Lingcod and Rockfish (Sea Bass) Guide
One the most underrated fisheries in our area is jigging for Lingcod and Rockfish. If you get to the right spot at the right time, the action can be non-stop. Additionally, if you are the type of person who likes surprises this is the fishery for you. You never quite know what you have on the line until it comes to the surface. This is why Lingcod fishing is one of my favorite things to do.
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How I Fish for Lingcod and Rockfish
The best way to fish for these toothy creatures is to jig for them over hard structure. Lingcod are ambush predators and like to hang out near shelves and in crevices waiting for smaller fish. Rockfish will hover nearby in schools and try to gulp down baitfish.
Tackle setups for bottom fishing
The setup use the most is actually the first setup I ever caught bottom fish on. It consists of a sinker at the bottom with two loops between it and the top of the leader. On the bottom loop I usually use a bait hook (3/0 or so). On the top I connect the shrimp fly. The advantage to this setup is that it’s usually the sinker that snags so it’s less expensive to replace
My second favorite is a jig head of 4 ounces or higher depending on current and depth. For this, I thread a large plastic grub onto the jig head. Berkley Gulp Saltwater grubs seem to work well. I’ve landed a lot of lings on regular plastics with this method too. You can add an optional loop above for an extra lure as well. I prefer a shrimp fly for the top with plenty of sparkle. It’s not uncommon to hook a lingcod on the bottom hook and have a rockfish on the top one. The jig heads also seem to be more likely to snag and cost more to buy. The upside is that the jig head gives you a little more finesse when jigging.
The final setup that I use regularly is a bait rig with either a whole herring or anchovy. This is a good use for leftover salmon bait at the end of the day. Usually I tie a pair of hooks like you would a bait rig. The lead then goes down lower. You can wrap things together with magic thread. I prefer to put half-hitches around the bait with the line in between the hooks. The Lingcod and Rockfish will be drawn to the scent.
Techniques for Jigging for Lingcod and Rockfish
The easiest way is to slowly lower the line down by holding your thumb lightly on the spool. Once you feel your weight touch the bottom, immediately lift the tip up and reel a couple of cranks. Slowly lower the rod tip. I take a full second to lower my rod tip and count “one-one thousand”. You should feel when the weight gets to the bottom with a bit of an extra pull. Once you feel this, lift the rod quickly and repeat. Most of the time when you feel the bit, it will be on the lift. If you feel a fish on, set the hook and start reeling!
Where I like to fish for Lingcod and Rockfish
You need some form of hard structure for these fish. Lingcod prefer to lurk in areas where their prey can’t see them coming. Sometimes this is humps and dips in the open, but more often it is around rocks, boulders, and crags.
Rockfish hang out in areas where bait fish congregate. They also know that they aren’t the biggest thing out there. This means that they want to dive into cover if a predator comes. For our area the closest location is the south jetty of the Columbia River. The Columbia jetties and Cape Disappointment are the only rocky structures for miles. Lingcod and rockfish are drawn here for spawning and feeding. Further south, Tillamook head provides a more traditional opportunity for bottom fish. Combination trips with Ocean Chinook and Coho are a way to bring home a lot of fish. This is also a great time to pick up some crab.
How do I prepare for a Bottom Fishing Trip?
This is ocean fishing and our weather can be all over the map. One day the water will be flat, the sky clear, and you’re looking for shade. The next day can be socked in with fog. The day after that can be overcast. There will almost always be wind in the afternoon.
Always check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress in layers. It is usually fairly cool in the mornings, warms up around noon and then gets breezy and cool again in the afternoon. Having something to keep the wind off of you is always a good idea. Choppy water and wind in the afternoon will try to throw spray. If you have breathable rain gear that is best. A light raincoat or poncho will work. A hoodie or sweatshirt over a t-shirt is OK for general wear most days. The glare from the water intensifies the sun and a lotion type sunscreen helps prevent sunburn. Sun-shirts are also a great option.
If you know that you get seasick, think you might get seasick, or have ever thought about the idea that you can get seasick, make sure to take meclizine one hour before we leave the dock. Wave action due to the tides around the jetties and reefs can cause a lot of motion. Also, make sure that you are well hydrated prior to the trip. Bring water or other hydrating beverages along with you.
As usual, bring snacks and any meals you might want to eat while we are on the water. The boat does not have a microwave so things that you can eat cold are a better choice.
What to expect when fishing for Lingcod and Rock Fish near Astoria
One of the biggest challenges of bottom fishing is snagging up. It is rare that even an experienced person makes it through a day without snagging. Just be patient and if you break off, it’s not hard to tie a new rig on. One of the benefits of a guided Bottom Fish trip is that I take care of all of the tackle.
Depending on the time of year and pressure on the fish, we may need to travel a ways over the water to get to productive fishing grounds. Getting out to the right spot can take up to an hour or more depending on conditions. Plan to spend some time enjoying being on the water. We often see whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, birds and other sea life while we are out there.
Getting across the Columbia River bar is also dependent on ocean conditions and tides. Your trip may start at a different time than normal. Additionally, if the ocean conditions look rough I will need to change plans. This could include doing a different type of trip, rescheduling, or refunding your deposit. Marine forecasts are generally only available a few days in advance. Keep an eye out for a phone call or an e-mail about your trip.
With all of that said, once we get on the fish, the action can be exciting. It is not uncommon to have both hooks with fish on them. Sometimes you will even catch a lingcod that has grabbed onto another fish that you hooked. I’ll do my best to make sure you get both if at all possible. This is generally a great way to put meat on the table and have fun doing it!
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