How To Fish For Rockfish

How To Fish For Rockfish

The Vibrant World Of Alaskan Rockfish

Welcome to the world of rockfish fishing in Homer, Alaska, where the waters teem with an incredible diversity of these fascinating species. In the Alaskan waters, particularly around the picturesque town of Homer, anglers have the opportunity to encounter an impressive variety of rockfish. Experts estimate that there are more than 37 different species of rockfish in Alaska’s waters. This means each fishing trip can turn into a unique adventure, showcasing the amazing biodiversity of Alaska’s marine life.

Fishing for rockfish in Homer is not just about the quantity but also the quality and beauty of the catch. The typical catch here is a vibrant display of nature’s artistry, with rockfish known for their bright and beautiful colors. These fish, with their varied hues and patterns, add an element of surprise and excitement to every fishing expedition. From incredible orange and yellow of the Yelloweye Rockfish to the striking stripes of the Tiger rockfish, each catch is a testament to the rich underwater world of Homer’s waters.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, fishing for rockfish in Homer offers a unique experience. The stunning natural beauty of Alaska will immerse you, offering opportunities to reel in some of the ocean’s most visually striking fish. So, gear up for an unforgettable fishing journey where the beauty of the catch is as remarkable as the thrill of the chase.

Alaska Rockfish Behavior & Habitat

The habitat of Alaska’s rockfish is as varied as the species themselves, spanning from shallow nearshore waters to the deeper realms of the ocean. Rocky outcrops, kelp forests, and underwater structures like pinnacles and ledges often serve as habitats for these fish. These environments offer shelter, protection, and abundant feeding opportunities. The range of Alaska’s rockfish extends throughout the state’s extensive coastline, from the temperate Southeastern waters to the more remote and colder regions in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

Behaviorally, rockfish are known for their longevity and slow growth, with some species living up to a century. They exhibit a wide array of feeding habits, preying on everything from small crustaceans and plankton to fish. Many rockfish species are also known for their site fidelity, often staying within a limited home range throughout their lives. This unique trait, coupled with their long lifespans, makes rockfish populations particularly sensitive to overfishing and environmental changes.

Two Types of Rockfish Pelagic and Non-Pelagic

We find both pelagic and non-pelagic rockfish in the rich waters around Homer, Alaska, with each group exhibiting distinct characteristics and behaviors that influence fishing methods.

Pelagic Rockfish: Pelagic rockfish are fish that move up and down throughout the water column. In the area around Homer, these rockfish are often found in mid-water levels or near the surface, especially around underwater structures like pinnacles or edges of drop-offs. Pelagic species include the Dusky, Black, and Widow rockfish. These fish are more prone to forming schools and are generally more mobile, moving around in search of food like plankton, small crustaceans, and juvenile fish.

When we are targeting pelagic rockfish we will usually be jigging or using bait in mid-water. We use the depth-finder to tell what depth to target. Since these fish often form groups, anglers can experience a fast-paced and exhilarating time catching them. Pelagic rockfish, in particular, contribute to the excitement with their spirited fight when hooked.

Non-Pelagic Rockfish: Non-pelagic rockfish, on the other hand, are closely associated with the bottom or near-bottom habitats. These species, including the popular Yelloweye, Quillback, and Copper rockfish, tend to inhabit rocky outcrops, kelp forests, and other structures closer to the seabed. They are more territorial and sedentary compared to their pelagic counterparts, often staying within a confined area for most of their lives.

Bait & Lure Selection

When fishing for rockfish, one of our go-to techniques involves using torpedo-shaped lures, like the Sassin Jig made by P-line.  The streamlined, torpedo-like design of these lures allows them to sink quickly and move smoothly through the water, mimicking the movement of small prey fish that rockfish typically feed on. This design makes them particularly suitable for deeper waters where many rockfish species, including the popular Yelloweye and Black rockfish, are often found.

To enhance the effectiveness of these lures, we bait them with natural bait such as herring, sardine, mackerel, or squid. This combination of a visually attractive lure with the added scent of real bait creates a powerful attractant for rockfish. The natural bait releases oils and scent into the water, which can be irresistible to these scent-driven predators. Herring and sardines, with their oily composition, are especially effective in creating a strong scent trail in the water. Mackerel and squid also add to the lure’s appeal, both visually and through their scent.

When deploying these baited torpedo-shaped lures, it’s important to ensure that they reach the desired depth where rockfish are likely to be found. We keep several different sizes of these lures at the ready so we can select the appropriate size based on fishing conditions and depth.

Rig and Gear Setup

There are three things necessary for a successful day of Alaska rockfish fishing. The first is state of the art electronics. All of our boats use the latest garmin large screen electronics. Today’s fish finders have incredible detail and using the electronics we can get very good indications when we’re over the rockfish and at what depth the fish are at. 

The second important piece of equipment is the reel. Using a reel with a line counter allows us to know our lures are exactly where the depth finder is telling us to put them. This way, you can place your lure right where the fish are, increasing your chances of a good catch. 

The final ingredient is the rod. We are looking for a rod that provides good sensitivity but at the same time can be strong enough to lure in a large rockfish, lingcod, or even possibly be strong enough to find a halibut that we sometimes pick up while targeting rockfish. At Kenai Sportfishing we use the Cedros Jigging Rods from Okuma. They’re designed to feel the slightest nibble of a fish and strong enough for big catches. The rod is made with E-glass, which helps pull in fish easily and works well with strong, braided fishing lines. It also has special guides that reduce line wear and make casting smoother. The handle is designed for comfort and better control, important for long fishing trips. Plus, these rods come with a warranty, making them a reliable choice for serious fishermen.

