most commonly caught fish from west coast piers.
2025 Regulatory Updates and Compliance
After mastering the nuances of shiner perch fishing, you’ll need to keep a sharp eye on the current regulatory landscape.
California’s surf perch rules stay fairly consistent, but staying informed keeps you fishing freely without unwelcome fines.
For 2025, remember these key points:
- Daily limits remain 20 total surfperch (with max 10 per species), plus 20 separate shiner perch
- Redtail surfperch must measure at least 10½ inches total length
- Tournament rules may differ, requiring 12-inch minimums and video documentation
The California Fish and Wildlife Department updates regulations annually—check their website before grabbing your tackle box! The recent regulation changes adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission on October 9, 2024 focus primarily on groundfish rather than surf perch species. Some tournaments, like the July 2025 event, require valid fishing licenses for all participants over the age of 15. Attending the Annual Anglers General Meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss these regulations with fellow fishing enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Multiple Fishing Rods When Surf Perch Fishing?
Yes, you can use multiple fishing rods when surf perch fishing in California, as state regulations don’t explicitly prohibit this practice.
However, tournament rules (like the More Than Fishing® event) often limit participants to just one rod.
You’ll still need to adhere to the daily bag limit of 20 surf perch, with no more than 10 of any single species.
Are Surf Perch Safe to Eat From All California Coastal Areas?
Just as you were about to fry up that catch, you’ve asked an essential question!
No, surf perch aren’t safe to eat from all California coastal areas. You’ll want to avoid red zones like Cabrillo Pier and Seal Beach where DDTs and PCBs lurk.
Yellow zones require caution too. Check OEHHA’s advisories for your specific location, as they provide tailored guidelines for different populations.
When consumed within recommended limits (1-2 servings weekly), surf perch from clean areas can be a perfectly fine meal.
Do I Need a Separate License for Surf Perch Fishing Tournaments?
No, you don’t need a separate license specifically for surf perch tournaments. Your standard California fishing license (annual, one-day, or two-day) covers you completely for these competitions.
If you’re 15 or older, you’ll need that valid license to participate, unless you’re fishing from a public pier where licenses aren’t required.
Do check each tournament’s rules though, as they might require additional entry fees, waivers, or applications beyond the standard fishing license requirements.
Can Juveniles Fish for Surf Perch Without a License?
Juveniles under 16 can fish for surf perch without a single piece of paper in their pocket!
You’re free as the ocean breeze if you’re 15 or younger. However, you’ll still need to follow all those bag limits (20 surf perch total, max 10 per species) and size restrictions.
Once you hit sweet sixteen, though, you’re in the same boat as adults – you’ll need that California fishing license to legally cast your line.
How Do Surf Perch Fishing Regulations Differ Between State and National Parks?
When you’re surf perch fishing, you’ll notice key differences between state and national parks.
Both follow California’s basic limits (20 total surfperch daily, max 10 per species), but national parks like Point Reyes might impose additional restrictions to protect local ecosystems.
National parks sometimes prohibit fishing in certain areas entirely, while state parks generally stick to standard CDFW regulations.
The enforcement also differs—federal rangers patrol national parks, while state wardens monitor state parks.
Fish on!
Conclusion
You’ll enjoy California’s surf perch fishing more when you’re following the rules—they protect both your catch and future fishing days. While regulations might seem complex, they’re designed with conservation in mind. Remember your daily bag limits, measure accurately, and stay updated on the 2025 changes. The ocean gives, but only if we respect its boundaries. Tight lines on the beach, careful counting in your cooler!