Redtail Surfperch
Amphistichus rhodoterus
FR Surfperche à queue rouge · ES Mojarra cola roja · PT Moarra-cauda-vermelha
Also known as: Redtail SeaperchPorgyPercaMojarra cola rojaSurfperche à queue rougeMoarra-cauda-vermelha
Surf/EstuaryShoreBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; through the tide cycle
Depth
1–40m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Feb–NovGood Jan–Dec
Depth range
1–40mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
North-coast trough bruiser – I work cold, green surf lanes where good casts and solid wading make all the difference.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Sandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
WormsCrab
Diet
CrabAmphipodsShrimpMusselPolychaete worms
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingSurfcastingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DayDawnDuskFlooding tide
Redtail surfperch give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, with gravid females turning up in the surf during late spring and early summer.
Field notes
Where to find them
Northern California surf beaches with structure
Where they hang out
Gutters and structure close to shore
Prime time
Year-round; through the tide cycle
Tide game
Moderate; specific tide windows can be key
What they're into
Fresh bait or scented soft plastics
Temperature vibe
Prefers 10–18°C
Fave weather
Coloured water — cover more ground; clean water — slow down
Fun fact about me
Another live-bearer; surf casters know I patrol PNW beach rips.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common — check CDFW rulesCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern