Help To Identify This Fish

Fishman Fishman

Well-Known Member
#1
Hello Friends, caught this fish at Avila Pier on Friday afternoon. Used cut anchovy. It has a large head and mouth. One small sharp spine on both sides of the head. Yellow/Brown color. Stripes on the pectoral/caudal fins. Dorsal fin separated into two. Thanks for the help. 20201120_132131.jpg
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#2
Too easy, our old friend the staghorn sculpin aka bullhead. They can be almost impossible not to catch on CenCal piers at times. It used to be the same in SF Bay but some areas have seemingly seen a disappearance of them over the past few years. Do be careful on their sharp spines.
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#3
Bigger question, is the Avila Pier open? I thought it was still closed? Might this have been on the Port San Luis Pier?
 

Fishman Fishman

Well-Known Member
#4
Too easy, our old friend the staghorn sculpin aka bullhead. They can be almost impossible not to catch on CenCal piers at times. It used to be the same in SF Bay but some areas have seemingly seen a disappearance of them over the past few years. Do be careful on their sharp spines.
Thank you.
 

Fishman Fishman

Well-Known Member
#5
Bigger question, is the Avila Pier open? I thought it was still closed? Might this have been on the Port San Luis Pier.
The Avila pier is open upto the halfway point. There is a fence preventing any further access along with a pier progress improvement sign. Limited fishing access at the halfway point. Tried to attach photo but file too large. We did some fishing also at Hanford Pier (Port San Luis) - skunked. Thank you!