About Rockfish
There are over 50 different types of rockfish inhabiting the west coast. The fishing method for all is the same. Three to five shrimp flies are tied to a leader, usually 30# test, at about 8" intervals via short (4") drop lines,. A 1 pound cannonball sinker or a jigging bar is attached to the bottom of the rig. The rig is then jigged off the bottom as the boat drifts over rocky bottom. The shrimp flies are commonly baited with chunks of squid. Light tackle rockfishing is gaining is popularity with the most common setups featuring 8 to 10 pound test on small freshwater rods. Single jigging bars to 8 oz. And split tail scampi jigs are the most common lures.
Ling Cod
Ling cod range from northwest Alaska to San Martin Island, Baja California. Young fish can be found in bays and other quiet waters. The adults live near or at the bottom in rocky areas. They are most commonly found at depths less than 350 feet. South of Point Conception, large ling cod can be caught at deeper, at depths to 500 feet.
Ling cod weighing 15 to 20 pounds are common. A ling cod weighing 30 pounds is considered large and is 15 to 18 years old. Ling cod mature at three years old. Spawning occurs from December through March. The eggs are adhesive and stick in large masses to the rocks. The male guards the nest until the eggs hatch.
Ling cod do not travel or migrate any great distance. Adults rarely eat anything except fish and an occasional octopus or squid.
