Surf Fishing Tips for Perch (4K)

Want to be a better surf perch angler and have more fun doing it? Join team @FishwithJD on the beautiful northern coast of California for an epic day of surf perch fishing.
In this video, fishing guide and author JD Richey teaches you the techniques that will help you catch more fish with super light gear!
www.fishwithjd.com
Ready to learn more? Check out JD's ebook about light tackle surf perch fishing:
• LIGHT TACKLE SURF PERCH (4.5 STARS)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
My surf perch gear list:
www.fishwithjd.com/my-gear/lig...
For my massive Catch More Steelhead course, check this out:
www.catchmoresteelhead.com

[@watterson23]

Hands down best video on you tube about Surf Perching.

[@fishwithjd]

watterson23 Thanks so much! I hope it helps!

[@mikeh-yan5788]

watterson23 +1. best tube about surf fishing in socal.

[@PhattyBarnett]

And 6 years later, it's still the best surf perch fishing video on KZbin. Thanks from all the fishermen and women who have learned from this video. Well done.

[@DonnieDispersed]

I’ve been researching surf perch fishing the last couple weeks and I’m surprised this video just now showed up on my feed. Definitely the best most concise and entertaining surf perch fishing video I’ve found so far. Thanks 👍

[@fishwithjd]

Thank you! Hope it helps!

[@shorecasted9295]

This looks like some of my old home stretches in northern Humboldt

[@maxeichenmuller1211]

Was just redtail perch fishing at trinidad, great finds right now close to the pier for rockfish as well, then north of the rock that stretch got good redtail right now

[@Fusterclucked00]

Thanks for actually being informative and not just showing video of you catching fish.

[@johnechterhoff4791]

Thanks! The bobber stops are also used for catching Crappie throughout the U.S.!

[@PNW_Wolfpack_Adventures]

Good tip about the waders

[@gochicagobears1987]

JD, thanks so much for the video. I was in Monterey this past weekend and used your video as a guide. Much preferred the lighter presentation both for the fight and ease of gear I already own. Used a St. Croix 6'6" medium light, 10# main line, 24" #6 leader, 3/4 oz egg sinker Carolina rigged with a #6 hook, Gulp sandworm. Totally new fishing to me, but managed to catch two, of which I kept one about 10" for eating. Felt A LOT of tugs on the line when I had the sandworm, but no aggressive takers, and no tugs at all when switching to a Gulp bloodworm within two minutes and casted to exactly the same part of the surf/hole. I actually cut the sandworm in half to see if it helped, but still no takers, just small, rapid "tick-tick-ticks" to the line, which I'm sure were just small ones. Still, a great time. Thanks for posting your video. It helped a lot.

[@fishwithjd]

+gochicagobears1987 So glad to hear! Thanks for your comment.

[@rhabdob3895]

No way, I bought that book a couple years ago. Liked it, helped me make the move to saltwater perch from Midwest yellows I was in LA at the time, bought a 9 foot steelhead rod and found that to be wayyyy too much club. Fell back on an old 6 ft lake perch setup with a 100 size cardinal reel and was in hog heaven. Cool video and great little book.

[@fishwithjd]

Awesome thank you!!

[@shujah4ever]

What a video JD, thanks a lot. No more digging for sand crabs, and no more 8oz. weights plus more fun, 5* .

[@fishwithjd]

Yeah, way more fun!

[@jimmascaro2456]

For anyone who enjoys surfperch fishing I gave these tiny little kalin twintail soft body lures (1 7/8 inch)a try on very small jig heads - nothing bigger than 1/16 oz. Stick with the smoke grey or green red colors on about a 4-6 ft leader with enough wt to stick on the bottom - I dont use pyramid wts I use torpedo for 2 reasons they cast better & I want them to move with the waves as do all the natural baits. So on your leader tie 2 dropper knots & rig up the twintails. Surfperch go nuts over these, better & cheaper than cammo gulp or real pile worms. Try them you wont be disappointed. Add a little krill scent.

