When winter hits California, many anglers trade their rods for warmer activities—but not those who know the secret of rockfish. These bottom-dwelling fish, prized for their taste and spirited fights, make winter one of the best times for fishing along the Pacific coast.
California rockfish thrive in rocky habitats, such as underwater reefs, ledges, and drop-offs. During winter, they tend to gather in deeper waters, typically between 150–300 feet, where temperatures remain stable. Rockfish are opportunistic feeders, preying on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
These fish often school together, so finding one usually means more are nearby. They’re most active in the early morning or late afternoon, making these the best times to target them. Understanding these patterns will significantly improve your success rate.
Best Fishing Techniques: Winter rockfish fishing is all about bottom fishing, as these fish rarely leave the seafloor. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
- Locate the Fish: Use a fish finder to locate rocky structures or ledges, key habitats for rockfish.
- Gear Up: Use a sturdy rod and reel combo with braided line for better sensitivity to detect subtle bites.
- Bait Presentation: Use rigs that keep your bait or lure near the bottom. The dropper loop rig is especially effective, allowing multiple bait options at different depths.
- Jigging Technique: Employ a gentle jigging motion or let the rig rest just above the bottom for the best results.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on fishing regulations. California has specific size and bag limits for rockfish to preserve the species.
Best Lures for Rockfish: Rockfish are highly reactive to lures that mimic their natural prey. Here are some of the most effective options:
- Metal Jigs: Great for mimicking baitfish, these lures work well in deeper waters thanks to their weight and fluttering action. Use bright colors like chartreuse or white to increase visibility.
- Soft Plastic Swimbaits: When paired with a heavy jig head, these mimic squid, crustaceans, or small fish. Opt for paddle tails to add extra vibration.
- Shrimp Flies: Perfect for catching multiple rockfish at once, these rigs mimic small shrimp or krill.
- Glow-In-The-Dark Lures: Ideal for deeper waters with limited light penetration, these lures stand out and attract more bites.
- Lingcod Jigs: Though designed for lingcod, these larger jigs are equally effective for big rockfish due to their erratic action.
Using Live Bait: Live bait often provides the most natural and enticing presentation for winter rockfish. Here are some popular choices:
- Squid: A rockfish favorite for its scent and movement. Use whole squid for larger fish or smaller strips for more bites.
- Anchovies and Sardines: Hook these baitfish through the nose or dorsal fin for a natural swimming motion.
- Shrimp: Live shrimp are perfect for mimicking crustaceans. Hook them lightly through the tail for optimal movement.
- Crabs: Small crabs are an excellent option, mimicking prey that rockfish naturally hunt along rocky bottoms.
Rigs for Live Bait:
- The dropper loop rig works well for presenting live bait at multiple depths.
- A sliding sinker rig gives baitfish the freedom to move naturally, increasing their appeal.
- Circle hooks are recommended to prevent deep hooking and make releasing fish easier if needed.
- Pro Tip: Keep live bait fresh and lively. If your bait stops moving, swap it out to maintain an enticing presentation.
Ready to gear up? Check out our wide selection of lures and terminal tackle at Duke’s Fishing Supply to prepare for your next rockfish adventure. Tight lines and happy fishing!