Let’s Go Fishin’: Storms bring perch inshore

Recent winter storms brought rain, high winds and heavy surf to the coastal waters. The large winter swells have churned the local beaches and formed new sandbars.
Perch like the heavy surf action and cloudy winter days to feed.
The best spots for winter perch are the beaches from Half Moon Bay to Monterey. In this area, the key ingredient for perch success is to find beaches with some structure or sand bars.
The beaches to the north of Santa Cruz usually have cliffs at the north and south ends of the beach, with reefs outside the inshore sandy spots. Sandbars with heavy rip currents are ideal spots along the stretch of beach from Capitola to Monterey.
The most sought-after perch in our area is the barred surf perch, while red-tail perch are caught north of Monterey Bay.
It is possible to catch many varieties of perch: rubber lip, rainbow, black, white, calico, and walleye perch are common. Rubber lip and rainbow perch are caught in kelp beds or near harbor jetties or wharfs. Barred perch can be caught from wharfs and are usually found along sandy stretches of beach.
The main food source for barred perch is the sand crab. A newly molted sand crab has a soft shell, and barred perch have a sweet tooth for soft-shelled sand crabs.
Fishing from a local wharf is a safe and easy way to catch perch. Some anglers find success and solitude along the beaches of Aptos, Moss Landing or Marina. Casting out bait, mussels, shrimp, sand crabs or pile worms can produce steady action. Some anglers use rubber curly-tailed grubs and walk the beach, covering more area. Either technique can be rewarding, and a cloudy or overcast day seems to be best.
The sixth annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament will be March 20 this year. The contest draws a fun, competitive crowd, and all proceeds go to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. Entry forms can be found at Anglers Choice Tackle shop in Capitola, Bayside Marine or online at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com. Just remember, entries are limited and must be in before Feb. 21.
• 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 15 years. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080) from 7:06 to 8 p.m. Thursdays April through September. Contact him at [email protected].