The past few weeks we have been highlighting a fantastic perch bite all along the beaches of Monterey Bay. Not only are the barred surfperch and calicos here in big numbers but the quality, or size of fish is truly amazing. Perch in the two-pound class, usually a once-a-year experience for dedicated surfcasters, are being reported with regularity this season.


A few theories have been discussed regarding this sudden bounty as well as some concerns. Local ocean water temperatures have hovered a few degrees above "normal" this winter, prompting many to believe the surfperch bonanza is a result of "southern fish" migrating to our area for feed. This theory is supported by the increased numbers of "blue perch" or half-moon fish being caught near Monterey lately, along with opaleye, another fish more often found in southern California waters. The continued presence of bonita in our area also bolsters this assumption.


And, though catch rates vary day by day, and from beach to beach, there is no arguing we are seeing more perch and bigger perch this year. Ten-fish limits weighing 10 pounds, 15 pounds and even as high as 25 pounds have been tallied in this weekly fish report. Which brings up the concern of possible overfishing. Especially as the larger perch are more likely female, and most likely gravid at this time of year.


Responsible anglers are most often dedicated conservationists as well. No one cares more about fish than fishermen. Sadly, there are always a greedy few who will take whatever they can, sometimes within the limits and sometimes while violating Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Ken Oda, a DFW environmental scientist and avid fisherman himself had this to say. "I agree (that) a conservation education reminder message to respect the resource, e.g., gently releasing fish rather than pitching them onto wet sand or belly flopping them from 20', and keeping only what can be eaten fresh, benefits everyone as well as the resource. Keeping the males over the females could potentially help provided ocean conditions cooperate and ensure survivorship."


During his angler surveys from 2007-2011 Oda noted many anglers especially those fishing the northern half of Monterey Bay often practiced catch and release while perch fishing. Finding the fish, hooking them up, bringing them in for a quick photo and gentle release is the height of ethical fishing. Keeping a few to fry up that night is not only completely legal, but an awesome bonus of being an angler.


One of Oda's DFW co-workers recently completed the Fisheries Review study for 2013. Kristine Lesyna had this to say regarding perch abundance. "The surfperch assemblage includes seaperch and perch, and encompasses 24 species. Many of California's marine surfperch are the target of a modest commercial fishery in central and northern California (11.6 t in 2013) and a sizable recreational fishery (exists) throughout the state. The surfperch fisheries in California are solely managed by the Department. No formal stock assessments have been completed for surfperch and the fisheries are considered data-poor; however, there is no indication that surfperch stocks are in decline based on the best available data. Although surfperch stocks do not appear to be declining, their low fecundity and mating and spawning aggregations may cause them to be more vulnerable to fishing."


Summing up that statement would indicate that the current 10-fish bag limit is reasonable, and that practicing CPR (Catch-Photo-Release) is a responsible and rewarding practice. Get out and practice now, as the annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby is scheduled on March 14, 2015. Information and entry can be found at www.sandcrabclassic.com. More info on how and where to catch the elusive surfperch can be found at www.zenflyfishing.com, or on JD Richey's eBook, Light Tackle Surf Perch available on Amazon or www.fishwithjd.com.


Send your photos, comments or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com