That fish is quite the catch! Russell Skurski, of Burien, caught this 5.16-pound, 19-inch-long blue rockfish June 26 near Neah Bay in Clallam County. He now holds the Washington sport fish record for this species.

Congratulations on your new state record, Russell!

In 2015, blue rockfish were split in to two separate species — blue and deacon rockfishes. A visual distinction between the two species is their patterning. While blue rockfish have dark blotches, deacon rockfish have small, dark, and relatively uniform speckles.

In addition to deacon rockfish, blue rockfish may also appear similar to the more common black rockfish. Black rockfish are grayer with dark saddle patches, have larger mouths, and have more elongated bodies.

More than 30 species of rockfish are found in Washington waters. Learn more on our website, including a printable species identification guide: wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/bottomfish/rockfish.

Or review state sport fish records at: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/basics/records.

Photos by Russell Skurski of his state record blue rockfish being weighed and measured at port in Sekiu. #FishWashington