An Introduction To Rockfishing
Bocaccio rockfish (Top) & Greenspotted rockfish caught out of Santa Cruz
Fishing for rockfish in California is a popular activity, especially along the state’s rugged coastline and near rocky reefs, kelp beds, and underwater structures where these fish thrive. With over 50 species of rockfish, anglers can target vibrant species like vermilion, black/yellow, blue and black rockfish. Rockfish are known for their firm, flavorful fillets, making them a favorite for fish tacos or grilled dishes.
Rockfishing is a fantastic way to introduce kids, friends, and newcomers to the joys of fishing. It's accessible, versatile, and provides plenty of action to keep things exciting. Whether fishing from shore or a boat, there are plenty of options to get started. If you don’t own a boat, charter trips are an excellent way to get out on the water. Many harbors along the coast offer charters, and here are a few great options in the Bay Area:
Fish Emeryville (https://www.fishemeryville.com/)
Half Moon Bay - Pillar Point Harbor (https://www.klughersportfishing.com/)
Santa Cruz Harbor (https://stagnaros.com/)
San Francisco (https://www.lovelymartha.com/)
These are just a few of the charter companies I’ve personally used for targeting rockfish, but there are plenty of other options available depending on the size and style of boat you prefer.
One of the most effective methods for targeting rockfish—whether on a charter or private boat—is using a high-low rig or shrimp flies. These rigs are widely available at tackle shops in the Bay Area and are often provided by boat operators. When paired with squid, they’re incredibly effective for catching both rockfish and lingcod. BAL Tackle offers hand-tied high-low rigs that give you an edge over others on the boat.
BAL Tackle rockfish high low rig comes in 6 popular colors
A key advantage of the high-low rig is its ability to drop quickly and reach deeper waters than other methods. While metal jigs, swim baits, and slider “trap” rigs can also be effective, they come with risks such as tangling with other lines, snagging on the bottom, or twisting while dropping to the seafloor.
With recent regulation changes from the CDFW requiring anglers to target rockfish in 50 fathoms (300 feet) or deeper during parts of the year, the high-low rig is an ideal choice. Our larger squid-imitating high-low rigs even allow you to reel up two fish at once! Plus, even if the squid bait falls off the hook, the natural look of the rig still offers a solid chance of landing fish.