The combination of the rod, line counter, and depth finder is a winning strategy for catching rockfish in Alaska.

 

Effective Fishing Techniques

Jigging, particularly slow-pitch jigging, is an effective method for targeting Alaska’s rockfish. Key to this method is focusing on the bottom structure, using fish finders to locate rockfish along ledges and canyons. 

With proper sea conditions and wind we can often keep the boat right over the perfect rockfish spot. It’s not uncommon to see every rod on the boat have a rockfish on it when conditions are just right. 

Typically we will have the captain keeping the boat located above various pinnacles and rocky underwater features, as well as right above locations where the fish finder is showing lots of fish in the water column. The captain will call out various depths for all the anglers on the boat to lower their lures to. It usually doesn’t take but a few moments before the first person yells out, “Fish on!”.  And then it’s definitely on!

Seasonal and Time Considerations

Rockfish fishing in Alaska is available year-round, offering anglers the chance to fish regardless of the season. The enduring availability of rockfish is partly due to the vast and diverse marine habitats in Alaskan waters, which support a wide range of rockfish species. These species have adapted to various conditions, from shallow coastal areas to deeper offshore waters, making them accessible in different seasons.

During the warmer months, from spring to fall, fishing conditions are generally more favorable simply due to weather. The longer daylight hours and milder weather conditions allow for more comfortable and extended fishing trips. Rockfish, particularly the pelagic species, tend to be more active and are found in higher numbers near the surface or in mid-water during these months, making them easier to target.

In the winter, although the conditions are more challenging with colder temperatures and shorter days, rockfish fishing is still possible. Many rockfish species, especially the non-pelagic types, remain active and are found closer to the bottom. 

Location Selection

The most popular areas for rockfish are all found around the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. This takes us south past the areas of Nanwalek and Port Graham. From here there are all kinds of options. 

Fishing right in English Bay is very productive. Heading out to the Barren Islands is an option. Fishing around the islands of Elizabeth Island, Perl Island, and East Chugach Island are also excellent choices. The underwater terrain around the entire area is perfect habitat for Alaska Rockfish.

There is an almost limitless supply of fishing grounds fro rockfish as one heads east out of Homer. In all total we probably fish actively more than 1000 square miles over the course of the summer. Some of the scenery, on a calm, sunny day, can be some of the most breath taking around. 

As an added bonus, passing Flat Island on the way out to these fishing grounds usually provides excellent sea lion viewing as there is a large herd that has setup residence on this small island just south of Nanwalek.

 

Regulations and Limits

Homer, Alaska may be the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” but we catch a lot more than just halibut. Regulations change from year to year and we get final regulations from NOAA around late February and early March regarding size limits so check back in then for 2024 updates.

2024 Halibut Limits(expected):

  • 2 Halibut: one halibut can be any size and the second halibut must be 28 inches or less, which is approximately a 10 lb fish. No annual limit
  • No charter halibut fishing allowed(expected):
    • On Wednesdays and Tuesdays from June 18 – August 13 (9 Tuesdays) without special permit – which we have!

Rockfish Limits(2024 expected):

  • 3 per person per day
  • Only 1 may be a nonpelagic rockfish (yelloweye, tiger, copper, quillback, silvergray, china)

Salmon Limits(2024 expected):

  • 2 King salmon per person per day
  • 5 King salmon per year from 
  • 3 Silver salmon per day

Lingcod Limits(2024 expected):

  • 2 Lingcod per person per day over 35″
  • Lingcod can only be kept starting July 1st

Make sure to check out our Release A Monster program as well as our participation in Every Halibut CountsLimits

What To bring

At Kenai Sportfishing, our homer halibut fishing charters come with nearly everything you need for a successful day on the water. This includes top-quality fishing rods, reels, bait, nets, and all the essential gear. The only thing you must bring is a valid fishing license, appropriate clothing for the weather for the day, and any food & snack you might need. 

To ensure you have a comfortable experience while fishing with us, here are some items you might consider packing:

  • Your fishing license
  • Clothing suited for the day’s weather. Alaskan weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack layers – perhaps warmer clothes for the morning, lighter options like t-shirts for mid-afternoon, and rain gear for later in the day. Checking the weather forecast and planning your attire accordingly will keep you comfy throughout the day.
  • Sunscreen to protect against UV rays.
  • A hat and gloves, especially useful in the cooler hours.
  • Sunglasses for eye protection and enhanced visibility.
  • Your own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Feel free to bring adult beverages if you like.
  • A waterproof case for your cellphone – not just for accidental dips in the water, but also for those rainy moments.
  • And last but not least, bring a great attitude! We’re passionate about fishing and can’t wait to share this experience with you. We’re all in this together, aiming for an unforgettable day of fishin

Ready to go Fishing?

Ready to cast your line into the stunning waters of the Kenai River? For more information or to book your unforgettable fishing adventure, visit our ‘Trips & Bookings’ page. Dive deeper into the Kenai River experience and secure your spot with Kenai Sportfishing today – where epic catches and breathtaking scenery await!