Cooler full of rockfish

Rockfish are a favorite species targeted in Fort Bragg. These fish encompass a large variety of species that are commonly found in and around rocky reefs and rocky bottom. Some of the species we often catch in Fort Bragg include:

Rockfish are a great species for kids to target. Anglers experience non-stop action and rainbow of colors keeps their attention peaked without getting bored. Each species has a slightly different texture and flavor, but they are all great to eat.

Location

Rockfish are found throughout the west coast of North America. They are typically found in a variety of water depths among rocky reefs and flat rocky bottom. Blacks, blues, and olives are suspending fish and are typically found in schools suspended off the bottom.

Diet and Feeding

Rockfish rely on a variety of food sources depending on the species. Schooling fish such as blacks, blues, and olives primarily eat smaller fish and squid. Rock cod that hold tight to the rocks or kelp beds will feed on smaller fish, squid, starfish, crab or other critters they can pick off the rocks. Cabezon are known to eat abalone and have been found with large abalone in the their gut.

Fishing for Rockfish

Bob with vermillion
Vermillion or Red Snapper

In Fort Bragg, we typically fish for rockfish with double hook shrimp fly rigs tipped with squid. The weight varies from 4-12 oz depending on the depth and current. The fish are caught by dropping the rig to the bottom and reeling up a few cranks. The rig is then jigged up and down until a fish bites. When schools of blacks, blues, or olives are located, the baits are dropped into the school until customers start getting bites. While fishing for rockfish, we often catch lingcod and occasionally flatfish such as soles, flounders, and halibut.

Season: May-December

Price:

Full Day, 7-8 hours.

$1,500 for up to 6 anglers.

Half Day, 4-5 hours.

$1,000 for up to 6 anglers.