How to Catch More Surfperch Using Gulp Sandworms

Got a late start but was able to catch a few nice barred surfperch using the Gulp Sandworms. Plus, tips on how you can catch more!
Location: Monterey Bay
Date: 2-12-2017
Primary Pattern: Carolina Rig with Gulp Sandworm
Time Fished: 9am-2pm
Conditions: Sunny
Follow me on Instagram: / die.hard.fishing
Gulp Sandworm: amzn.to/2sds6L7
Gear used:
10 foot Shimano Convergence
amzn.to/2uvBvhN (not exactly the same rod, but similar)
Shimano Sahara 4000
amzn.to/2uw17v2

[@summertime2433]

I caught a 30" California Halibut on the new penny sandworm. I first thought a snagged a kelp stringer and when I went to try and break it off that was when the halibut started to take off on a short run. I had halibut steaks and tacos for weeks! Gulp sandworms are a must have in your surffishing arsenal.

[@DieHardFishing]

Yeah man, the sandworms are killer. Crazy how many species you ca catch on them.

[@danjenlilyful]

i spent 6 days fishing for surf perch this last week, only on one day did I catch any and caught 9. I learned that the gulp sand crabs dont work, the worms were there least favorite but the shrimp worked the absolute best. Took all the advice from all the fishermen who were like me not catching anything and made my own guess's then slayed them. Cooked or raw shrimp it didn't matter they perch love them, they are hard to keep on the hook and i used small pieces on a high low rig with two hooks and a 2.5 our weight. I tried wrapping the shrimp with the string but they hit hard and usually both hooks get hit when you get a bite and your baits gone so get a pound of shrimp. On all the days I caught nothing is because there incredibly hard to hook. You will get 100000000 bites most withing seconds of being in the water but trying to hook up is the most frustrating thing in the world. I tried every size of hook and it just dont matter, hard to hook period. Also out in the surf nobody out of hundreds caught anything at all not even one fish. If you want the fish go to the jettys and fish 5 feet out from the rocks and the waves will bring your bait to the rocks and keep your line tight at all times to feel the bites and to try and set the hook, next to the rocks i got hit on both hooks within 1 min of dropping in the water every cast again just can't set the damn hook. I did get about 5 bites in those 6 days on the gulp sand worms, not one bite on sand crabs/ fleas and all the fish in seconds on shrimp.

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for the tips!

[@santiagoayvar4293]

Thanks, i have not seen anybody catch a fish around me, i will try the shrimp next time and follow your advise all the way

[@mortonyakimadetectingthepa9015]

Are you talking the little 1 inch salad shrimp you buy at the store. I've been thinkin about trying those.

[@cathy40]

Thanks for wearing the go pro on your head and not on your chest. So much better than the other guys! I enjoy your videos! Thx!

[@DieHardFishing]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@MrDavleus]

There's no size restriction on surf perch except if it's a red tail in CA. That ones you're were catching are barred surf perch.

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for your comment, I was just saying that I personally don't like to keep anything smaller. You are correct, any size is legal.

[@Tackleboys]

Cool video! looks like my local beach south of Santa Cruz - love the CA coast!

[@DieHardFishing]

It very well could be!

[@NorCalMtnBiker86]

I know exactly where that fishing spot is as I fish there.

[@preemz2083]

Can you do a video on how to specifically set up that rig please when you get a chance that would be great

[@DieHardFishing]

Sure! I will do that next time I use it in a video!

[@-AverageJoe-]

I have crazy good luck with those! They pretty much always catch fish

[@DieHardFishing]

Same!

[@koriibett]

Nice video! Do you think 8 lb monofilament for a main line would work out in the surf? I also have braided line but it requires much heavier weights(50 lb test line) and I would like to try a lighter setup for surfperch fishing. Thanks!

[@stixxxrixx]

I use 10# as my main line & 20# leader for surf perch fishing & it has worked out pretty good.

