Pacific Rockfish Fishing Guide

Pacific rockfish (genus Sebastes) are the backbone of California, Oregon, and Washington party boat fishing, with over 70 species found from the intertidal zone to depths exceeding 2,000 feet. Prolific and hard-hitting on dropper-loop rigs, they provide consistent action year-round and exceptional table fare. These long-lived fish are a West Coast staple, filling limits from San Diego to Sitka on virtually every offshore trip.

Pacific Rockfish is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Rocky reefs, kelp forests, pinnacles, and deepwater structure from the intertidal zone to over 2,000 feet depth along the entire Pacific Coast.

Diet

Small fish, squid, octopus, krill, and crustaceans near rocky structure and open water.

Fishing Techniques

• Dropper loop rigs with cut squid or anchovy
• Iron jigs and shiny metal lures
• Sabiki rigs for smaller species
• Vertical jigging near bottom
• Live bait on a knocker rig

Best Seasons

Year-round, Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 2 lbs. World record: 40.69 lbs (Gulf of Alaska (Shortraker Rockfish, IGFA)).