[@fishwithjd]

Jim Mascaro Cool good tip!

[@MichaelConquest]

Great Video! Very informative and helpful for my upcoming trip to the coast...

[@searauber6547]

Awesome video. Good information. Thanks for posting.

[@josephkoziol5421]

Thanks for an informative video.

[@james3374]

Took notes on this video. Thanks for the information!

[@johnpurser2798]

This is the first video I've seen that talks about the different tactics suitable for flat and steep beaches. I love to go after surf perch with light gear but up here in Washington most of our beaches are pretty flat so most days I'm pushing a 9' surf rod and at least 2 or 3 ounces of lead just to get out to where the fish are. I spent a lot of days thrashing the water in close because of all the videos I'd seen talking about how close in surf perch are.

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@johnpurser2798]

fishwithjd I'd like to buy your book but I don't Kindle. I did order some Gulp through your web page link. Thanks for the info. I'll put it to use this spring.

[@fishwithjd]

John Purser the guidebook will actually be available on other formats (iTunes, nook, pdf) in mid April as well (it's exclusive to Amazon for a little while longer). Check back in a bit! Thanks - JD

[@johnpurser2798]

fishwithjd Excellent! I was looking forward to the recipes. I've only tried to eat redtail once and it was really mushy and flavorless. I'll try again this year. I got them on ice pretty quick before but I didn't bleed them.

[@fishwithjd]

John Purser Just wanted to let you know that the Surf Perch Guidebook is available on other formats now. This link is up in the description above!

[@hartleyglenn33]

great video thanks for the tips

[@Tackleboys]

Sweet video JD, thanks for sharing this with us! Helped me out on my first outing here in CA!

[@fishwithjd]

Tackleboys Awesome!!

[@kevinwest4488]

that was a good tip with the boot foots.. subscribed

[@fishwithjd]

Sweet. Thanks!!

[@spencer82rocks]

Like those coverall suit,I need to get mines before I head out,thanks man

[@JHKNVY02]

Absolutely the best surf perch video / lesson I've seen! Phenomenal video!

[@fishwithjd]

Derek Rader Thanks, Derek!!

[@RAGEFISHING]

Great video JD! I can’t believe I haven’t seen this before, a good follow up to the e-book. 👍🏻🎣

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks!!!!!

[@emeraldent]

Great info! Thanks Jd!

[@fishwithjd]

You bet, thanks!

[@paulredding1955]

Lots of good detail! Very nice, and I'm glad you mentioned safety. Two thumbs up!

[@olddog6658]

Should be wearing a belt with those waders....

[@williamboyd8146]

Awesome Brother!! Just what I need to rejoin the quest for Red Tails!!

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks hope it helps!! Good luck.

[@fisch1139]

Excellent really enjoyed this.

[@fishwithjd]

Cool, thanks! Hope it helps!

[@jjeffkocher1736]

Excellent video thanks currently in Klamath California red tail fishing. I must be still green because I just wear shorts and tennis shoes lol but I'm tired of filling up with sand so I might invest in some waders thanks for the suggestion.

[@Fast1098R]

awesome guys!

[@davidhale1959]

what an awesome video full of info! Thank you so much.

[@fishwithjd]

You got it!

[@cgreg6474]

Excellent tutorial ...thanks

[@james3374]

Very informative! Thank you for the video.

[@fishwithjd]

You're welcome thanks for watching!

[@THEKIND253]

Great video! Great information!

[@fishwithjd]

+THEKIND253 Thanks!

[@msotolopez]

Very informative, thumbs up.

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks!!

[@gabehartman6832]

How have I missed this channel subbed!

[@fishwithjd]

Gabe Hartman awesome thanks!

[@joetheagent]

I'm so doing this. great tip. awesome video.

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks Joe...good luck out there!

[@aventurascongeorgy6452]

Nice video,good job.

[@jeffw3776]

Great vid...awesome info..best I’ve seen

[@fishwithjd]

Fishing from Ocean To Lake and In Between Thank you!!!

