Fishing for Surf Perch in Washington
To begin with, for those who are not familiar with the word “Perch”. Perch is an edible freshwater fish with a high spiny dorsal fin, dark vertical bars on the body, and orange lower fins. Moreover, a sea fish is the other name for surf perch. Here in this article, we will share information about fishing for surf perch in Washington.
Fishing for Surf Perch in Washington: Why Washington?
Washington is one of the homes to a variety of fish, particularly for surf perch. But among these varieties, surf perch is one of the favorites of anglers. Surf perches in Washington are small, hard-fighting, abundant, easy to catch and delicious. Additionally, they are caught on light tackles.
Likewise, other reasons of preference for fishing for surf perch in Washington are its [Washington] amazing sunsets, long sandy beaches, and rocky shores. Further on, the beaches to the North of Washington are wild and rugged ideal for secluded surf perch fishing. They contain abundant wildlife as well. Whereas, the beaches to the South of Washington are flat and sandy which are ideal for family trips.
Surf Perch Species: The following are the surf perch species that are preferred among anglers while visiting Washington beaches:
- Pile perch.
- Redtail surf perch.
- Striped surf perch.
Of the three species, redtail surf perches in Washington are the largest and most abundant. Their fins are reddish in color and have large vertical bars on their sides. As far as their size is concerned, they can reach up to 17 inches.
Redtail surf perches and striped surf perches are ovoviviparous that is, like most fish species, they don’t lay eggs but their females are internally fertilized in the Autumn and keep eggs in their bodies until they hatch. They release the offspring into the water after 8 months. The size of the offspring is 1 inch then.
Equipment to Go With
Before landing on any Washington beach for fishing surf perch, it is important that you have all the necessary equipment with you. For fishing surf perching in Washington, one needs a light spinning rod and a reel combo.
About Rod: Take a rod with you that is 7 to 8 feet long ideal for a 6 to 10lb line.
Reel: As far as the reel is concerned, a 2500 to 3000-sized spinning reel having a 10lb braid is suitable for throwing small lures and dealing with larger fish.
Ideal Baits for Fishing for Surf Perch in Washington
The perfect baits for surf perch fishing in Washington are sand crabs, shrimps, squids, night crawlers, octopus pile worms, etc.
Lures: Some lures also work best on Washington beaches. White and pink small jigs, plastic grubs, and swimbaits are the favorite prey for surf perch fish in Washington.
When to Fish?
Surf perch in Washington can be caught throughout the year. But the warmer months of May through September are a favorite for fishing surf perch in Washington.
Where to Fish?
As discussed above, crabs and other small creatures are the favorite food of surf perch fish on Washington beaches. However, these fish will find their favorite food in areas with shallow water and sandy bottoms.
Similarly, water tides should be taken care of while surf perch fishing. The incoming or outgoing tide provides the best opportunity for surf perch fishing. The surf perches are frenzied for food then and are most likely to bite.
How to Fishing for Surf Perch in Washington?
After choosing the equipment, time, and place, it is time to fish surf perch in Washington now. Many people use fishing waders for fishing surf perch in Washington which can be very dangerous in oceans. The following steps should be followed to catch surf perch in Washington:
- Make sure that the bait is securely hooked.
- Cast as far as possible into the surf.
- Feel the surf perch pulling on your reel.
- Wait for the strike.
- Get ready to clean, cook, and dine.
Surf perch in Washington are aggressive eaters. Therefore, it is important that you keep moving until you find them.
Conclusion
To conclude, fishing for surf perch in Washington is an amazing and fruitful experience. Similarly, in case you are at home with proper equipment, fishing techniques, and the right weather conditions, catching surf perch in Washington is not a big task throughout the year, surprisingly.
Moreover, if you are up for fishing surf perch in the surf, and fish with a friend to fulfill safety measures. Any distraction can cost you a life. The use of a life jacket in the surf would be an added advantage. But if you are going to fish alone, it is better you fish from the dry ground.
FAQs
What is the best setup for Fishing for Surf Perch in Washington?
Before landing on any Washington beach for fishing surf perch, it is important that you have all the necessary equipment with you. For fishing surf perching in Washington, one needs a light spinning rod and a reel combo.
Is surf perch fishing open in Washington?
Yes, surf perch fishing in Washington is open throughout the year but with some limitations of size and bag according to the location you are fishing in.
- What time of day to fish for surf perch?
The first hours of the morning [5 am to 10 am] and the last hours before dusk are ideal for surf perch fishing.
