The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Barred Surfperch Amphistichus argenteus
Barred Surfperch Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 9–14 in, 0.5–1.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 17 in and about 4.5 lb |
| Lifespan | up to about 9 years |
| Range | Sandy Pacific surf from Bodega Bay in northern California south through Baja California, thickest along Southern California beaches. |
| Habitat | Sandy-beach surf zone — troughs, holes and rip channels right in the wash, though the fish also range out over much deeper sand. |
| Diet | Sand crabs above all, plus small clams, worms and other beach invertebrates. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Barred Surfperch
- Silvery, deep oval compressed body with olive-green back
- About 8-10 dusky vertical bars on the sides (may be faint)
- Brassy/yellow flecks scattered between the bars
- Single continuous dorsal fin, spiny front grading into soft rear
- Small terminal mouth, no chin barbel
Tell it apart: The deep, compressed silvery body with vertical bars and a small barbel-less mouth separates it from the elongated, single-chin-barbel Corbina.
Easily confused with: Corbina
Side by side: Barred Surfperch vs Corbina
How to Catch Barred Surfperch
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- Strongest late winter into spring spawn — work the suds with sand-crab-imitation grubs and bait rigs on high-low leaders near troughs.GearSand-crab grubsHigh-low surf rigsSurf spinning rod
When & Where Barred Surfperch Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Inshore |
Barred Surfperch Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.