Washington Fishing Reports
Washington Fishing Reports
Our Guide to Washington's 2026 Halibut Season
Washington’s 2026 Halibut Seasons start April 2 Washington Halibut options span the Ocean, Strait and Puget Sound Washington's first big saltwater fishing opener of the year starts with Halibut Season. The 2026 season was just announced, with generous open ocean opportunities on the Washington Coast and an early season kickoff in Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands and Sekiu. We’ve broken down the seasons by area, and hope it helps you break down the dates to plan your Halibut fishing trips. We’ve been busy helping to outfit people already. Check out our page dedicated to all of our best Halibut fishing tackle and gear. Jump to Pacific Ocean - Marine Areas 1-4Jump to Sekiu, Strait & San Juan Islands - Marine Areas 5-7Jump to Puget Sound - Marine Areas 8-10Jump to Washington Halibut FishingJump to Halibut Gear Guide Washington Coast & Pacific Ocean Halibut Season for 2026 Halibut seasons are managed by a quota system, and each region has a certain amount of quota poundage that can be harvested, so although seasons have been set and dates announced, it’s a good idea to check out the quota updates for your area before you head out. These can be easily found, along with each marine area’s emergency rules, linked below. Marine Area 1 – Ilwaco Fishing for Halibut in Washington’s southernmost portion of the Pacific Ocean can be great, and there are both an all-depth opener and a nearshore fishery that provides extra opportunities. Marine Area 1 all depth areas are open April 30 to May 31 and also June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. If quota remains, June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 may be added to the season. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up.There's also a potential for fishing in August and September if quota remains. WDFW Columbia River Halibut - Marine Area 1 Regulations - Marine Area 1 Emergency Rules There is usually a nearshore fishery in this area, but not this year, only the all-depth dates listed above. Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 2 – Westport Westport, Washington has the coast’s largest charter boat fleet and a large contingent of private boats that enjoy the Halibut season here. Most of the action occurs far offshore around the edges of Grays Canyon, with depths to 600’ or more! There is a nearshore opportunity as well, and if you luck into a Halibut fishing for Lingcod or Rockfish you can keep them on certain dates. Marine Area 2 will be open April 30 to May 31 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Then again June 2 to June 30 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. There is a potential for halibut fishing in August and September if quota remains after the June openers. WDFW South Coast Halibut - Marine Area 2 Regulations - Marine Area 2 Emergency Rules Northern Nearshore Halibut Fishery: This area includes the waters from 47°31.70’ N. latitude south to 46°58.00’N. latitude and east of a line approximating 30 fathoms. Check WDFW for exact coordinates. Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 3 – La Push La Push is on our remote North Coast and a beautiful part of our state. Halibut fishing here can be phenomenal and varies between far offshore to inside the 100’ line near rocky structure. Marine Area 3 will be open April 30 to May 16 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Then May 22-24, May 28-30. In June it will be open June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. If quota remains after June 30, all marine areas may be open up to seven days per week in August and September. WDFW North Coast Halibut - Marine Area 3 Regulations - Marine Area 3 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 4 – Neah Bay Neah Bay offers a great chance to get offshore, where Halibut fishing can be great in far off places like around the C-Closure, Blue Dot, 72 Square among others, but also along the Pacific Coast and inside the entrance to the Straits. It’s a varied marine area with a lot of character and good fishing. Marine Area 4 will be open April 30 to May 16 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Then May 22-24, May 28-30. In June it will be open June 4 to June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Dates may be cut from the schedule if quota is used up. If quota remains after June 30, all marine areas may be open up to seven days per week in August and September. WDFW North Coast Halibut - Marine Area 4 Regulations - Marine Area 4 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Sekiu, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands and Puget Sound Halibut Season for 2026 Marine Area 5 – Sekiu Sekiu is way out west near the entrance to the Strait and gets a good haul of Halibut hit its docks each spring. Fishing just north of Clallam Bay, off Pillar Point and the mouth of the Sekiu River are prime spots for Halibut. Marine Area 5 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 5 Regulations - Marine Area 5 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 6 – Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca holds several