Redtail Surfperch
Amphistichus rhodoterus
Redtails are the dominant surfperch north of Bodega Bay, schooling tight to sandy beaches and moving into sheltered inshore water before spawning in spring and early summer. The same wash-zone approach that works for barred surfperch further south applies here, just further up the coast.
Typical size: 10-15in · Peak season: spring, summer. Always check current CDFW regulations for size and bag limits before keeping fish.
High-Low Rig
beginnersurf & pier & jetty
Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand. Simple to tie and easy to re-rig on the beach, which makes it the standard starting point for surf and pier fishing.
- Main line12-15 lb monofilament
- Leader15 lb fluorocarbon
- Leader length8in from main line to each hook
- Hooks#4 - #2 baitholder
- WeightPyramid sinker, 2-4oz
- Line to sinker4-6in from bottom swivel to sinker
- BaitSand crab, mussel, or bloodworm