Start fishing Rockfish

Rockfish Description

Rockfish are bottom dwelling fish that are usually caught within the same areas as Lingcod. There are a numerous species of Rockfish as well as rasher, Goldeneye Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Quill back Rockfish, China Rockfish, etc. For simplicity's sake i will compile all together along with fish like Boccaccio and Tree-fish that have similar characteristics.

The amazing thing in fishing Rockfish is that you never imagine what exactly you will pull up, the majority of them are brightly colored and really stunning. They don’t put up much of a fight but they do taste absolutely delicious.

Rockfish are the best fish to get kids started on fishing because they aren’t normally difficult to catch. They don’t have dangerous teeth but when handling them watch out for their long sharp dorsal spines.

 Start fishing: Rockfish Tackle

Spinning or conventional tackle work fine you need to use a lot of weight If you targeting Rockfish in deep water or in heavy current, that’s necessitate heavier gear, It is so funny in my point of view to target these in the shallows when possible, although often the bigger ones are found deep. Braided line is a must because its low-stretch qualities allow you to feel the bite even in deep water and make a good hookset. when fishing shallow you can use a baitcaster reel like an Daiwa Pluton to make it more sporty. If you are fishing deep you can use a conventional saltwater reel such as a Accurate BX, although you actually don't need that good of a reel to fish for these.

Rockfish Techniques

Rockfish are easily caught on both bait and lures.  One time they are located they aren’t usually difficult to catch; it’s just a question of dropping your lure or bait down to the bottom.  it’s just a matter of dropping your lure down to the bottom.

Rockfish Lures

Metal jigs can be deadly on Rockfish.  When fishing deep or in heavy current you want a jig that will drop straight down.  When fishing in shallower water you can afford to use a jig such us a diamond jig that has a little action.  Whatever; these fish are not that picky.

Also the Plastic lures such as scampi tails work well.  You can fish these on whatever size lead head gets you to the bottom or you can fish them on dropper loops.

Rockfish frequently hit hooks dressed with buck tail or similar material. I like to add a strip of squid to my lures to add to the appeal.

Rockfish Baits

Most small baitfish such as anchovies or sardines will work well for Rockfish.  Live is best but live often works.  Strips of squid also work well.  I'm sure lots of other baits like octopus would work well but there is no need to get fancy.

When fishing for Rockfish with bait I rarely use a bare hook; I usually use the bucktail flies or some other lure.  That way if the fish pull the bait off the hook you still have a chance of hooking something.

Where to induce the massive Rockfish

Alaska is a great spot for huge Rockfish, especially the Goldeneyes.  They take a back seat to the “glamour” species such as Salmon and Halibut up there but if you want to catch the biggest Rockfish that is the place.  The Big Sur area near Morro Bay, California also holds some huge Rockfish.  There are also some good spots in the Pacific Northwest.