highly productive banks where Halibut anglers will both drift and sit on anchor, including Hein, Dallas, Partridge, Eastern, Coyote Banks, the Rockpile, Protection Island and others. Marine Area 6 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 6 Regulations - Marine Area 6 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Area 7 – San Juan Islands The San Juan Islands offer an easy shot out to some places in the Eastern Strait that are in Marine Area 7, like Salmon Bank and Hein Bank, and further north of the islands at Alden Bank, while most of the fishing inside the islands is focused on Lingcod starting May 1, there are the occasional Halibut caught off the rocky points and reefs inside the island chain as well. Marine Area 7 opens April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 7 Regulations - Marine Area 7 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Marine Areas 8-10 – Admiralty Inlet, Saratoga Passage, Seattle & Bainbridge Island Protected areas of North and Central Puget Sound give people close reach to Halibut fishing action near Seattle, Everett, Edmonds, Kingston, Whidbey Island and Port Townsend. On many days, even smaller boats can safely get out for a chance at Halibut. While the best action is in Admiralty Inlet in places like Admiralty Bay, Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff, there are Halibut occasionally caught at points further south like Possession, Skunk Bay and even Jeff Head, but not with much regularity. Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10 all open April 2 to June 30, 7 days a week. If quota remains, there may be some more openings in August and September. WDFW Puget Sound Halibut - Marine Area 9 Regulations - Marine Area 9 Emergency Rules Daily limit is 1 any size, annual limit is 6 and anglers must purchase a Halibut catch card and record their catch. Fishing for Halibut in Washington State Washington has some really exciting options for Halibut fishing, with areas of Halibut abundance offshore, and plenty of really solid opportunities for nearshore and inshore Halibut hauls. From the serious offshore angler, to the small-boat-Halibut-hopefuls, there are tons of Halibut caught across our state’s marine waters. Halibut fishing in the Pacific offshore The greatest concentrations of Halibut in Washington waters occur far offshore near the edge of the continental shelf. Depending on the region, it could be anywhere from a 25 mile to 50 mile run to get where you want to be. The southern half of Washington’s Pacific Coast is a gradual gradient from the beach out for many miles until the shelf, Ilwaco boats run out and fish the edges of the Astoria Canyon, Westport boats fish the edges of the Grays Harbor Canyon. Nearshore fisheries near these two ports give up some incidental Halibut, but the small nearshore quota is more of a gesture to the guys specifically targeting Lingcod and Rockfish, giving them a big bonus if they catch a Halibut. Further north near La Push and Neah Bay, the ocean floor gains more character, with larger swaths of contour and terrain, giving anglers more spots to go explore. For those that have smaller ocean-worthy boats that may not feel comfortable running out 30 miles, there are plenty of Halibut caught within ten miles or less from the harbor entrances of these two great fishing ports. Fishing inside Washington’s Strait Halibut fishing from the west entrance at Neah Bay to the Eastern Strait can be really good. Most of the action occurs on larger lifted banks where strong currents create a concentration point for sealife, including Halibut’s most common forage, Candlefish and Herring. There are more than two dozen extremely well known Halibut spots here, some mentioned above, where a couple dozen boats can be found working the area at any good tide. There is a good mix of boats that anchor up with a chum bag and wait for the fish to come to them, and those that drift with the currents and cover ground. Both tactics can yield success. Halibut fishing in the protected waters of Puget Sound & San Juan Islands Halibut can be found with decent regularity in Admiralty Inlet and gradually get more scarce the further south you go. The rare catch at Possession, Skunk Bay really create a buzz, and on even rarer occasion, a Halibut will get caught at Jeff Head or somewhere else in Marine Area 10. Generally speaking, there isn’t much angling effort for Halibut in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 or 10. But you do have a decent chance of catching Halibut in the northern portion of Marine Area 9! Seattle Fishing Co. Halibut Gear Check out our page dedicated to all of our best Halibut fishing tackle and gear. If you are looking for a great rod and reel setup, we have a great selection of Okuma and Daiwa to choose from, including an option to have us spool up your reel with quality braided line. Halibut Hoochie Rig B2 Squid Rig Standard Spreader Bar Glow Spreader Bar Halibut Weight Slider Square Cod Weight Cannonball Weight Gamakatsu Octopus 8/0 to 10/0 Gamakatsu Big River Bait Hook 8/0 to 12/0 Copper Pipe Jig, P-Line Hali Drop Jigs P-Line Diamond Jigs Gibbs Cod Jigs Fisherman’s Gold Electric Eels Lead Jighead Delta Hali Hawg Grub Kalin's Big N Grub P-Line Twin Tail Squid Powerbait Grub. Halibut fishing through Spring and Summer This is one of our favorite fishing options in the spring, and when you battle and land your first Halibut, it’s an experience that you absolutely will want to repeat! Safety is always a major consideration when deciding where to go and when, and knowing your experience level and boat’s capabilities will definitely help keep you safe and create some really great memories. If you need any help gear up please let us know, we are happy to help!
