M
mustardthetrout
I haven't fished for surf perch for at least 15 years. Are you by chance targeting the second pool after the first breaker; Roughly 12-20" of water?
Did quite a bit of surf fishing for both striped bass and perch just south of Pacifica, south of San Francisco. Heavy gear for the bass because of the size of the fish and distance of casting the 5-6" Cotton Cordell plugs and 3-4oz. Micky Fin lures.
Trout rods and mostly white Worden Rooster Tail spinners for the perch. Don't recall the spinner size, but they were about 1 3/4" to 2" long. Worked better than anything else most times. Started out fishing surf perch using sand crabs and pile worms; don't think Berkley Gulp had been invented yet.
I believe the perch caught were barred surfperch. They had vertical stripes along their sides and some were quite large.
Have you tried any spinners for these perch?
Very nice stringer of perch... Yum.
It would be interesting to go out there with some larger baits such as half or full anchovies, always wondered if that would lead to larger fish. Anyone every tried it? Also, do perch bite year round? I've done really well about a month ago, not sure if the bite dies off in the winter.
A few years back when I fished Pacific City. I asked one of the Dory boatman, How do you know when it's a good time to launch? Against wave highth ,strength, and duration of breakers. I have used this sight along with one of NOAAs coastal conditions and predictions."surf-forcast.com" should tell all that is needed for the conditions you may want to fish on the beach. Hope this helps some of you. TonyI personally like a mild surf. Much easier to fish. Seem to get bit just as much in a tamer surf and it's a much more pleasant time. And IMO.....safer. I've found fishing against big breakers can be a little spooky now and then.....particularly when a BIG wave runs behind you and returns. Lots of water with lots of force can take you off your feet. A few Redtails are not worth your life. Please be alert, careful and NEVER turn your back on the ocean when fishing a big surf. Good luck out there!