Pile Perch
Rhacochilus vacca
A silvery surfperch species found along the Pacific Coast, known for its compressed body and ability to give birth to live young. Popular among pier and surf anglers for its willingness to bite and good eating quality.
Pile Perch at a glance
- Scientific name
- Rhacochilus vacca
- Typical size
- 8-14 inches, 1-3 lbs
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Inshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Pile perch inhabit shallow coastal waters, particularly around piers, pilings, rocky areas, and kelp beds from British Columbia to Baja California. Anglers commonly target them from piers, jetties, and shore using small hooks baited with marine worms, mussels, or small crabs.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a pile perch through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksPile Perch questions people ask
Pile Perch is Rhacochilus vacca.
A typical pile perch runs 8-14 inches, 1-3 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every pile perch you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Pile perch inhabit shallow coastal waters, particularly around piers, pilings, rocky areas, and kelp beds from British Columbia to Baja California. Anglers commonly target them from piers, jetties, and shore using small hooks baited with marine worms, mussels, or small crabs. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.