Rockfish & Lingcod

Black Rockfish

Sebastes melanops

One of the most common rockfish in the Pacific Northwest. Black Rockfish are found near rocky reefs and kelp beds and are popular targets for both boat and shore anglers. They are good fighting fish and excellent eating.

Blue Rockfish

Sebastes mystinus

One of the most commonly caught rockfish along the central and northern California coast. Blue Rockfish are found near rocky reefs and kelp beds in relatively shallow water. They are good eating and readily take both bait and artificial lures.

5 boats

Bocaccio

Sebastes paucispinis

One of the largest rockfish species on the Pacific coast, capable of reaching 20 pounds. Bocaccio are found over rocky bottom and near structure from British Columbia to Baja California. They have large mouths and are aggressive predators.

Cabezon

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus

The largest sculpin species in North America, found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. Cabezon are bottom dwellers found in rocky intertidal and subtidal zones. Their flesh is excellent eating, but their roe is toxic and must not be consumed.

Canary Rockfish

Sebastes pinniger

A brightly colored rockfish found from Alaska to Baja California. Canary Rockfish are identified by their orange-yellow coloring and are typically found in deeper water over rocky bottom. They are excellent table fare.

China Rockfish

Sebastes nebulosus

A striking rockfish identified by a bold yellow stripe running from the dorsal fin to the lateral line. China Rockfish are found in rocky crevices and caves from Alaska to southern California and are considered excellent eating.

Copper Rockfish

Sebastes caurinus

A medium-sized rockfish found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. Copper Rockfish are identified by their copper-brown coloring with patches of pink and white. They are excellent eating and a popular target for nearshore anglers.

Gopher Rockfish

Sebastes carnatus

A small but popular rockfish found in nearshore rocky habitats along the central California coast. Gopher Rockfish are identified by their mottled brown and pink coloring and are commonly caught from kayaks and small boats near the kelp line.

Lingcod

Ophiodon elongatus

A large, aggressive predator found from Alaska to Baja California. Lingcod are voracious feeders with enormous mouths and sharp teeth. They are found near rocky bottom and structure and can exceed 60 pounds. Their flesh sometimes has a bluish-green tint that turns white when cooked and is excellent eating.

2 boats

Olive Rockfish

Sebastes serranoides

A common rockfish found along the California coast near kelp beds and rocky reefs. Olive Rockfish are active swimmers often found higher in the water column compared to other rockfish species. They provide good sport on light tackle.

Quillback Rockfish

Sebastes maliger

A distinctive rockfish identified by its high, sharp dorsal spines and mottled brown-orange coloring. Quillback Rockfish are found from Alaska to central California near rocky structure and are excellent table fare.

Starry Rockfish

Sebastes constellatus

A colorful deepwater rockfish found along the southern California coast. Starry Rockfish are orange-red with numerous white dots that give them their name. They are prized for their excellent flavor and firm texture.

Vermilion Rockfish

Sebastes miniatus

One of the most popular rockfish species along the Pacific coast, often called 'Red Snapper' in California (not related to the Atlantic species). Vermilion Rockfish are found near rocky reefs and structure from British Columbia to Baja California.

Yelloweye Rockfish

Sebastes ruberrimus

The largest rockfish species in the Pacific, capable of reaching 40 pounds and living over 100 years. Yelloweye Rockfish are bright orange-red with distinctive yellow eyes. They are found in deep rocky habitat and are highly prized for their excellent flavor.

1 boats