The spawning season runs from June to September and apparently takes place offshore, since no ripe fish have been caught in the surf zone. One inch juveniles do appear in the surf in the fall. Spotfin croaker travel considerably, but with no definite pattern. They move extensively from bay to bay. For example, fish tagged in the Los Angeles Harbor were later taken as far south as Oceanside.
Good fishing seems to depend on runs.
Most spotfin croaker caught are small to medium sized fish.