Mr. Shin of Hook, Line, and Sinker told me yesterday that he has been seeing very large perch being caught after dark from the Goleta pier on many nights during his walks there. His tips were 1. the pier is not usually good for large perch during the day; 2. the fish are being taken just in front of the first breaker in just a few feet of water; 3. heavier than usual line is being used because of the need to haul the large fish up to the top of the pier (I don't see how the perch can be so large as to require line that is heavier than 6 - 8lb test, provided that it is quality line);4. go early because anglers are shoulder to shoulder at the good spot. Does anyone have any further information about this?

Bob

I think that perch generally hang out at the pier, but probably are more active at night, especially when there's an evening high tide and/or full moon.

Are they barred surf perch or some other kind of perch? I'm not sure why you couldn't just fish from the beach too, right along the side of the pier. He mentioned to you the perch are at the 1st breaker, so thats casting distance from the shore and you don't have to rub elbows with anyone. In fact, you're probably more mobile and can cast directly under the pier a little bit easier. I'd probably use 8lb test so that you don't bust off against the pilings.

** tight lines make all my troubles go away **

>I think that perch generally hang out at the pier, but
>probably are more active at night, especially when there's an
>evening high tide and/or full moon.
>
>Are they barred surf perch or some other kind of perch? I'm
>not sure why you couldn't just fish from the beach too, right
>along the side of the pier. He mentioned to you the perch are
>at the 1st breaker, so thats casting distance from the shore
>and you don't have to rub elbows with anyone. In fact, you're
>probably more mobile and can cast directly under the pier a
>little bit easier. I'd probably use 8lb test so that you
>don't bust off against the pilings.

Thats the way I like to do things as well. Instead of fishing "on" a pier or jetty for Perch and Corbina, I prefer to fish right along side especially at night here in Oceanside because I like to build a nice fire in on of the rings that are located on the beach. I like the mobility as well. one of the beefits of having a licence. :7

Aztecwin