Though we seemed to get off to a good start this winter in terms of rain, sadly we're in an extended dry spell right now. Much more rain is needed to recharge our river and stream systems, as well as reservoir and groundwater supplies. Steelhead season has been open since December 1st, but beyond a few scattered initial reports, it looks like few of the big ocean-going trout are in the system at this time.

There is always a silver lining, however. This year has proved so far to be outstanding for surfcasting perch. Barred surf perch are on the bite all along the Monterey Bay. Beaches closer to Moss Landing are historically the best spots to pursue the BSP's during winter, but this year we've seen quite a few limits caught in Santa Cruz and the city of Monterey as well. And, the quality of fish is high. Last week we reported a limit of fish (10 perch) that weighed in over 10 pounds. This past week we saw a couple 10-fish limits weighing over 25 pounds. That is an average of two and a half pounds per fish. Truly gargantuan!

Twin Lakes Beach, the Santa Cruz Harbor jetties and Seabright Beach all produced well this week. Though the waves are small, enough structure remains from our last big swell to retain some deeper holes and troughs that support feeding perch. For the beaches in town, we have found the strike zone to be just beyond the breaking waves. Olympic casting abilities are not necessary. Any long trout rod will do the trick, using eight-pound line, and four to six-pound leader. A #4 hook on 18-40-inch leader depending on depth of the "hole," and you are in business.

Many anglers prefer to use a sliding egg sinker of 1/2- 3/4 ounce for casting. The egg weight allows the bait to roll and sway with the current. Others use a small pyramid weight to hold the bait in the current, while the leader sways above it. Either technique will work, as will the classic pyramid weight at the end of a heavier leader, with two dropper loops to holding hooked bait. Look for rip currents or brown discolored water that marks the holes and rips. Cast just beyond your target area and slowly reel your presentation into the strike zone. Let your bait sit for a while to entice strikes. If no fish are biting, stroll down the beach to the next likely spot. For bait, plastic grubs or worms work well, especially the scented variety. Shrimp bits will entice bites as well as live sandcrabs, the natural perch prey (softshells are best).

Conditions vary from day to day, but most agree the best time to fish perch is two hours before to two hours after high tide. Conversely, many of the big fish caught last week were hooked during low tides. Barred surfperch are very edible. Usually cooked whole, one merely need to gut and scale the fish, then cook it quickly on a hot frying pan. Many prefer to use iron frying pans for perch. Most important is to avoid overcooking these fish, as the meat will turn mushy.

Using light gear and a loose drag the bigger fish can really give you a run for your money. Surfperch are very strong and somewhat fierce. The lighter your gear, the bigger the challenge and the more fun to have chasing Monterey Bay's wintertime gift.

Get out and practice now, as the annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby is scheduled on March 14, 2015. Information and entry can be found at www.sandcrabclassic.com. More info on how and where to catch the elusive surfperch can be found at www.zenflyfishing.com, or on JD Richey's eBook, Light Tackle Surf Perch available on Amazon or www.fishwithjd.com.