Provided by Captain Brian Woolley, Dana Wharf Sportfishing
With the arrival of April 1st, anglers can officially celebrate the return of rockfish season after a three-month closure that kept many Southern California boats tied to the docks. Traditionally seen as the unofficial start of the fishing season, the reopening of rockfish grounds is a major boost for the local sportfishing fleet, providing consistent action and a fresh start after the slower winter months. As anglers prepare for the season, now is the time to get licensed, check regulations, and gear up properly to make the most of this exciting fishery.
Before heading out, the first step is ensuring your California sportfishing license is valid. With the state now offering a 365-day license, there’s no reason to risk being out of compliance. A great tool for staying legal is the CDFW License app, available in mobile app stores. This app allows you to access your fishing license digitally, eliminating the risk of leaving it at home.
The next essential step is reviewing the current rockfish regulations for your specific fishing area. Southern California falls under the Southern Management Area, which extends from Point Conception to the Mexican border. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) website provides the latest groundfish regulations, and it’s recommended that anglers familiarize themselves with them before heading offshore. From April 1 to June 30, 2025, there are no depth restrictions for rockfish in this region, and most species can be targeted. However, cowcod, bronzespotted rockfish, quillback rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish remain closed year-round, so it’s important to know how to identify these species. Regulations may change later in the season, so staying up to date is key. Some anglers even go as far as printing and laminating the summary of regulations to keep on board for reference.
Once the licensing and regulations are in check, it’s time to get rigged up properly. When targeting rockfish, conventional tackle is the best choice over spinning gear, as it allows for better line control, especially at deeper depths. One of the most traditional methods involves fishing bait on a two-hook rockfish rig. A medium-heavy 8’ bait rod, paired with a Daiwa Saltiga 40 or Saltist 40 loaded with 30-50lb braided line, is a reliable setup. Braided line is strongly recommended due to its small diameter and minimal stretch, which allows for better sensitivity and less drag in deep water. A short 30-foot monofilament leader can also be added for abrasion resistance. Additionally, battery-powered electric reels have become increasingly popular, offering a practical solution for those fishing deeper waters between 200-800 feet. If manually cranking up rockfish from extreme depths sounds exhausting, an electric reel might be a worthwhile investment.
Another popular and effective approach for rockfish is slow-pitch jigging. This technique has gained traction in recent seasons, providing an exciting alternative to traditional bait rigs. Slow-pitch jigging setups utilize lightweight, fast-action jigging rods, typically around 7 feet long, which offer a more responsive feel. Brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Phenix, and Nomad all produce excellent slow-pitch rods. Pairing them with a smaller conventional reel, such as a Daiwa Saltist 20 or Shimano Trinidad 14, allows for better balance and control. Since braided line is a must for slow-pitch jigging, most anglers opt for 30-40lb braid to ensure ample line capacity while fishing depths of 600-800 feet. Instead of bait, slow-pitch jigs in the 80g to 300g range are used, fluttering through the water column to entice bites. A stop at the local tackle shop can help fine-tune jig selection based on depth and conditions.
Being well-stocked with essential tackle is another key factor in rockfish success. A variety of torpedo-style sinkers ranging from 8 ounces to 2 pounds is ideal for different depths and current conditions. If fishing aboard a charter boat, calling ahead to ask about recommended tackle can help prevent overpacking. A selection of hooks ranging from size 4 to 3/0, along with both J-hooks and circle hooks, ensures versatility when fishing different setups. For those opting for slow-pitch jigs, carrying a few different sizes and colors can increase effectiveness, but there’s no need to overdo it—talking to tackle shop professionals can help narrow down the right choices.
Rockfish are not only fun to catch but also excellent table fare, making them one of the most rewarding fisheries in Southern California. While there’s plenty of information to digest, getting licensed, understanding regulations, and using the right gear will set anglers up for success this season. With favorable conditions and an open fishery, now is the perfect time to hit the water and take advantage of some of the best bottom fishing opportunities of the year.