[@Joshua-og4wh]

Thank you for posting this vid. Inspired me to learn perch fishing, learning the surf. Now I bag almost every week lol

[@fishwithjd]

Awesome!!

[@officialillianuz6671]

Nice fishing , just when out to gaviota and got some !!

[@marwahelmi1991]

Great video. Thanks for the tips. Can you make a video on how to read the beach in more details. You seem really good at it. Thanks again

[@fishwithjd]

Yea, we'll do that at some point. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@johngoold1218]

Just saw this in 2017 - info is just as good now as then. Wish me luck, haven't surf fished before -next week!!!

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks, John! Catch em up!!!

[@gotchahookedfishtrip]

Love this technique works Great 👍 Good video

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks Jim! You certainly live up in some great perching areas!

[@juancarloscienfuegos7450]

Great video guys where you guys fishing this time

[@aidanpak7924]

wow great video thanks

[@fishwithjd]

Thank you!

[@5150roc]

A1 video thanks so much for the info.

[@fishwithjd]

+Michael L (BIRDMAN) Thanks so much!

[@nathanield.4527]

Very informative video...thank you! What size barrel swivel and hook are you using?

[@GerryMoningkey]

Awesome! 😊

[@fishwithjd]

Gerry Moningkey Chillout Music Thanks!

[@danm1319]

Great vid. One other safety tip wear your wander belts. Water is heavy. Gonna try this Carolina technique thank you

[@fishwithjd]

Dan M You are absolutely right! Thanks

[@xyzct]

For safety you should always wear a snug belt around your waders. If you get knocked over like that guy, and the your waders fill up with water like a sea parachute, you can easily get overpowered, dragged into the shorebreak, and with all your gear on, drown just a few feet from shore.

[@fishwithjd]

Absolutely correct!

[@xyzct]

@@fishwithjd, check out this very short articles. It punctuates the point perfectly; if it's hard to keep your head above water WITH a life vest on, imagine how hard, if not impossible, it would be without. Waders are dangerous!!! www.cannonbeachgazette.com/news/coast-guard-rescues-two-kayakers-near-haystack-rock-with-video/article_8a1cdca2-9869-11ea-b55f-af3677d73de8.html

[@poordave9102]

fish here in so cal i love ultra light, using a carolina jig if i use my lucky craft i go strait 20 lb braid. Tight lines!! Diawa Presso 8 Ft ultra light pole Diawa BG 2000 P-line Floroclear 8 lb or 5lb Line

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Butt hurt can you use your 8ft rod and 2000 setup for the jetty as well?

[@koogle612]

Today 1 hr b4 high tide. Double dropper loop fluoro ldr 6 ft w a disk shaped 2 oz wt. (3 oz too heavy - you WANT your presentation sloshed around by the surf just like all the other sand crabs) Size 4 bait holder hks. with sand crabs a little bigger than a nickel. Hook them across the back on top through the hard part of the shell just in front of the jointed tail making sure you expose the whole hook gap & point. 6 keepers 10 1/2 " up to 13". A nice lady let me use her sandcrab rake ($70.00) gotta have 1 now. Really nice tool. Gave her my fish. All the big redtails were on big sandcrabs between a nickel & quarter size & none were even biting beyond a very light cast distance wise. All done buying gulp worms even though they work great. Cant beat sandcrabs once you get it down- free & plentiful. Use a 10 ft fluoro topshot behind your fluoro ldr both 10 or 12 lb test - loop to loop connection - no hdwr. Ultra stealthy as these fish ARE line shy. Most important - just enough tension on the line to feel a bite while still letting your presentation be moved around in a natural way in the surf. Met 3 others fishing - 2 using shrimp (zilch) another using the 2" cammo worms (zilch) I had 6 lg keeper redtails caught mostly in that hr b4 high tide. Use the crabs with a big orange egg clusters under the tail. They go nuts over them.

[@fishwithjd]

Great tips!

[@robbiesflytyingchannel]

Awesome!

