Advertisement

California Rockin’

Spring-time action accelerates on the deep rocks off Southern California

  • Updated: April 16, 2012
california-bottomfish_01.jpg
Spring-time off the Southern California coast means rockfishing and the possibility of one of 56 colorful species of rockfish, as well as California sheephead, ocean whitefish and cabezon, as well as powerful lingcod, as these photos from Pacific Coast Editor Jim Hendricks prove. All of these species live around deep rocks and wrecks, with some beastly sheephead growing to 30 pounds and aggressive lingcod growing to 40 pounds. That’s California rockin’. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_02.jpg
California sheephead – known by locals as “goats” – have some gnarly teeth. These members of the wrasse family are well adapted to scraping morsels of rocks and wrecks. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_03.jpg
In a bizarre life cycle, California sheephead begin life as females, and then morph into males as they get older and larger. Females are all red, while males have this distinctive black-red-black coloration. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_04.jpg
Deep rocks and wrecks around Catalina Island can mean a bonanza of bottom. Mark Wisch is hooked up to a California sheephead on a wreck in 160 feet of water. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_05.jpg
Pacific Coast Editor Jim Hendricks’ Cabo 216 is perfect for fishing Southern California’s deep reefs and wrecks, many of which can be found just a few miles off the coast. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_06.jpg
Ocean whitefish are often abundant on deep structure off the Southern California coast. They fight very hard for their size, and are great eating. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_07.jpg
There are 57 varieties of rockfish inhabiting deep structure off Southern California, including the brown rockfish seen here. This species tends congregate on coastal reefs and rocks in 90 to 120 feet of water. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_08.jpg
The lingcod is one of the most prized targets in wrecks and reefs. You are allowed to keep two per day, with a minimum size of 22 inches. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_10.jpg
Landing a lingcod off the Southern California coast gives anglers a reason to smile. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_11.jpg
Lingcod are powerful and fearless, even as they approach the boat. Jim Hendricks
california-bottomfish_12.jpg
Lingcod possess rows of needle-sharp teeth, and can quickly shred light lines. Jim Hendricks
Advertisement

Email Newsletters and Special Offers

Sign up for Sport Fishing emails to receive tips from the best captains, insights into fish behavior, and offshore fishing reports as well as special offers from Sport Fishing’s partners.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Sport Fishing and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

More Photos

Advertisement

Read More

ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
BONNIER BRANDS

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2023Sport Fishing Magazine. A Bonnier LLC Company, “We Are Outdoor Adventure.” All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.