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Ocean Shores 2026 Razor Clam & Seafood Festival March 20-22
If you're looking for a fun day trip, head to Ocean Shores and check out their annual Razor Clam and Seafood Festival. Not only is this a great event, with lots of vendors to visit, a chowder cookoff, tons of food booths, live local music and a crab dinner, but Razor Clam digging is also happening this weekend! Check out our writeup on the clam dig opener here. Ocean Shores, WA Razor Clam and Seafood Festival Website
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Razor Clam Digs approved for March 17th to 24th
Tides are looking good for the upcoming Razor Clam digs that were just announced! It looks like we will see digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors every day during the openers, and alternating openers between Copalis and Mocrocks Beaches. The openers starts off with a few late afternoon and evening digs, but then by Friday the low tides are in the morning! There's nothing better than waking up early, heading to the beach and getting your limit of clams before exploring the coast. WDFW approves eight days of coastal razor clam digs beginning March 17 with additional dates planned through early April OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed today, razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks beaches from March 17 through March 24. “March is finally here and with it comes longer days, the shift to morning harvest, and hopefully better weather,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “This next tide series will start off with our last few evening digs, then switch to spring morning tides to kick off weekend digging and the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival.” Copalis and Mocrocks beaches are not open every day during each series of digs, so be sure to check which beach is open before heading out. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less — sometimes two to three days — before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, is available on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage. Recent marine biotoxin closures do not apply to razor clams or crabs. Certain shellfish species accumulate toxins more quickly, to higher levels, and can harbor them longer than other species. Refer to DOH's shellfish safety map for details on which species are safe to harvest. The following digs during late afternoon/evening (noon to midnight only): March 17, Tuesday, 6:21 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis March 18, Wednesday, 6:54 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis March 19, Thursday, 7:28 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks The following digs during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides: March 20, Friday, 8:00 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 21, Saturday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 22, Sunday, 9:29 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival) March 23, Monday, 10:22 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks March 24, Tuesday, 11:21 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 p.m.) Below are additional tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides: April 1, Wednesday, 6:45 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 2, Thursday, 7:22 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 3, Friday, 7:57 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 4, Saturday, 8:32 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis April 5, Sunday, 9:08 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 6, Monday, 9:46 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks April 7, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. On all open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks — the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. Diggers must have a valid 2025-2026 license. Licenses can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 16 or older must have a license to harvest razor clams on any beach. WDFW recommends diggers buy their license before visiting coastal beach communities. Kalaloch Beach off the northern Olympic Peninsula coast won’t be open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams. The 2025-2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on the WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to: razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For more information, refer to the WDFW's razor clam webpage. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
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Columbia River Spring Chinook 2026 Seasons Set!
