THE GRUNION ARE COMING

The Phenomenon: On clusters of nights through the middle of August, including this weekend , schools of five-inch-long silver fish will swim ashore on beaches from Ventura to San Diego as part of an age-old mating ritual. Another part of the ritual involves an unusual form of fishing.

The Pattern: Grunion run on a two-week cycle from March through August. The moon and the tides determine exactly which nights they wash ashore. The fish come in with the high tide, catching large waves that throw them on the sandy beaches.

What They Do: The female fish buries its tail in the sand and deposits about 3000 eggs, each less than an eighth of an inch long. As the eggs are laid, two or three males wrap themselves around the female to fertilize the eggs. Within thirty seconds, the mating is done and the grunion ride the next high wave back out to sea. The eggs incubate in the sand for two weeks until the next high tide washes them into the ocean, where they hatch quickly or are eaten by predators.

When to Catch Them: The best time is just before they ride a wave out to sea, according to Patrick Moore of the state Department of Fish and Game.

Rules of the Game: State regulations prohibit fishermen from catching more grunion than they can eat. The only hook allowed is the hand--no pails, buckets, Frisbees, pie pans, nets, shovels, or holes in the sand can be used to scoop up grunion. Adults must have a fishing license, available at sporting goods stores, but people under 16 years old can fish for free.

The Umpires: Fish and Game wardens visit beaches during the runs to watch for violations, which can carry fines of up to $500.

One Recipe: Moore says one of his favorites calls for breading and frying the grunion in cornmeal, then crumbling the fish over a salad.

When They Run (Experts’ Expectations):

July 1 11 p.m.-1 a.m.

July 2 11:50 p.m.-1:50 a.m.

July 3 12:45 a.m.-2:45 a.m.

July 4 1:50 a.m.-3:50 a.m.

July 15 10:40 p.m.-12:40 a.m.

July 16 11:10 p.m.-1:10 a.m.

July 17 11:45 p.m.-1:45 a.m.

July 18 12:20 a.m.-2:20 a.m.

July 30 10:50 p.m.-12:50 a.m.

July 31 11:40 p.m.-1:40 a.m.

Aug. 1 12:40 a.m.-2:40 a.m.

Aug. 2 1:40 a.m.-3:40 a.m.

Aug. 14 10:50 p.m.-12:50 a.m.

Aug. 15 11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Aug. 16 midnight-2 a.m.

Aug. 17 12:40 a.m.-2:40 a.m.

Source: California Department of Fish and Game