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Species guide

How to catch Opaleye

Girella nigricans

Stylized 2D illustration of Opaleye
saltwatergame fishGirellidae

Opaleye are saltwater fish known for their distinctive deep body and opalescent eyes. Juveniles inhabit tidepools before moving to rocky subtidal zones as adults. They are popular among anglers for their unique appearance and fight.

Where they live

Found in shallow to moderately deep rocky coastal areas and seabeds along the Pacific coast of North America. Juveniles stay in tidepools before moving deeper to 30 meters as adults.

Typical size

Up to about 66 cm

What they eat

  • Algae and various marine aquatic plants
  • Seaweed species like Pterocladiella and Colpomenia

Best baits

  • Seaweed
  • Algae-based bait

Best lures

  • Small jigs
  • Soft plastic lures mimicking marine vegetation

How to fish for them

  • Light tackle fishing near rocky shores
  • Shore fishing with natural bait

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How to catch Opaleye | Bobbr