Local News in Brief : Countywide : For April, May, It’s No Fishing for Grunion

Would-be grunion-grabbers are reminded that the silvery little fish that come ashore to spawn on certain nights in the spring and summer get a two-month chance to do their thing undisturbed.

State Department of Fish and Game spokesman Pat Moore said grunion fishing is not allowed from April 4 to June 2. During that time, a series of four “runs” per night will occur on broad, flat beaches, usually just before and after midnight.

Although it will be strictly hands off during April and May, Moore said there is nothing to prevent people from going to the shore to watch what he calls one of nature’s miracles. The females ride a wave onto the sand, dig holes with their tails and deposit their eggs, which the males fertilize immediately. The whole operation can occur in the time it takes two waves to roll in and recede, he said.

Nights to watch but not touch will be in four-day periods beginning April 4, April 18, May 3 and May 17.