Basics on Catching Rockfish in Alaskan Saltwater

For those who love fishing for the various different fish species that can be caught, a location like Alaska is highly desirable. This is because there are numerous species of quality fish found in this beautiful state, from common options like salmon and halibut to others, including a group of fish known broadly as the rockfish.

At Pybus Point Lodge, our guided saltwater fishing tours provide our clients with access to a wide variety of Alaska's most interesting fish, including halibut, cod, multiple species of salmon and, yes, the rockfish. What exactly are rockfish, what are their different types, and what are some tackle options and common techniques used to catch them? Here's a basic primer.

Rockfish Basics

The rockfish is a family of near-shore fish found across the North American west coast, including in Alaska. Also called the Pacific rockfish or Pacific snapper, this fish gets its name from the rocky reefs, kelp beds and other underwater structures where they like to hang out.

Rockfish are considered bottom-dwellers, often found in rocky areas near the shoreline where they can find protection from the waves and predators. They are a versatile fish, with a wide range of sizes and colors (including red, orange, yellow, green, blue and black), making them popular with sport fishermen.

Types of Rockfish

In total, there are over 70 different specific types of rockfish -- however, only about a third of these species are regularly fished for. The most common type is the black rockfish, also known as the black bass, which is often caught by sport fishermen in the Puget Sound. Other common types include yellowtail rockfish, canary or yellowfin rockfish and copper or blue rockfish.

Rockfish come in a huge range of colors, and this is due to their skin's light absorption properties. In deeper water, rockfish will often be a lighter color (except for the black bass) while those caught near the surface will often be darker in color.

Rockfish Flavor

For those who fish for their meals regularly, the rockfish is a desirable catch. Multiple different rockfish types are known for their exquisite taste, especially when cooked, and they are often considered some of the best-tasting fish to be had. Their flesh is firm and flaky, with a mild flavor that is versatile enough to go well with almost any type of cooking preparation.

There are several methods often used for cooking rockfish, including baking, steaming and even grilling. For those who don't enjoy the especially "fishy" flavor in some fish, the rockfish offers a mild and pleasant taste that is a step up from some of the more common types of fish.

Do They Fight?

Another common question from anglers for any fish they'll be casting lines out for: How much, if at all, does the species typically fight once it's caught on the hook?

For rockfish, the answer is very little. They may surge a few times, but generally these fish are considered "weak fighters" when compared to others. There are certain specific rockfish types, such as the Pelagic Rockfish, that may put up more of a fight than other types, but generally this is not one of the most physically demanding fish to catch.

Tackle Selection

In most cases, spinning or conventional tackle works optimally for catching and landing rockfish and other types of fish (i.e., those that tend to put up little fight). The gear is affordable and easy to use, making it a popular choice for most sport fishermen. Rockfish will generally run at least three pounds in weight, depending on the type and area where they are caught, so be sure to have at least 10-pound test line on your reel.

If you're targeting rockfish in deep water or in a heavy current, you will need to use significant weight and perhaps heavier gear. Braided line will often be used in these settings, as it is more durable and can handle greater drag without breaking.

Rockfish are considered one of the most user-friendly fish to go after, making them the perfect type of fish for beginner sport fishermen or children who would like to get into fishing. Shorter rods also work well for them, since the fish is often near the bottom.

Rockfish Lures

If you're in deeper water or heavy currents, you'll want a rockfish lure that drops straight down. If you're in shallower water, on the other hand, you can consider options that have a little action.

Plastic lures are often the most popular choice for rockfish, as they mimic the look and feel of bait that these fish are used to feeding on. Some of the more common colors include chartreuse, orange, red and white. In addition, rockfish are known to often bite onto octopus-type lures that are slowly rotated up and down after being dropped to the bottom of the water.

Rockfish Techniques

Both bait and lure techniques can be used for rockfish in Alaska -- again, this is not one of the most difficult fish to catch. If you're targeting rockfish in areas of rocky terrain, simply dropping down a hook and line can be effective enough.

However, lures are often considered more effective for the fish, since the fish will actually bite onto them and hold on longer than they would with live bait (which is easily spit out). The best overall technique for catching rockfish is to slowly troll the lure through the water column until you find a spot where fish are congregating.

For more on rockfish in Alaska and how to catch them, or to learn about any of our saltwater all-inclusive fishing or wildlife tours, speak to the team at Pybus Point Lodge today.