Opaleye
Girella nigricans
Opaleye graze on algae and mussels around exposed rock in clear, shallow water, and spook easily from any weight or splash. An unweighted rig keeps presentation natural.
Typical size: 8-16in · Peak season: summer, fall. Always check current CDFW regulations for size and bag limits before keeping fish.
Freeline Rig
beginnersurf & pier & jetty
No weight at all, just a hook tied straight to the line. Bait drifts naturally with the current, which spooky fish in skinny, clear water respond to better than a weighted rig.
- Main line10-15 lb monofilament
- LeaderNone, hook tied direct to main line
- Leader lengthNo leader, hook tied straight to the end of the main line
- Hooks#4 - 1/0 circle hook
- WeightNone, unweighted
- Line to sinkerNot applicable, no weight used
- BaitFresh mussel or green algae
Bait That Works