Grunion are small silvery fish about 5-inches long that spawn in the spring and summer months. They surf the waves to come ashore and lay eggs in the wet sand.They return to the ocean with the next wave. The fish are to be caught only by hand. A fishing license is required for persons age 16 and older.
OPEN SEASON: March / June / July / August CLOSED SEASON - Observation Only: April & May   

If you have never experienced a Grunion Run, grab a thermos, blanket and bucket. It is a coin toss to find them. Sometimes they hit  select  beaches, other nights you are left alone with the moonlight--Well you and the other adventurous, curious masses. The anticipation of seeing the elusive silver wave is just as fun as actual event.  They are like twinkling stars in the foam. First you see a few sparkles and then within minutes the sand is blanketed in dancing fishes. That is when the people rush the waters to scoop up the slippery prize. We like the catch and release method. But some keep the fish and make a tasty fish stock,fried or grill. They are not very substantial  and I find them rather bony and not worth the work of finding those pesky needles. It is  unique to Southern California. And just another excuse to cuddle and be at the beach at midnight.