White Croaker (Tomcod)
Genyonemus lineatus
White croaker are a year-round mainstay over sandy bottom off nearly every California pier, feeding by scent in loose schools. They're an easy, reliable bite for a beginner, though heaviest spawning activity runs November through May, which is when numbers pile up most.
Typical size: 6-14in · Peak season: winter, spring. 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#6 - #4 baitholder
- WeightPyramid sinker, 2-4oz
- Line to sinker4-6in from bottom swivel to sinker
- BaitSmall strips of anchovy, worm, or shrimp