California Scorpionfish Fishing Guide

The California scorpionfish — universally called "sculpin" on party boats — is a spiny, bottom-dwelling predator whose venomous dorsal spines demand careful handling but whose sweet, firm white flesh rewards those who know how to deal with them. They aggressively take cut bait year-round on Southern California reefs and their eating quality rivals any fish in the ocean.

California Scorpionfish is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Rocky reefs, kelp beds, and sandy margins from the intertidal zone to 600 feet, predominantly in Southern California.

Diet

Small fish, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans ambushed from the bottom.

Fishing Techniques

• Cut squid or anchovy on a dropper loop near rocky bottom
• Small live baits on a knocker rig
• Shrimp on a Carolina rig
• Slow-rolled swimbaits near bottom

Best Seasons

Year-round

Size & Records

Average weight: 1.5 lbs. World record: 4.38 lbs (Cedros Island, Mexico (2006)).