Fish

Bocaccio

Bocaccio (rocote boca grande)

Sebastes paucispinis

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

3–8 lb.

Depth

60–1,500 ft.

Best time

Daytime.

Found in

5 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Big, long rockfish with a huge mouth (the upper jaw reaches past the eye) and a lower jaw that sticks out; olive-brown to reddish-orange with a pale belly. Its name means 'big mouth' in Italian.
Typical size: 3–8 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft.
Diet: Fish (anchovies, small rockfish) and squid.
Behavior: A predator that hovers over rocky reefs and wrecks, often well off the bottom.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Southern California, Central & Northern California, Oregon & Washington, British Columbia and Baja & Sea of Cortez. Rocky reefs, wrecks and oil platforms from British Columbia to Baja California, most common off California.
Habitat: Rocky reefs, wrecks and oil platforms from British Columbia to Baja California, most common off California.
Depth: 60–1,500 ft.
Fishing depth: 150–300 ft (within legal depth limits).
Best season: Where groundfish seasons are open.
Best time: Daytime.
Best tides: Slack or light tide.
Best weather / conditions: Calm seas.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Rocky reefs, wrecks and oil platforms from British Columbia to Baja California, most common off California.
Rig up: Medium-heavy bottom rod. 40 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Squid and whole anchovies. Lures: Metal jigs and swimbaits.
Fish it: Drop jigs or bait over deep reefs and reel up off the bottom.
Time it: Daytime. Slack or light tide.

Fishing techniques: Drop jigs or bait over deep reefs and reel up off the bottom.
BigJoe's tip: Use a descending device for any rockfish you release.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Good eating when fresh.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Firm white meat; good fried or baked.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Venomous spines — handle with gloves.
Regulations: West Coast bocaccio were declared rebuilt in 2017, but the Puget Sound / Georgia Basin population is listed as endangered and must be released. Check local rules. Rules are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (a tidal waters sport fishing licence in British Columbia), and the Washington, Oregon and California wildlife agencies with NOAA Fisheries. Groundfish seasons, depth limits and closed areas change often — check before you go.
Conservation: A rebuilt stock off California and Oregon after years of strict limits.

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Sources & photo credits