[@fishwithjd]

Robbie's Fly Tying Channel Thanks!

[@RodneyMarquezFishingChannel]

Cool video!

[@fishwithjd]

+Rodney Marquez Thanks!

[@Elias-cg7uq]

+fishwithjd Awesome, Great advice and Inspiration, And your video is better than perfect! What exact beach was that? Great Book too! THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU !!!

[@5winder]

Good tips, JD... may the good Lord (JC!) bless you.

[@fishwithjd]

5winder thank you

[@RoguesNtheHouse]

Great vids man, I'm learning a ton. Finally some info instead of people just making music videos!

[@fishwithjd]

RoguesNtheHouse thanks!!!

[@sunnyboypetralba671]

wow very imformative sir thnx

[@fishwithjd]

Sunnyboy Petralba Thanks!

[@SouthernFisherman]

Great vid

[@fishwithjd]

Thank you!

[@WyomingOutofDoors]

Good video friend

[@bobjohnson7207]

Right on.

[@jimmychanga774]

Love your hat. Son goes there. Can you give us some locations? Great video.

[@hammer44head]

I like your video, very well done. We been fishing light tackle for Surf Perch since the early-80's. Gaudalupe Beach, Oceano,Pismo Beach, Sand Spit in Los Osos. All great Perch fishing. We used sand worms and sand crabs back then, still do when I run out of money but I love the Gulp camo worms the Perch pound them as do the Jack Smelt which are fun to catch also. I use a LamiGlas X11 9.6 rod light action with a Penn 710 with 12 lb mono. I prefer 8lb but I am always hoping I can catch a flatty or White Bass so just in case I use the 12lb. I subscribed to your channel hope ya keep posting the good stuff!! Fish On!

[@spencerbarclay1786]

You probably have seen Donny Kerabatsos out surfin' too.

[@nathanladd3096]

I have a lamiglas x11 same size only it's a salmon and steelhead pole but damn is it a good pole for pretty much any fish. Nice and strong yet very flexible when you need. Got it for a killer deal too so I couldn't pass it up. I got a good baitcaster set up on it with some nice braid.

[@tudocervera3764]

excellent video, nicely done.... thanks a bunch my friend. in my opinion you out rank all the surf fishing vids.

[@fishwithjd]

+tudo cerveja Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@xyzct]

A few extra tips: -- Release females if possible. -- Flatten the barb on your hook. It makes releasing fish much easier. (I've never lost one on a barbless hook.) -- Wet you hands before handling the fish. -- Don't throw the fish if possible. Release gently. Fish aren't built to take much impact shock. -- Wear a belt with waders. It's a key safety issue. ...

[@ltadokoro]

Point Reyes north and south beach is where I've been fishing all my life. Its been not so good. Where are you guy fishing? This video is got me very excited!

[@mikeh-yan5788]

shad chovie try Point Mugu Area and north side of Leo Carillo beach

[@ltadokoro]

shad chovie Thanks Mike H-yan. I live in norcal so Cabrillo is kinda far. Besides I'm after redtail perch. Peace

[@SuperBardley]

JD, what an awesome vid, thank you for sharing! Bushy at NCKA recommends this vid and he is spot-on. I have a question: What is the difference in use between a spinning reel vs. a bait caster? Weight of the reel?

[@fishwithjd]

SuperBardley Thanks! As far as the reel goes, it’s just a matter of what you are more comfortable with. Either spinning or baitcast is fine for perch.

[@oregonlife]

very informative, thanx. +1

[@4kpm]

what am i doing here , i was watching your video lol

[@RaRahsgirl1099]

Thanks for the amazing video!! Have never fished on the surf yet but am gonna try in Brookings, OR this 4th of July. Any idea what the limit is to keep?

[@fishwithjd]

Tiffany Koontz Not sure in Oregon. Grab a regulations booklet at the local tackle shop. Bookings has some awesome perching tho!

[@RaRahsgirl1099]

Thanks :)

[@rpmblues7018]

Tiffany Koontz When I stay at the Yurts a mile north of Brookings I fish just down from the Yurts. Sand crabs or Berkley's gulp sand worms.

