Barred Surfperch and Redtail Surfperch in California
Where barred surfperch and redtail surfperch live in California, with limits.
- 20 a daydaily bag
Angling for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch across the state
Barred surfperch and redtail surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus and Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its other group. Bag and size (Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays)): 20 a day, none.
CDFW maps it along the north, central and south coast.
barred surfperch and redtail surfperch in CDFW words
“Barred surfperch range from Mendocino (Mendocino County), California to Bahia Santa Rosalia, central Baja California, Mexico. Redtail surfperch range from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Avila (San Luis Obispo County), California.”
“Both species are found in the surf on open coast sandy beaches, and in bays and estuaries.”
- SizeThe largest documented barred surfperch measured 19.5 inches (49.5 centimeters) total length (TL) and 4 pounds 12 ounces (2.15 kilograms). The largest redtail surfperch recorded measured 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) and 4 pounds 1 ounce (1.
- SeasonSurfperch, including barred and redtail surfperch, may not be taken commercially from May 1 to July 31 statewide except for shiner perch which is open all year. The surfperch recreational fishery is open year-round except within San Francis
- GearThe primary fishing gear used by shore-based commercial fishermen and recreational anglers for barred and redtail surfperch is hook and line by rod and reel.
- Where fishedThe barred surfperch commercial fishery occurs primarily in San Luis Obispo County while redtail surfperch are fished along Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte County open coast sandy beaches. The commercial fishery is prohibited from taking
- Other namesBar perch, redtail
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays) | 20 a day | none | Year round |
| San Francisco and San Pablo bays | 5 a day | none | Year round except April 1 – July 31 |
| Statewide | 10 a day | 10.5 in minimum | Year round (see SF/San Pablo Bay closure) |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Related to barred surfperch and redtail surfperch
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
- GaribaldiOther
Short answers on barred surfperch and redtail surfperch
Does California set a size limit on barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
20 a day (Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays)), size none.
Is there a state record for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
No record is on the CDFW table.
Where in California should I fish for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
The barred surfperch commercial fishery occurs primarily in San Luis Obispo County while redtail surfperch are fished along Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte County open coast sandy beaches. The commercial fishery is pr
Will CDFW plant barred surfperch and redtail surfperch this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do barred surfperch and redtail surfperch get?
The largest documented barred surfperch measured 19.5 inches (49.5 centimeters) total length (TL) and 4 pounds 12 ounces (2.15 kilograms). The largest redtail surfperch recorded measured 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) and
When can I target barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
Year round
Do I need a license for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for barred surfperch and redtail surfperch?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase barred surfperch and redtail surfperch statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.