The surf perch bite has really picked up along the San Luis Obispo beaches, and if you’re planning to head out, now is a great time. After spending a full day fishing the area, I’ve found that a medium-fast retrieve is the real secret to landing these feisty perch. With the weather cooperating and the surf relatively calm, it was an ideal day to test different techniques, and the results spoke for themselves.
I started the day using my usual Carolina rig, rigged with a 2-inch perch grub. I’ve often used a slow retrieve, thinking it would tempt the perch into biting, but I quickly noticed the same old problem—too many nibbles and not enough solid hooksets. So, I switched things up, deciding to speed up my retrieve. This turned out to be the right move. By keeping the bait moving at a medium-fast pace, I noticed fewer half-hearted bites and more committed strikes. The perch seemed to have less time to nibble and instead went straight for the full bait, leading to much better hookups.
The key difference with the medium-fast retrieve is that it keeps the bait active and moving, preventing those frustrating moments when the perch pick at the tail and leave you empty-handed. Using my Shimano Vanford C5000XG reel, paired with 28lb Alien Braid, I was able to maintain this faster pace without any issues, feeling every little bump and bite along the way. This setup allowed me to keep steady tension on the line, which was crucial for turning bites into landed fish. Throughout the day, I had consistent action and felt connected to the bait with each cast.
The conditions were prime for surf perch fishing. The water clarity was decent, and the moderate surf helped create the right environment for the perch to feed actively. I found myself reeling in several healthy perch, each putting up a good fight. With the medium-fast retrieve, I could feel the perch strike hard, making it easier to set the hook and keep them on the line. What stood out most to me was how the fish reacted—there were fewer missed bites compared to the slow retrieve approach. It felt like every bite mattered, and I wasn’t wasting time on fish that weren’t fully committed.
For anyone heading to the beaches of San Luis Obispo, I strongly suggest giving this medium-fast retrieve technique a try. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s experienced in surf perch fishing, this adjustment can make all the difference. The perch are clearly responding to a faster bait presentation, so there’s no better time to switch things up and experiment with speed.
The San Luis Obispo surf has been delivering lately, and as long as the conditions stay favorable, I’m confident this pattern will hold. The perch are feeding, and they’re hitting hard if you present the bait right. Keep your retrieve quick, stay patient, and be ready for a steady stream of bites. With this technique, you should be able to turn those bites into landed fish more consistently.
Vincent Chiofalo, better known as vincegoesfishing, is an avid surf angler and content creator. You can check out more of his adventures on YouTube at @VINCEGOESFISHING or follow him on Instagram @vincegoesfishing. He’s also the founder of CaSurfFishing.com
