Deep sea fishing rockfish is a pastime enjoyed by casual fishermen and seasoned anglers alike. This form of fishing can be time consuming and even tedious, but tends to be worth it. Some of the delicious fish you’ll find dwelling deep beneath the depths of large bodies of water are at the top of the list if you’re looking for a flavorful and unique fillet. One of these bright and beautiful bottom dwellers is the rockfish.
How Hard is Deep Sea Fishing Rockfish?
The rockfish is considered to be one of the easier catches in regard to deep sea fishing. They are bright, beautiful, and (luckily for you) they go down pretty easily. On a lucky day, you might find some nearer to the top of the water, making for an almost comically easy reel. Additionally, they are said to be quite delicious. Whether you want to grill the fillet or just deep fry it whole, these fish are a great starting choice for amateur anglers.
Rockfish Deep Sea Fishing Techniques
The techniques used to catch rockfish are fairly standard and not difficult. Baits and lures both work fine; the key is to drop your hook low to the bottom of the water. This means that a heavy lead is imperative to success; you must ensure that your line drops fast and remains there while your boat is drifting. Plastic lures, metal jigs, or even a simple octopus bait will do as rockfish are not picky, the key really lies in the weight. However, their favorite foods are crustaceans. Crabs and shrimp are the absolute best baits; even if this will only help your chances incrementally, it might be worth the investment.
Where to go Deep Sea Fishing Rockfish
Now, if you’re looking for the big meaty rockfish, experts will always tell you the same thing: go to Alaska. Here, Goldeneye rockfish are plentiful in addition to the halibut and salmon that already run rampant through the waters. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest as well as certain coastal areas of California house some pretty impressive species. For rockfish, bigger is better. Especially if you’re looking to eat the fish as opposed to simple sportfishing, you want a hearty helping to please your family and impress your buddies.
Releasing Rockfish from the Deep Sea Tips
Remember, rockfish have swim bladders, so they are highly susceptible to barotrauma. This is the detriment caused by reeling a deep sea fish in too fast and thus changing pressure levels quickly. If you choose to release your rockfish, and you notice that its bladder has expanded, remember to poke it with a needle to deflate it before release, or go with the more humane method by bringing along a special cage which will help bring your catch back down to the bottom.
Of course if your eating him then its no problem. Once you have your limit though, and without a needle or cage then its time to stop fishing rockfish and switch to something else. After all there are many fish in the sea!
How Big do Rockfish get?
Fully grown rockfish can exceed 4 feet in length, but the average size is closer to three. These fish are pretty big, but not as large as some of the other monsters found in the depths of the oceans. However, when taking into account the ease of the catch and the quality of the meat, rockfish are always a fine choice to aim for. 30 pounds of delectable fish doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
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Now that you’re ready with all your gear and the knowledge to get started, go catch a flight to Alaska and get fishing! Good luck, anglers.