[@timmyallen5655]

Good stuff . Would you ever use a hilo rig ( chicken rig ) or a drop shot in this situation

[@manuelsantos8213]

Great video, and nice size fish for the frying pan.👍👍👍

[@mumble97]

did u get that net at the fishery supply in san jose

[@hawgseason]

Applied your tips and advice, and caught my PB perch today!

[@DieHardFishing]

Right on!!! How big was it?

[@hawgseason]

It was about 3lbs! Pretty nice one. I used your recommendation on the rig and bait. Thanks again.

[@DieHardFishing]

Congrats!!!!

[@Vengeance0117]

You cast and let the hook and gulp just sit there or are you slow retrieving?

[@HATINTHEKAT]

If the current is really pushing your line around whether the waters really moving or you’re using a lighter or less “grabby” sinker then you can just let current move your rig around and that’ll make the worm move around and attract the perch, if that is t working you can do slow retrieves, even pop the rod slightly here and there if you wish, the fish will tell you what they want or they won’t be very picky depending on the day and time, and if they’re really active or if you want to switch things up you can use a drop shot rig with two hooks attached above the weight with the halved gulp sand worms and either let the current flutter and wiggle those worms or you can jig it on a semi slack line to entice them, small lively curly tail grubs work well too cuz the current can really flutter those tails well, good luck if you give it a shot, sorry if it’s tmi haha

[@jazrid9261]

gotta tell you , the vids you are posting up are the best , boom , love your style ,im all about the surf fishing now . grew up fishing under the pier in Monterey, drop line for perch , bottom fishing for sand dabs , good stuff , bout to retire getting my surf set up on , got a old school set up from my old neighbor AL ,yea its an Olympic 4000 way kool but im thinking not gonna get it done, so just asking for your help and expertise, gonna be fishing west coast monterey to moss landing for sure on the beach what is your go to set up rod and reel ?? im totally dedicated to a 10 ft pole also , ok thanks for the vids love the catch and cook , keep on filming !!!!!

[@DieHardFishing]

If you check my most recent videos, you can see my preferred setup for fishing the beach. All my gear is always linked in the description. Glad to hear you are going to be getting out to the surf soon. Good luck!

[@kenbobca]

How do you keep people from stealing your gear while you're facing out to sea fishing??

[@DieHardFishing]

Try to keep an eye on it and hope I can chase down whoever has sticky fingers, haha

[@garysakamoto4007]

I've had more issues with seagulls stealing stuff than people. Always close up your gear bag or tackle box.

[@HATINTHEKAT]

Either wear your gear on you with a fishing vest, pouches, around the waist packs, or a good backpack. If you want to leave it on the beach def put a small fishing rod bell on the backpack where it can’t be seen and just taken off, so if anyone tries to lift it they won’t see it and it’ll ring out and hopefully you’ll hear it, if you’re on a dock or something you can do the bell and a bike lock chain also! Docks that get a lot of people can easily be targeted by POS thieves lol, caught my fair share of idiots lol

[@calicooutdoors]

Good stuff man! Subscribed and looking forward to more videos!

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for the support!

[@bigeyetuna1]

1st time watching your video. Can you show us what and where to look for (dips) before we make are 1st cast? Nicely put together. Like it!

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for watching. Planning on doing a video like that in the near future. Stay tuned!

[@michaelyoung5707]

have you ever caught a striper off the gulp sand worm?

[@jimquantic]

Thanks, good video. Any tips re. time of year? Mating, spawning? I notice almost no one brings this up, is it not important?

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for watching. Winter would be the best time in my opinion but surfperch can be found year round.

[@faustolara573]

I live in los angeles love fishing but I don't know where to go or best place to fish

[@Christian-sr6pd]

The beach

[@Heybrewski]

Bolsa Chica

[@PierLifeFisherman]

Oceanside pier

[@bassinbaitman]

Question where did you get you net

[@vien619]

Never been surf fishing before, going this weekend. What the size limits and how many can you keep?

[@DieHardFishing]

Good luck! Make sure you check the regs online! All depends on the species and area you are fishing!

[@zeealmighty]

Do you bleed each fish before putting them in your cooler or do you wait to get home??

[@DieHardFishing]

I always bleed them right away.

[@Ltaylor5454]

Well put together video man! Keep it up!

[@DieHardFishing]

Hey thanks for watching! More videos coming soon!!!

[@isaiahgomezz]

Die Hard Fishing where is this at

[@user-kk6lc1th2r]

What was the rest of your setup (rod, line type/size, hook size esp what you downsized to)? And those were some nice slabs as well!

[@DieHardFishing]

Hey P, thanks for watching. I am planning on doing a video soon with my setup for perch but heres a quick rundown of what I was using: Rod: 10 foot medium Line: 15 pound mono Hook: Size 1 Octopus

[@philsakakihara]

Noticed that you stay in on place. I was under impression that for perch needed to keep moving to find them, have you found that to be the case? Also what beaches are you fishing at?

[@DieHardFishing]

Sometimes I move more than others. In general, it is good to keep moving until you find a good school of fish. Every day is different though.

[@patrickhuaranga2586]

Die Hard Fishing where in Monterrey did you went? will be nice to have the location thanks, btw, nice video from quarry lake

[@DieHardFishing]

Hi Patrick, I don't like to give out the exact location but any sandy beach will hold perch.

[@summertime2433]

Phil Sakakihara, I like to work them slowly along the bottom and fish the on a Carolina rig. That way I cover as much water as possible. I've caught some surprisingly big fish in skinny water.

[@freddiegonz4113]

Hi bro, I am planning to buy this 10 foot Shimano Convergence. What is the max weight can it handle? In my area sometimes you need to use bet 2-3 oz due to rough tides.

[@DieHardFishing]

Yeah, it should be able to handle 2-3 ounces no problem!

[@freddiegonz4113]

Die Hard Fishing thanks

[@preemz2083]

How far are you casting out

[@DieHardFishing]

anywhere from 50-200 feet

[@baharat2]

Like to fish this surf perch. Sometimes you can get them with just the hook no bait, sometimes you can bait caviar and no bites always. Like use a 10ft to 15ft rods, lite takle, always use 10 lb braid, dont trust mono with seaweed.

[@brandoncarton3491]

baharat2 don’t tell people to not use bait

[@brandoncarton3491]

Which color is best? Camo or bloody? I've been recommended both

[@DieHardFishing]

I think both work well, I have caught fish on both but prefer the Camo color slightly

[@freddiegonz4113]

What is the weight of the line you typically use for surf perch fishing?

[@DieHardFishing]

It depends on how big the surf is but I usually use 2-3 ounces

[@HATINTHEKAT]

15 or 20lb braid to a heavier 20lb mono leader tied with a fg knot or double uni knot or blood knot, so the braid won’t get frayed from the sliding weight and dragging along the bottom, or you can just use straight mono, like a good low stretch and abrasion resistant 12 or 15lb mono/copolymer line.

[@YS-qq6tw]

What kind of rod is this heavy?

[@faustolara573]

where are you fishing

[@KevinRamirez-rz1js]

What's the legal length and how many can I take home..?

[@DieHardFishing]

It's always good to check your local regulations but there is no size limit on barred perch where I fish. Only a maximum of 10 fish per day.

[@matthewwilcox1438]

Where in Monterey Bay was this location at?

[@nutsack-1904]

Monterey

[@robertonestaj1329]

Best spot(s) along Monterey up to SF to surf fish?

[@DieHardFishing]

Any sandy beach for surfperch!

[@hansperch6182]

awesome catch bro! subscribed and looking forward for more vids

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@אדםאיתןוגיאהמלכים]

Which size hook

[@colewilliams5869]

such a cool guy

[@annesisommout6593]

What is the size limit for these guys?

[@DieHardFishing]

Where I live, no size limit. Just a bag limit of 10 per person, per day.

[@trumptorianguard4617]

Wait..... how do you replay the advertisements?🤣😂🤪

[@DieHardFishing]

You keep watching the videos until it comes up again, lol

[@alextchieng7621]

Use a size 6 bait holder with 2” Bloody or cam0.

