Pile perch is rarely targeted by most anglers, but they can be extremely entertaining to watch and fish for from a floating dock. Observing the feeding and schooling behaviours of a pile perch is an effective way to learn about fishing for anyone. This is a species that can be very thrilling to catch on ultralight tackle.

Description

The body of a pile perch is normally grey or brown, with silver horizontal lines across it. Some fish, especially juveniles, have one or two dark vertical bars. Their lateral line is very visible. Both the dorsal and anal fins of a pile perch have spines, so be sure to handle the fish with care. The average size of a pile perch is between 20cm and 30cm, but fish up to 40cm are not uncommon.

Distribution

Pile perch temperate and sub-tropical fish. They can be found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Southeastern Alaska to Mexico.

Life History

Schools of pile perch are predominantly found along rocky shoreline and kelp beds that provide sheltering space from large predatory fish. Their primary food source include small mollusks and crustaceans. Adults may feed on barnacles that are attached to rocks and pilings. Like other species in the Embiotocidae (surfperch) family, fertilization is not external and females give birth to live youngs during summer months.

Fishing Locations

Fishing for pile perch is mostly done from shore, but not impossible from a boat. Prime fishing spots are usually underwater structures, such as rocks, kelps and pilings of a dock. When fishing from shore, be sure to watch your steps on the rocks as they maybe slippery.

Fishing Techniques

Fishing for pile perch is very simple yet exciting. The fish can usually be spotted by observing underwater structures. Pile perch often swim casually beneath schools of shiner perch. If you are fishing from a pier, look for activities around pilings.

The gear used for pile perch should be as light as possible. A short ultralight spinning rod and a small spinning reel are sufficient enough. 4lb test fishing line can easily handle most fish but heavier line is required if you are fishing around structures that may cause abrasion on the line. A tiny sliding weight or split shot needs to sit around one to two feet above the hook. Your hook size should be between number 6 and 10 depending on the size of the fish that you are targeting.

Typical bait for pile perch include small crab, shrimp, prawn pieces and worms. The size of the bait used should match the size of the hook.

When fishing for pile perch, simply drop the rig down to the school or near the bottom. The small weight should allow the rig to sink slowly, presenting the bait more naturally to the fish. Gently jig the rog once every few seconds. The jigging motion should be less than a foot. Quite often the fish will take the bait as it sinks. Be prepared by keeping the line relatively tight to detect the bites on the rod tip. The bites are usually indicated by gradual, pulls on the rod tip.

Once hooked, a pile perch would dive and swim in a large circle. Be prepared to keep the fish away from structures to prevent the line being cut from them.

Conservation Notes

Be sure to check with your local Department of Fisheries and Oceans office for closed waters before fishing. There are many marine parks that prohibit fishing to protect pile perch and other critters. Be sure to know the designated daily quota and minimum size, and always only keep what you can eat. Please release all small fish and spawning adults during summer months to ensure the survival of future populations.

Download this 30 second video clip of a pile perch (subscribers only)

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