The long period between storms has brought nice weather for beachgoers and anglers in pursuit of perch. Wintertime perch fishing can be a hot pick and this year it is an exceptional choice. Barred surfperch have been plentiful this winter and now is the time.
We are blessed with the many beaches of the Monterey Bay with small coves up the coast, and the nearly 20-mile stretch of beach from Capitola to Monterey.
Barred surf perch are a coveted quarry for perch anglers — both for the sport as well as a fresh fish for the table. The barred perch is most commonly caught along the soft sandy spots along the coast. They do seem to bite better during cloudy or overcast conditions but can also be caught in sunny conditions.
Beach anglers have their opinion of tides. While most favor a high tide, some prefer incoming while others swear to the outgoing tide. The key is finding the right holes, or rips on the edge of a nice pocket or a depression in the beach. This is usually on the edge of the breaking waves where a rip occurs. If the hole does not produce fish, move to the next as the story goes.
Types of gear for perch can range from bait to artificial plastics and lures. Some anglers “plunk” while casting bait and letting it soak. Sand crabs, pile worms, mussels and shrimp all work well for perch.
Other anglers consider perch fishing an action sport and walk the beach casting “grubs” — a small, artificial rubber lure that may mimic sand crabs in the sand while slowly being retrieved.
Both techniques have been working, as some days anglers have caught five or more large barred perch up to 15 inches and released quite a few smaller fish. Other days, the fishing can be slower.
These fish seem to roam the beaches and stay in an area for a while before moving on. Timing and luck can play a role in perch fishing you have to go to catch them.
The 11th Annual Sand Crab Classic is a local perch fishing event that raises money for Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, March 14.
The event is great fun and usually fills up fast with a limited amount of entrees. Anglers can find out more and sign up on line at www.sandcrabclassic.com.
n Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 20 years. Contact him at [email protected]. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080) from 8:06 to 9 p.m. Thursdays April through the end of August.