[@cynematek]

awesome video, my buddy taught me how to read the beach like in this video but i didn't really get the grasp of it until i fished by myself one day, your vid however helps me understand and read it even better, what size are those owner hooks btw?

[@fishwithjd]

cynematek Glad you liked the video! The hooks are #2-4

[@josuealbino5311]

This is one of the best video I have seen I live a hour away from tillamook Oregon and i saw you video and give me the thoughts to go fishing tomorrow but I was wondering what size of weight you did you use ?? And also what was the name of the bait and is there another good bait to fish with??? If you can reply to my comment I would appreciated and I already subscribe to you KZbin videos they are great thanks for explaining everything like you suppose too not like the other videos that ppl just put .. This video I give 5 stars

[@fishwithjd]

Josue Albino 1 ounce. Berkley GULP sandworm. Gulp nightcrawlers are good too. For much more info, check out my website: www.fishwithjd.com/2009/06/22/light-tackle-surf-perch/

[@ctbsancho2516]

Great video! Are your egg sinkers free to slide on your main? And when you beefed up the lead when it got more rough, how much do you put on? Thank you I'm a noob

[@fishwithjd]

BTC 605 Thanks! I put a bobber stop above the sinker so it doesn’t slide. Weight depends on wave height and current but typically I go 1/2 to 1-Oz. Good luck out there!!

[@matmit73]

All time vid!!! I fish this same method all the time in Santa Cruz. So fun!! How far North are you?

[@fishwithjd]

Matt Mitchell Del Norte County

[@geosonoma]

Love this video! What kind of reel are you using?

[@fishwithjd]

+George Bradley I don't remember specifically, but just pick one out that's sealed for saltwater. I'm a fan of Revo's.

[@nutsack-1904]

Cool video bro! I'm a new subscriber to your channel. I fish for perch at ocean beach and baker beach in SF. Where do you do your fishing? Have a good one and tight lines!

[@fishwithjd]

NutSack-1 thanks! I fish mainly in Sonoma-Mendo-Humboldt counties but also use the same techniques from SF to SD

[@MontereyPhoto]

Great video! What size rebarb hook are you using and is it light wire or medium wire? Thanks!

[@fishwithjd]

Thanks, Manuel! In the vid, I believe I was using a No. 2.

[@diegomedrano6637]

thank you

[@fishwithjd]

+Diego Medrano My pleasure!

[@noah_nguyen_]

Hey do you think thi will work in ca I’m new to surf fishing

[@fishwithjd]

Absolutely!! We shot this vid in CA!

[@ShanePingStyle]

Is Redtail surfperch fishing still easy to you recently? Subbed +1!

[@johnsaechao6245]

Came across this vid as im sitting at the exact same spot as this vid haha pretty cool. But still skunking. June 9th 2018

[@fishwithjd]

John Saechao haha cool

[@reathom]

hey nice catch, would you be able to tell me where you are or what Beach ? thanks, nice vídeo !

[@fishwithjd]

The video was shot in Humboldt and Del Norte counties

[@thaddeust.thirdiii736]

I’d rather surf perch fish than combat fish for salmon on the river

[@sqhunter65]

no I'm from NorCal but I couldn't tell how far north or if it was an Oregon

[@jimquantic]

Hey, what are the those super long, thin rods I see out there? Are they "Noodle Rods" or "steelhead rods", I know they are not standard surf rods. Maybe something custom from local shops? Thanks

[@fishwithjd]

Just basic 8-12 lb Steelie rods.

[@syfyrytr1652]

Great tips Thanks . Please mention size and bag limits for your location. The HERO pix of you fishing are nice, but real info would help. Red Tail SUrfperch Ca. 10.5 inches, total surfperch 20 with max of 10 of any one species. I think I go fishing .. ;-)

[@leolldankology]

Nice redtails

[@brandoncarton3491]

All I have are circle hooks. Would that be fine? They are 2/0 so they're kinda big

[@tracywong4590]

Hey JD, what brand of waders do you recommend? Got your ebook but it doesn't mention. Thanks!

