Oceanside Pier - Pier Fishing in California 

It depends upon the perch. Blackperch will usually be found near the bottom, rubberlip can be on the bottom almost to the top, while pileperch are usually up near the top (you can often see them circling the pilings). The smaller walleye and silver surfperch are usually at mid-water levels. For those species I say drop the bait to the bottom, wait to see if you have any bites, and then gradually pull your bait up stopping every couple of feet until you find where the fish are feeding.

@@kenjones2860 what about the sargo

@@PierLifeFisherman The sargo are primarily bottom feeders.

It really depends upon what you are fishing for. The two most common are a high/low rig or a Carolina rig.