Pacific Sanddab
Citharichthys sordidus
FR Sanddab · ES Lenguadina del Pacífico · PT Solha-do-Pacífico
Also known as: Mottled FlounderLenguado MoteadoLimande SordideLenguadina del PacíficoSanddabSolha-do-Pacífico
BenthicBoat
Flatfish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; slower tide stages
Depth
5–200m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Apr–AugGood Mar–Oct
Depth range
5–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Mini flatfish in big numbers – I stack up on soft bottoms, perfect for filling the cooler and bending light rods non-stop.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuarySandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsWormsPrawns
Diet
Small fishShrimpCrabSquidPolychaete worms
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingLight Rock Fishing
Gear
Best times
Day
Pacific sanddabs often school by size, so once you find a patch you’ll frequently catch a whole string of near-identical fish along the same drift line.
Field notes
Where to find them
Pacific sandy/muddy inshore patches
Where they hang out
Sand/mud patches, shallow to moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round; slower tide stages
Tide game
Low to moderate
What they're into
Small baits on light bottom rigs
Temperature vibe
Broadly tolerant, prefers 6–18°C
Fave weather
Calm seas aid feeling bottom clearly
Fun fact about me
Only fish to inspire its own SF restaurant craze — the humble sanddab!
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Check regional groundfish rulesState/federal fisheries agency
Looking after them
Least Concern