Spring Chinook are the first migratory return to the Columbia River of the year, and always kick off the fishing season with a ton of participation. Anglers all over the region will make their way to the big river in early Spring to catch, arguably the best tasting salmon available anywhere.
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Coastal Razor Clamming Opens February 26th to March 4th
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches will see another round of Razor Clam openers starting this week, with some minus tides and a potential for great digging. The Razor Clam harvest this seasons has been excellent so far, and there's much more to come this spring.
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Salmon Fishing at Jeff Head on Puget Sound
Jeff Head is a great place to fish for salmon if you're close to Seattle. It consistently ranks as one of the favorite fishing spots in all of Puget Sound and for good reason. This huge underwater shelf stretches more than halfway across Puget Sound, and creates a massive current break, collecting schools of herring, which ultimately draws in feeding salmon. Fishing seasons stretch from spring to fall and offer up some great fishing for Coho, Chum, Pink and Chinook Salmon. Whether you're launching in Seattle, Bainbridge, Kingston or Edmonds, this is an easy place to get to and a top producing salmon spot.
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Washington State Fishing Report - Mid-February 2026
February is really turning into a great fishing month, and we've got plenty to talk about in our new Fishing Report Series! Every region in Washington has some really good fishing going on right now, so whether you're looking to get out on Puget Sound, catch and release a trophy Steelhead, head to the beach for clamming, or find that hot trout fishing spot on a local lake, there's plenty to choose from!
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Eastern Washington's Early Season Lakes open March 1st
Eastern Washington is blessed with some of the most beautiful lakes in the Pacific Northwest. While the region is much more arid than what we're used to over in the Seattle area, fishing in early spring on lakes surrounded by breathtaking rock formations, sunny skies and the smell of sage in the air makes it a great place to spend a weekend fishing.
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Cowlitz River Smelt Fishing Reopens Saturday February 21st
Smelt fishing season continues on the lower Cowlitz River this Saturday! The first opener of the 2026 season was on Wednesday and while sample surveys in the Columbia looked good, everyone was a little nervous when the state reported just days earlier that there were nearly no smelt in the Cowlitz itself. Still, anglers showed up and found that they had just arrived! Plenty of limits were found by the guys fishing on Wednesday.
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Halibut Fishing in Sekiu, Port Angeles & Sequim opens April 2nd
Halibut fishing in Washington's Strait of Juan de Fuca draws a big crowd every season, and and with all the big Halibut swimming around on the banks from Sekiu to Sequim, it's exciting to think about how good this 2026 fishing season will be!
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Puget Sound Halibut Season opens April 2nd
Inner Puget Sound looks like it will open for our annual Halibut season this year on April 2nd. Harvest quota has been signed off for Marine Areas 5-13 at 79,772 pounds for the season, and managers are working on the final sign off to give us a pretty respectable season.
