Rockfish

Rockfish are a delicious gamefish to catch. They grow slowly and live exceptionally long. Mature rockfish vary in size from 4 to 40 inches, averaging between 20 and 24 inches. Colors range from black to fluorescent orange. One of the most popular rockfish to target is the yelloweye (left).

There are three types of rockfish; slope rockfish, which live the furthest from shore in deep waters along the continental shelf; shelf pelagic rockfish, which live closer to shore, along the shallower continental shelf waters; and lastly, shelf demersal rockfish, living in the shallower, rocky bottom waters near the shore. Many species have a strong preference for a specific area and if any of these fish are removed and released elsewhere, their impressive memory will navigate them back to their preferred area.

Medium-action spinning rods or baitcasting with 10-15 pound test line are recommended. Casting and retrieving, jigging with small spinners, spoons, bait or streamers works well. Rockfish are best caught from the surface to 60-foot depths. If caught any deeper, the fish experience gas expansion in their swim bladders and if pulled to the surface too quickly, their eyes and stomachs can bulge due to rapid decompression. The white meat of a rockfish is very delicious.

Check local regulations prior to fishing for accurate and up to date information. To learn more about fishing each species in Valdez please visit the following pages: