The Fishing Report

Fishing seasons & conditions by region

Redtail Surfperch Amphistichus rhodoterus

Redtail Surfperch Size, Range & Diet

Typical size	8–14 in, 1–2 lb
Maximum	up to about 17 in and over 3 lb
Lifespan	Up to 9 years
Range	Open sand beaches from central California north through Oregon and Washington to Vancouver Island.
Habitat	The breaker zone off sandy beaches and adjacent jetties, often only a cast or two out; moves up into bays and estuaries to spawn in spring.
Diet	Sand crabs, small shrimp, mussels and marine worms tumbled loose by the wash.

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 Redtail Surfperch

Deep, strongly compressed silvery oval body
Reddish to pink-tinged tail and fins (especially the tail and pelvics)
8-11 narrow olive/brassy vertical bars on the sides
Small mouth; spiny and soft dorsal continuous as one fin
Gives birth to live young (livebearer), unlike the egg-laying smelts

Tell it apart: Among surf-zone fish, the rosy-red tail and fins on a deep, slab-sided body separate redtail surfperch cleanly from the slim, cigar-shaped, silver Jacksmelt.

Easily confused with: Jacksmelt / Perch

Side by side: Redtail Surfperch vs Jacksmelt / Perch

How to Catch Redtail Surfperch

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Best late winter into spring spawn, February through April — work the sandy suds with sand-shrimp or clam strips on a two-hook surf rig.GearTwo-hook surf rig Pyramid sinkers Surf spinning combo
Best late winter into spring spawn, February through May — fish sand shrimp or clam strips on a two-hook surf rig in the sandy breaker troughs.GearTwo-hook surf rig Pyramid sinkers Surf spinning combo

When & Where Redtail Surfperch Are in Season

Peak Good Fair Slow

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Northern California Inshore
Pacific Northwest Inshore

Redtail Surfperch Regulations

CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Marine Region NOAA Fisheries (West Coast Region)PFMC WashingtonWashington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW)OregonOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW)

Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.

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