Species guide

Rock Cod (Rockfish)

Sebastes spp.

Reliable action and a cooler full of dinner

Rockfish cover dozens of species — vermilion, copper, starry, bocaccio, chucklehead and more. They hold on deep structure and bite consistently regardless of weather, making them our most dependable option for guests who want steady bending rods and premium fillets.

Season: Open during the CDFW groundfish season, generally spring to fall
Best bite: Any time; deeper water fishes better on bright days
Typical size: 1–6 lb, with vermilions to 10 lb
Where we fish: Hard bottom in 150–400 feet off San Diego

How we catch them

Multi-hook shrimp-fly rigs with squid
Heavy jigs on high-relief rock
Live bait on a dropper loop for the bigger grade

Tackle we use

50–65 lb braid
8–16 oz sinkers
Stout conventional rods and high-speed reels

Baits & lures

Squid strips
Shrimp flies
Salted anchovy
Metal jigs

Captain's tips

Let the sinker hit bottom, then crank up two turns to avoid snagging.
Wait for the second and third bite before winding for a multi-fish load.
Use the descending device on released fish — it saves them.

Table quality

Excellent — sweet, flaky white fillets, ideal for tacos and fish and chips.

Regulations

Depth and species restrictions change each year; descending devices are required and always on board.

Ready to target Rock Cod (Rockfish)?

Private charters aboard the Kate Elizabeth out of Seaforth Marina, Mission Bay.

(619) 431-3070