Barred Surfperch
Amphistichus argenteus
FR Embiotoca rayée · ES Mojarra rayada · PT Moarra-riscada
Also known as: SurfperchMojarra de BandasPercaMojarra rayadaEmbiotoca rayéeMoarra-riscada
Surf/EstuaryShore
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; best on moving, greenish surf
Depth
1–30m
Platform
Shore
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
1–30mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Pocket-surf commuter – I bounce between beach gutters in tight schools, mugging small baits and soft plastics in the foamy edges.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Sandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
WormsCrab
Diet
CrabPolychaete wormsAmphipodsSmall fishBivalves
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingSurfcastingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DayDawnDuskFlooding tide
Barred surfperch are a classic 'first surf fish' for West Coast anglers, often caught just a few metres from dry sand in the very first trough of whitewater.
Field notes
Where to find them
Open sand surf beaches, US West Coast
Where they hang out
First few gutters, within a rod length of the wash
Prime time
Year-round; best on moving, greenish surf
Tide game
Moderate; fish troughs on rising water
What they're into
Sand crabs, worms, small natural baits
Temperature vibe
Active 12–20°C, more sluggish in cold water
Fave weather
Clean, moderate surf best; avoid blown-out conditions
Fun fact about me
I’m live-bearing: I give birth to surf-ready babies right in the shorebreak.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common on West Coast — check locallyState fish and wildlife agency (e.g. CDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern