Shiner Perch. This small perch, Cymatogaster aggregata, is one of the main fish caught on piers by youngsters in California. It makes a good “live bait” when other, more preferable, species like anchovies are unavailable. In northern California, where live bait is generally unavailable on piers, it has become a bait of choice for halibut and striped bass. It is used far less frequently for bait in southern California but again comes into use when other species are absent.
Although rarely considered the “best” bait, it is hardy and easily caught. Most commonly used are the smaller perch, and the shiners are normally fished near the bottom with a Carolina rigging or a live bait sliding rigging. At times though, even high/low leaders baited with the small fish may produce a halibut, bass, shark or a ray.
Although rarely considered the “best” bait, it is hardy and easily caught. Most commonly used are the smaller perch, and the shiners are normally fished near the bottom with a Carolina rigging or a live bait sliding rigging. At times though, even high/low leaders baited with the small fish may produce a halibut, bass, shark or a ray.