The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved the rockfish, lingcod and greenling (RCG) regulations for the 2024 fishing season, finally. Apparently one final submission and legal approval is due before the season goes into full official effect.

By far the most prolific and targeted type of fish in our area, rockfishing can be as simple or complicated as you want to make it. The standard rig used by most is a shrimp fly jig. We’re allowed only two hooks on each jig, and only one rod may be used per angler for RCG species. The flys are often tipped with bits of squid for added scent attraction and flavor. Deckhands on the charter boats and other experienced anglers recommend a thin strip of squid hooked on one end, so the squid strip flutters in the current like a little underwater flag. The shrimp flys can be used without bait at all, though anchovy, herring or mackerel chunks can add that extra cachet to elicit a bite. Fishing with heavy irons can be productive and exciting while going deep. Plastic swimbait also work well, even at those depths, but the leadhead needs to be very heavy and using braid as your mainline is a smart move.

During the month of April, fishing the RCG complex is restricted to the very deep waters beyond 300 feet. Reaching water of that depth isn’t quite enough however. DFW has codified a boundary composed of straight line segments to define the line. As the Department explains, “The 50 Fathom line is a series of points or coordinates designated by CDFW to determine where the borderline is between legal and illegal fishing depths to put it simply.” Nearshore areas out to 120 feet of water, and that middle ground from 120 to 300 will remain closed during this month of April. 

Anglers can still target non-RCG species in these shallower waters, but no gear may be deployed if those vessels possess any deepwater rockfish aboard. In other words, fish for your anchovies, sardines, mackerel or halibut before you target the deep rockfish this month. This year the DFW is providing waypoints to describe that 120-foot line, and also is providing an app for your smart phone to provide that information while you’re out on the water. Most sonar unit makers have prepared software updates for your unit that will describe these boundary lines as well. In May, we are looking at a switcheroo. Inside of 120 feet of water, fishing for the RCG will be allowed, and that regulation stays in effect until October.