Comments on: Spring Surf Perch Fishing

By: Butch Krauth

Butch Krauth — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:30:20 +0000

OMG, Surf Perch fishing is a complete kick, I’ve fished from Santa Cruz to Monterey and believe me there are a ton of places to hook up with some great fishing. I found out by accident one day fishing for Stripers at the mouth of the Salinas river when a 2 pound Red Tail nailed my shrimp. I went home and rigged up much lighter with very small twin tail grubs about an inch long in motor oil color (local liquor store tackle), and about 1/2 ounce sliding sinker above a two foot leader. 10 fish in about 2 hours! I was soaked but had a great time that I have repeated more times than I can count.

By: Tom Markle

Tom Markle — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:40:44 +0000

I’ve surf fished for red tail with light gear for 40 years. I’ve always down well from Capitola to Washington State. They are a great eating fish when filleted properly taking the center bones out with a small V cut after filleting. Lots of fun catching and releasing also. tj

By: Casty Mctangles

Casty Mctangles — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:54:32 +0000

Well since you posted your question a year ago I am guessing your questions may have been answered but if not I will tell you what works best for us. First off we always use Razor clam necks for bait though if you are not an avid “Digger” then you may want to try the Berkley gulp worms, sand shrimp or whatever you can find that works well. One old timer even told me that Boloney works (go figure!). I use 10# to 15# monofiliment main line on a spinning reel. On the main line I slide on a small plastic bead, then a small plastic tube with a swivel attached. I have no idea what they call these things but you can find them at just about any sporting goods that sells fishing tackle. After running my mainline through the tube whatchamacallit, I slide on another small plastic bead then tie a barrel swivel to the end of my mainline. For leader I use about four to five feet of 10# test monofilament and an octopus hook at the end. I attach my weight to the swivel on the tube watchamacallit. I have found that a 2 ounce pancake style weight works best for just about every surf condition. It sounds complicated but its a really easy rig to tie. I use the same rod that I use for Steelheading but I’ve got friends that even use trout rods and they seem to do just fine. If you think you are going to stay dry…think again, if you fish in Washington you need to wade into the surf. You should invest in neoprene or waterproof breathable chest waders if you want to do it like we do. Wade into the surf to about your waste and fling that bitch out there. PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIDE!!! and watch behind you as well as in front. Last week a buddy and I failed to do so and very nearly had to swim. We didn’t realize we were fishing on a sand bar while the tide was coming in. Stupid I know, we know better but got caught up in the moment because the fishing was so good. Drowning in the Pacific is not the way you want to finish off your fishing trip. Good luck and keep Clam.
Casty McTangles

By: Cecil Taylor

Cecil Taylor — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:41:47 +0000

I’m so glad I found this site through Sep’s show on saturday’s on KHTK 6 to 8 am. I haven’t been steelhead fishing , but thanks to the web site i’m going to give it a try. Then get with my friends to go surf fishing

By: casey newman

casey newman — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:53:31 +0000

what can you suggest for a first timer at grays harbor i have never caught a surf perch before but am very excited to try it thanks for any help