Redtail Surfperch
Amphistichus rhodoterus
Also known as: Redtail; Porgy; Oregon Porgie
Size & Weight
Average Length
9.6"
Max Length
16.0"
Average Weight
1.5 lbs
Max Weight
4.5 lbs
Lifespan
14 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 30 ft
Water Temp
50-60°F
Sandy ocean beaches in surf zone; jetties; estuaries seasonally
Behavior
Spawning Season
Fall mating; birth Aug-Sept
Migration: Females move into estuaries for birthing; coastal movement along beaches
Diet: Small crabs; mussels; sand shrimp; marine worms; mole crabs; small fish
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round; best spring-summer
Techniques: Surf fishing; jetty fishing
Best Bait: Sand shrimp; clam necks; mussels; pile worms; sand crabs; Berkley Gulp
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; delicate white flesh
State Records
Washington
4.05
lbs
California
3.44
lbs
Fun Facts
Give birth to live young; can sense harbor seals approaching; only PNW surfperch not found in Southern CA
How to Identify
Red-orange tail; silver body with dusky patterns; found sandy beaches and bays
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 9.6 |