Saltwater · Central
Perch - Rainbow Surfperch
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
PERCH
Season
Open all year, except surfperch may not be taken or possessed by a person in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay between April 1 and July 31
Depth limit
No Depth Limit
Daily bag limit
(1) In San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay,the aggregate limit is 5 surfperch, not including shiner surfperch. For all other areas, the aggregate limit is 20 surf- perch, not including shiner surfperch. Not more than 10 surfperch may be of any one species.(2) the special limit for shiner surfperch is 20, which may be taken or possessed in addition to the overall daily bag limit of 20 fish specified in sub-section 27.60(a).
Minimum size
No Size Limit
Gear restrictions
may be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand. Any number of hooks and lines
Identification
A species of surfperch found along the Pacific coast of North America from Cape Mendocino, California to northern Baja California, Mexico. This species prefers rocky shores over sandy ones, and is never found in the surf, preferring the edges of kelp forests down to depths of about 40 metres (130 ft). This species grows to a length of 30 centimetres (12 in) TL. This species is the only known member of its genus.