Saltwater · San Francisco
Perch - Rubberlip Seaperch
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
The body of the rubberlip seaperch is oval and compressed. The mouth is comparatively large and the lips are extremely thick. The lower jaw is slightly shorter than the upper. The color is variable but it is generally whitish with brown to brassy overtones on the back fading to tan below. The lips are whitish or pink. Juveniles have one or two vertical dusky bars on the body, although these usually are not found on adults. Its large size and thick prominent lips distinguish it from all other perches.