California Corbina
Menticirrhus undulatus
FR Corbina de Californie · ES Corbina californiana · PT Corvina-californiana
Also known as: California KingcroakerCalifornia WhitingBerrugata CalifornianaCorbina californianaCorbina de CalifornieCorvina-californiana
Surf/EstuaryShore
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; warm months best
Depth
0–10m
Platform
Shore
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–AugGood May–Sep
Depth range
0–10mShallow
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing60%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Ultra-shallow sand ninja – I tail in ankle-deep waves right under your feet, sniffing out sand crabs and perfect presentations only.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Sandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
WormsCrab
Diet
CrabClamBivalvesSmall fishPolychaete worms
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingSurfcastingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskFlooding tide
California corbina are so surf-shy that many anglers sight-fish them in barely a foot of water, watching them nose along the sand for crabs at their own feet.
Field notes
Where to find them
Southern California surf beaches
Where they hang out
Ultra-shallow, within a rod length of the shoreline
Prime time
Year-round; warm months best
Tide game
Moderate; feeds in the first wave or two off the wash
What they're into
Sand crabs, small natural baits
Temperature vibe
Prefers 16–24°C
Fave weather
Clean, gentle surf best; avoid blown-out days
Fun fact about me
I sift swash-zone sand for mole crabs—stealth beach bruncher.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Slot/size limits common in California — check CDFW rulesCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern