Sea Chubs: Family Kyphosidae
Species: Girella nigricans (Ayres, 1860); from the French word girelle (a derivative of julis, an old word used to denote a number of small wrasse in Europe), the Latin word nigr (dark) and the Greek word ikanos (becoming, in reference to its pleasing appearance).
Alternate Names: Blue-eye perch, green perch, opaleye perch, bluefish, blue bass, greenfish, Jack Benny, Catalina perch, button-back, button-eye, and button bass. Called chopa verde in Mexico.
Identification: Opaleye are perch-shaped but heavier bodied. Their coloring is usually dark olive green, usually with two light spots at the base of the dorsal fin; occasionally pale green while some almost all white fish have been observed. Eyes are distinctive: large and an opalescent, blue-green color.
Size: To 26 inches and over 13 pounds. The California angling record fish weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was taken near Los Flores Creek in Malibu in 1956. Another 6 Lbs 4 oz opaleye was reportedly caught by David Douglas at the Santa Monica Pier in 1964 (Pasadena Independent, January 16, 1964). It was never officially recorded. The diving record fish weighed 13 Lbs 7 oz and was speared by David Williams at Aliso, south Laguna Beach, in 1964. Unfortunately, most opaleye caught from piers are less than 14 inches in length.
Mahageer (Hashem Nahid) and an opaleye from the Cabrillo Mole in Avalon
Range: Gulf of California (isolated population), and Pacific Coast from Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California, to Otter Rock, Oregon. Common from Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California, to Point Conception. Less common north of Point Conception and rare north of Monterey. A resident population does appear to have made a home at the Monterey Coast Guard Pier in Monterey. Surprisingly, the World Record Fish listed by the IGFA is from that isolated population, a 4 Lbs. 0 oz. fish that was caught on February 24, 2019.
Habitat: Generally found in intertidal, shallow-water, rocky areas and kelp beds. Recorded to a depth of 105 feet.
Piers: Can be caught from almost any pier in southern California located near rocks, reefs, or kelp. Less common north of Point Conception although taken occasionally at piers in Morro Bay. Uncommon north of Cayucos but a population seems established near the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey. Considered rare north of Monterey. Best bets: Shelter Island Pier, Ocean Beach Pier (inshore), Oceanside Pier, Oceanside Harbor Pier, Dana Harbor Pier, Cabrillo Pier (jetty side), the Green Pleasure Pier and Cabrillo Mole (Avalon), and Paradise Cove Pier. Most of the fish caught at SoCal piers are fairly small to mid-size opaleye. The exceptions are the two piers in Avalon that almost always have good-sized fish available for the opaleye-seekers.
An opaleye I caught at the Cabrillo Mole
Shoreline: One of the main goals of rocky shore anglers in southern California.
Boats: An inshore species rarely taken by boaters unless targeting them at places such as jetties and breakwaters.
Bait and Tackle: Some anglers specialize in opaleye, and many of them swear that moss or frozen peas are the best bait. I’ve actually caught more on ghost shrimp but I must admit that I’ve watched, many a morning, while a group of opaleye “pros” from Los Angeles (I recognize them by now) caught opaleye after opaleye and they almost always use moss as their “bait du jour.” I think all three baits are excellent for opaleye (although the ghost shrimp are more expensive and sometimes hard to find). Fresh mussels, pile worms, bloodworm, and small rock crabs also make good bait. I also managed to hook a few opaleye using garden snails during an experiment testing different baits at Catalina in 2005.
Food Value: A very good eating fish that is mild flavored, small flaked, firm textured, and low in fat content. It is suitable for many forms of cooking but most commonly fried or steamed whole.
Opaleye caught from the rocks on the Palos Verdes Penninsula
Comments: Primarily herbivores (vegetarians), opaleye eat a variety of plants including feather boa kelp, giant kelp, sea lettuce and coralline algae. Evidently they also grab organisms attached to seaweed as they’re making their rounds, tasty little items like tube worms and red crabs. Opaleye are a favorite of many anglers; they’re hard to hook but once hooked put up a very good fight for their size.
The crystal-clear waters at Avalon present quite a challenge for the sagacious, line-shy opaleye. Big schools of 2-4 pound fish hang around the Green Pleasure Pier and the Cabrillo Mole but they can be very hard to catch. They seem more cautious of line at the Green Pleasure Pier but if you use a light line, perhaps 2-4 pound fluorocarbon, you might get them. (Actually, to be fair, I catch them every year at the Pleasure Pier and I usually am using 8-10 fluorocarbon). Of course the 1,794 ropes, tangled lines, pilings and yellow submarines that surround and hang under the GPP might also get your line.
At the Mole it’s the long fronds and blades of the giant kelp that sway (tidally) in or out near the railing. If the opaleye are allowed to encircle the kelp it’s pretty much over. As soon as they are hooked apply pressure and try to keep them coming toward you while having a person ready with a net. You need to use light line but can also pay the consequences if you’re unwilling to apply enough pressure.
Big opaleye from the Cabrillo Mole
The opaleye “pros” who come over to Catalina from Los Angeles take the ferry over for one day, fish exclusively at the Mole, fish for one species—opaleye, and are almost always successful (coolers are crammed with fish). You learn from such experts and a few things should be mentioned.
The first is that the opaleye are typically at a mid-water depth, five to ten feet under the surface of the water depending upon the depth of the water. They are rarely caught on top and infrequently caught on the bottom (although I’ve caught several fishing on the bottom at night and they are often caught on the bottom by anglers casting out from jetties).
Second is that if you want to fish the correct depth a float is desirable and long slip-line floats are the preferred tackle for the opaleye hunters.
Third is when you see the float go down, strike and, as mentioned, try to keep the fish out of the kelp.
Fourth is that light line (preferably fluorocarbon) and small hooks (size 6 or smaller) are key.
Opaleye, especially the older, larger fish can be frustratingly difficult to catch. Chum with peas and a whole school may come up to check out the bait and fish after fish will approach the bait before turning away in seeming disapproval. But, the challenge of outsmarting the fish is part of the fun.
[…] Food Value: A very good eating fish that is mild flavored, small flaked, firm textured, and low in fat content. It is suitable for many forms of cooking but most commonly fried or steamed whole. Opaleye Pier Fishing in California […]
Many fishermen love opalye because they are difficult to catch but, if caught, fight quite hard for their size.
It’s been my hobby to go fishing with my friends. Is there a community i can join here?
Interesting read about opaleye! I’ve caught these before but never cooked them. Do you find their flavor pairs better with light citrus marinades or bolder herbs? Also, does their firm texture hold up well to grilling compared to other perch varieties? Would love to try a recipe with my next catch!
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Definitely gonna try moss next time! Thanks for the info!
Never knew they were vegetarians.
Wow, this is a super helpful guide for opaleye fishing in California! I had no idea they liked moss as bait. Gotta try that next time I’m at the pier. Thanks for the tips!
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Depending on the water depth, opaleye are usually five to ten feet below the surface. This is the first characteristic of mid-water.
Opaleye are such a challenge, but so rewarding! Moss and small hooks are definitely the way to go
Those secret spots for big opaleye in Avalon sound amazing! I’ve only caught small ones from piers.
It’s crazy how selective opaleye can be with bait! Always a fun puzzle to figure out what they want.
It’s a good spot to pause and learn about the many environmental elements that affect the bay’s health and the fisheries that depends on it.
It’s fascinating to learn about the opaleye and its diverse nicknames, like Jack Benny and button-eye! I didn’t realize how varied their appearance could be or that some have almost white coloring. The record sizes are impressive—especially the 13-pounder speared by David Williams. This reminds me of how catching rare fish in games like Bitlife can be a fun way to experience the excitement of discovery, just like real-life fishing.
I remember catching an opaleye, or Girella nigricans, during a fishing trip near Catalina Island. Its unique coloring really stands out in an aquarium, and the variety of names it goes by is interesting! When I’m not outdoors, I relax by playing Slope Game, which is a great way to unwind after a long day. Both activities help me appreciate the diversity in hobbies and nature.
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this Opaleye guide is super helpful for my next pier fishing trip!
Sea Chubs, or opaleye perch, are a vibrant addition to marine life, boasting a plethora of names and a rich history in nomenclature. Their unique appearance and cultural significance reflect a diverse ecological tapestry. During a dive in California, I encountered a school of these stunning fish, reminiscent of a Block Breaker moment when unexpected beauty surfaces amidst the waves. Such encounters remind us of the ocean’s hidden treasures and the stories they tell.
Great post on Opaleye!
What a fascinating read! I had no idea about the ‘Opaleye pros’ or that they’re such a challenge to catch. Now I’m tempted to try for one myself.
Fascinating read—those opalescent blue-green eyes really do give the opaleye its name
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Great read. I’ve always found the central California coast to be the sweet spot for surfperch. Your point about the incoming tide is spot on—it makes all the difference in getting them to bite.
Great read. I’ve always wanted to try pier fishing in California, and your tips on bait and tides are really helpful. It sounds like a perfect way to spend a morning without needing a boat.
I appreciate the effort you put into writing this. Keep sharing!
Gemini said
It’s always a fun challenge trying to outsmart those line-shy opaleye with frozen peas or moss, especially when you manage to land one of those hard-fighting beauties from the rocks at Catalina.
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This essay was entertaining and educational at the same time. Your willingness to share some of your original ideas is much appreciated. I’ll make sure my fellow fighters get this.
It’s always fascinating to learn about the etymology behind the names of different fish species. I had no idea “girelle” had such an interesting history! And those alternative names are quite a list; I wonder which ones are most commonly used by local anglers.
It’s always fascinating to learn about the etymology behind a species’ name. “Becoming” is such a lovely descriptor for the opaleye! I also love that it has so many interesting alternate names.
It’s so interesting to learn about the origin of their name and all the different names people call them! I had no idea they could get so large, either.
It’s always fascinating to learn about the origins of fish names, and the breakdown of Girella nigricans is particularly interesting. I never realized there were so many alternate names for this fish!
That’s a really interesting breakdown of the opaleye’s name origins! I always appreciate learning the etymology behind species names. It makes me look at them in a new light.
It’s always fascinating to learn about the etymology of fish names. The breakdown of “Girella nigricans” is really interesting, especially how “ikanos” relates to its pleasing appearance. I also love all the different alternate names for the opaleye!
It’s fascinating to learn about the origins of the opaleye’s name, especially the “pleasing appearance” part. I’ve always admired their distinctive eyes and the range of colors they can have. Thanks for sharing such detailed information!
It’s always fascinating to learn the origins of scientific names, and “Girella nigricans” has such a rich history! I love how the description highlights both its dark color and its “pleasing appearance.” What a beautiful fish!
This was a fascinating read about the opaleye! I had no idea they had so many different common names, and the etymology of their scientific name is really interesting. Great details about their appearance too.
I found the description of the opaleye’s distinctive blue-green eyes really interesting. It’s cool how a fish can have such unique features!
It’s really interesting to learn about the etymology of the name “Girella nigricans.” I always appreciate when articles dive into the history behind scientific names. And those alternate names are quite a list – “Jack Benny” definitely made me smile!
It’s always fascinating to learn the origins of fish names, and “Girella nigricans” definitely has an interesting linguistic background. The description of their distinctive opalescent eyes makes me want to see one in person!
It’s always fascinating to learn about the different names a single fish species can have, especially across languages. “Jack Benny” for an opaleye is a new one for me, and quite amusing!
It’s fascinating to learn about the various names for this fish! “Jack Benny” is definitely a new one for me, and it makes me wonder about the story behind that nickname.
It’s really interesting to learn about the etymology of “Girella nigricans.” I never knew the name had such a detailed origin story, connecting it to old French and Greek words. And all those alternate names for Opaleye are quite a list!
It’s always fascinating to learn about the origins of fish names, and “girelle” having roots in old European wrasse is really cool. I love how the description connects the Latin and Greek to its “pleasing appearance.” What a beautiful fish!
It’s really neat to learn the etymology behind the name Girella nigricans. I’ve always just called them opaleye and never thought about their scientific name. I also had no idea they could get up to 26 inches, that’s a big fish!
Wow, fascinating read! The description of these opaleye and how tricky they are to catch reminds me of learning anything new, really. Like trying to master a new skill or even sharing some knowledge – it’s all about timing. You can prepare, read all the advice, but sometimes the ‘fish’ just aren’t biting! It’s kinda like playing Doodle Baseball, haha. You gotta time that swing perfectly, and even then, you might strike out. But hey, each try teaches you something new about the ‘pitch’. Definitely makes you appreciate the small wins!
Wow, that’s fascinating! I never really thought about where scientific names come from. It’s cool how they combine different languages to describe the species. It kinda reminds me of those tense moments in agario – one minute you’re a small cell growing, the next you’re getting absorbed, ending up a meal for another player! I get the “dark” part there, the fear of being eaten is real!
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Wow, fascinating details about the Opaleye! I never knew they could vary so much in color. That bit about the opalescent eyes is particularly striking. It reminds me of how sometimes I stare at a Sudoku puzzle for ages, convinced I’ve got the solution, only to realize I completely missed a number. My eyes must glaze over just like those pale green fish! Gotta keep my brain sharp, just like those fish need sharp eyesight to spot food. Thanks for sharing these cool facts!