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@alextchieng7621]

Die Hard Fishing sure

[@cgreg6474]

Pole length recommendation ?

[@DieHardFishing]

9-10 feet

[@thecardoc8234]

How do you cook and eat them?

[@DieHardFishing]

Usually I pan fry them and eat with rice. I am planning on doing a catch and cook video soon so stay tuned for that!

[@thefishingdaystv3680]

Gee I wonder how to eat them???🤔😒😑

[@OfficeofthePacific]

Way to get 'em!

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@mandizzlesrt]

Lol... smaller hook and 1" sand worm. That does the job.

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jrc202]

Had no luck using these sandworms

[@DieHardFishing]

Try it again at another beach!

[@raymondross9970]

What size hook & weight for the Carolina rig?

[@DieHardFishing]

It all depends on what bait you are using. In this video, I believe I was using a size 1 or 2 hook.

[@jeigzgella1705]

is legal size?

[@DieHardFishing]

Yeah, there's no minimum size for barred surfperch

[@richardhaduca9783]

subbed...cool vid bro. tight lines!

[@DieHardFishing]

Thanks for the support!

[@daviddavey1727]

A little more info on your technique would be helpful!

[@rajgill7576]

I think I was your 102,000 view lol that’s neat

[@DieHardFishing]

Sick bro!

[@enriquetaveraperez2795]

What size J hook anyone? All help is welcomed! Thanks cool video btw

[@DieHardFishing]

Any size that fits the bait! Thanks for watching

[@Rick97266]

#2 baitholders work the best. Also, in this video he is using the 4-6" sandworms. the 2" work really well too

[@HATINTHEKAT]

I second the size 2 baitholders, just sharpen them up with a hook hone first, those bronze baitholders never come very sharp unless you buy the gamakatsu ones or something, but for the eagle claw/lazersharp ones def sharpen them a little, or you can use any octopus or Aberdeen/j style hooks too, sized 4/ even a size 1 or 1/0,

[@axminsterz4151]

I third that but I go as high as 7/0 lol

[@miguelplascencia6093]

Lol that was not a 12" more like 6"

[@keepitreal5148]

you sound tired bro

[@DieHardFishing]

lol, waking up early isn't easy!

[@keepitreal5148]

@@DieHardFishing haha i know right :)

[@edward0646]

I don't understand why you don't want to give the exact location. Most of the guys surf fishing give the location. It's public anyway.

[@jr1697]

+Edward Melton Spot burning is a very controversial topic that is taken quite seriously in the fishing community. If you check out any major fishing forum, you'll see that posts are regularly deleted or censored if they provide too much detail on exact locations. This could be driving directions, GPS coordinates, a photo with an obvious landmark in the background, or even simply naming a beach or nearby town. The point is, when you post something on the internet, that information is now available to thousands of people, not all of whom are on the up and up, and now that spot becomes at risk of being trashed (due to overharvesting and/or littering). While it's true that most people you run into at the beach probably won't have any problems sharing details and locations with you in a one-on-one setting, sharing information like that on KZbin is another animal entirely. I've noticed that most KZbin fishermen (most but not all) actually do their best to not spot burn as a sign of respect to the local fishermen and beach goers, because the last thing you want is to have them pissed off at you and walk back to find your car keyed or worse. It seems to me like too many people are going on KZbin these days looking for an easy meal on a place to fish when really they should be more focused on learning the techniques and knowledge passed on instead. Just my 2 cents.

[@bad1487]

Edward Melton research your local beaches until you find a good one that allows fishing. Learn to read a beach from KZbin videos. If you still have trouble catching fish, ask the locals who seem to be getting them. That is how I learned to surf fish.

[@bad1487]

Edward Melton research your local beaches until you find a good one that allows fishing. Learn to read a beach from KZbin videos. If you still have trouble catching fish, ask the locals who seem to be getting them. That is how I learned to surf fish.

[@aceboardtheangler5252]

Edward Melton well put!

[@pinoybalotan]

@@jr1697 Correct you've got to play to make the perch pay.