[@fishwithjd]

Sorry I missed this question! I am a big fan of Simms boot foots. Expensive but they last!

[@eugenejohnson8635]

That color of your rod is reddest Brown or it brown do they still have them on the market

[@mrsockeye]

I found this to be a very educational video. Reading a beach seems a lot tougher to me than reading a river, and my success with surf perch verifies that statement.

[@mikeyev9402]

what kind of reel are you using

[@kirtnozu4168]

What reel and rod are you using

[@aqmaico]

At 3:55, it'd be helpful if the cameraman was filming where you're pointing to show the trough, deep spot or rip...

[@fishwithjd]

Anthony Mai good point

[@aqmaico]

@@woodyjustin42 Yeah I live in the Portland metro area. Do you?

[@batray61]

Seems like the line would have a tendency to tangle itself on the weights when you use 2 sliding sinkers. It happens to me but maybe I am doing something wrong. Love your video by the way!

[@fishwithjd]

You can put a bobber stop on the line above the sinkers to keep them in place

[@sivrahc5373]

any tips for trying this at longbeach? only tried the surf pole and 8oz weight method there.

[@fishwithjd]

I haven't fished Long Beach but the concepts are the same. Just wait for a mellow surf day and go for it!

[@finnhilden6151]

I went surfperch fishing at Lincoln city Oregon and I caught one perch, I used the gulp sandworm and I thought my leader was to short. What leader length do you recommend?

[@ThienHeoBangDayThun]

FinnsFilms where did you fish in lincoln city , i have to go to beaver creek park , about 100 miles from salem. i'm looking for some place in lincoln city to fish too.

[@fishwithjd]

FinnsFilms 36"

[@Max-wd8ox]

Hi JD, In the commentary section of the video you say: "Typically 30 pound braid with a 3 foot, 12 pound monofilament leader." then "1-ounce sinkers and 12-pound braid with an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader" So my question is which one would you recommend :) Thank you so much

[@fishwithjd]

Hah! Guess it depends on my mood! Actually, I'm always evolving my gear so right now I'm on the 20-pound braid program with a 15-pound fluoro leader!

[@Max-wd8ox]

Thank you JD for the reply I really appreciate it. that helps a lot! My last question is you do a palomar knot for the hook and on one side of the swivel but what about the other side of the swivel? And that would be my last question..

[@fishwithjd]

I do a Palomar on both ends

[@brett9382]

max i tend to have to have my pole with 10-12lb mono mainline and I carry 8-12lb line for leaders. Use the heavier leaders when the waves are larger.

[@henryduran3899]

Hey guys. I'm looking to get a new rod specific to perch fish. I fish 10-15lb power pro, I throw 1/2-3/4 oz egg sinker, and the spot I fish the reds are huge, up to 2-3 pounds! I have a choice of 9'6" 4-10lb, 9'6" 6-12lb, or 10'6" 6-12lb all moderate action rods. Which would you choose? Thanks all

[@whatsupclimber]

What lb line and leader do you use??

[@jimquantic]

Agree with most of this BUT there is room for the long rod, on occasion. And when you need and use it, it does not have to be "forty pound" line. More line 20 braid, heavy weight BUT the leader remains LIGHT. When you NEED distance--and sometimes you do, you can use the "long rod". Personally, I bring BOTH, and always end up leaving one or the other as conditions dictate. Just an opinion.

[@fishwithjd]

Absolutely correct!

[@gabrielm442]

Do you also throw L.C. 110's or 115's baits ?and if you do, do you also use this same rod Lamiglas LX96 X-11. Thanks

[@fishwithjd]

Yes, I do throw the LC's. I've switched rods quite a bit since then...but I like a slightly shorter rod when fishing the plugs for ease of handling.

[@jonweaver2410]

Are those Reddington boots wader?

[@gianthuman3315]

Looks like the lagoons