Arts & Entertainment
Run with the Grunion in Coronado; Open Season Closes Friday
Grunion are expected to run Wednesday, August 21 through Friday, August 23. These are likely the last few nights to catch the fish out of the water before next year.
There are just three nights left to fish for the mysterious grunion. Open season for this fish with a unique mating ritual runs through Friday.
On certain spring and summer nights following high tides, grunion ride the waves onto shore to spawn. While on the beach, female grunion bury themselves half-way in the sand to lay eggs, while males wrap themselves protectively around the females to fertilize their eggs. Both catch a wave to return to sea, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego explained.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates the best time to catch these fish in San Diego County is 10:15 p.m. to 12:25 a.m. tonight, and Thursday and Friday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
During the open season, which started in March, a California fishing license is required for those 16 years and older.
Grunion may be taken by hand only. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them and there is no bag limit, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
To read more about the grunion, visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife online.
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