Pacific Sanddab Fishing Guide

Pacific sanddabs are small, sweet-fleshed flatfish with a cult following among California anglers who know how good they eat — whole on the pan, pan-fried in butter with lemon. They are caught by the dozen on light dropper-loop rigs over sandy bottom and are one of the easiest species on the coast to target, making them perfect for getting limits on slow rockfish days.

Pacific Sanddab is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Sandy and muddy bottoms from 30 to 300 feet along the entire Pacific Coast, often mixed with Petrale sole grounds.

Diet

Small crustaceans, worms, small fish, and squid on sandy flats.

Fishing Techniques

• Light dropper loop rig with small hooks and cut squid
• Sabiki rigs with cut bait near bottom
• Small shrimp or anchovy strips
• Drift fishing over sandy bottom

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 0.4 lbs. World record: 1 lbs (Puget Sound, Washington, USA (2017)).