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Coastal Bottomfish Season opens March 14th
Bottomfishing on the Washington Coast is the first big season opener for our saltwater season, and all four of our ocean marine areas are opening back up for the season on March 14th. Vast expanses of ocean will open up for Lingcod and Rockfish fishing for a 7 month season, and while most of the effort happens from May to September, there are plenty of people that hit the ocean early in the spring during the fair weather days. Each area of Washington's Pacific Ocean hosts some great fishing and unique scenery. The bottom fish aggregate limit is 9, including up to 2 Lingcod and 7 Rockfish. Cabezon and Greenling are also on the table as part of the limit! So whether you're a couple hours away from Ilwaco and the mouth of the Columbia River, looking at charter options in Westport, or seeking an adventure on the rugged North Coast from Neah Bay and La Push, rejoice! Washington's saltwater fishing season is about to begin! Check out the WDFW Halibut & Bottomfish Page for season highlights Black Rockfish are a primary target for Washington Bottomfish anglers. Fishing for ocean Lingcod and Rockfish in early spring March and April offer up a real mix of weather and ocean conditions, we will get severe storms to some of the most perfectly flat ocean conditions, and this can change daily. Most anglers that participate in the spring bottom fish season will keep a close eye on the marine forecast and when a window opens up to hit the ocean safely, they'll jump on the opportunity. But as spring progresses, the fair weather days become more common and expected. Early season means a fresh chance to fish over Lingcod and Rockfish stocks that haven't seen any angling pressure in months, and all the prime zones produce some great catches. Charter boats out of Neah Bay, La Push, Westport and Ilwaco will offer up some great trips and usually head back to port with boat limits of both Lings and Rockfish. Lingcod fishing with All River & Saltwater Charters in Westport Marine Area 1 - Mouth of Columbia River, Illwaco Apart from the deepwater Lingcod fishing that happens later in the season, lots of anglers from both boat and shore fish the North Jetty of the Columbia River. There are a good number of large Black Rockfish and Lings here. Like other river mouths of the Pacific Coast, it is super important to be aware of the bar conditions (current and future) when heading out for the day. Marine Area 1 published regulations and emergency rule changes. Cape Disappointment near the mouth of the Columbia River - Marine Area 1 Marine Area 2 - Westport Westport is the most popular bottomfishing port on the Washington Coast, and some major hauls are brought back to the harbor every day that the ocean allows. Near town, the Westport Jetty can offers a close-in option for shore and small boat anglers, and outside the entrance to Grays Harbor, the charter and private boats spread out to countless bottomfish spots. Marine Area 2 published regulations and emergency rule changes. Westport Marina, home to the largest fishing charter fleet in Washington - Marine Area 2 Marine Area 3 - La Push A small harbor located just inside the Quillayute River, once you pass the jetties, you're smack dab into the wild Pacific. With vast expanses of Lingcod and Rockfish habitat to explore. Typically a popular choice for mid- to large-sized fishing boats that are equipped to fish in open ocean waters. Marine Area 3 published regulations and emergency rule changes. James Island at the entrance to La Push - Marine Area 3 Marine Area 4 - Neah Bay Neah Bay is one of the more remote areas of Washington State, but offers some amazing coastline to explore. Whether your vessel is a 30' offshore boat or a 14' kayak, this is one of the best places for everyone to experience Lingcod and Rockfish fishing. Good fishing for both can be found just outside the harbor, but fishing just gets better and better the further out you go. The area has different regulations inside the Strait of Juan de Fuca versus outside, and depth restrictions for bottomfishing at certain times of the year. Marine Area 4 published regulations and emergency rule changes. The rugged coastline of Cape Flattery near Neay Bay - Marine Area 4 Seattle Fishing Co. Rockfish & Lingcod Gear There are a few setups that will help you catch Ocean Rockfish and Lingcod with ease, we have a few rigging diagrams to make things easy. Check out our full line of Lingcod & Rockfish Gear Deepwater Lingcod Gear Much of the offshore environment holds that hardpan rocky structure that Lingcod love. During portions of the season, fishing for Lingcod is allowed the offshore zone, and with some areas exceeding 600' in depth, it's deep-sea fishing with heavy gear. The best deepwater areas hold trophy Lingcod. Jigging with heavy jigs is the most common technique. Copper Pipe Jigs 16-40 ounces Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 16-32 ounces Gibbs Cod Jigs 16-26 ounces Kalin's Big-N Grubs 10" with Lead Jighead 16-32 ounces Inshore and Nearshore Lingcod Gear Closer to shore, rockpiles, reefs and the complex and rugged coastline offers good Lingcod fishing in the shallow areas just off the kelp out to 120' or 180', depending on the depth restrictions in the area. We mostly fish with medium heavy rods and jigs up to 12 ounces. Drifting and jigging being the most effective technique. Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 4-8 ounces P-Line Laser Minnow Jigs 3-6 ounces Copper Pipe Jigs 8 ounces P-Line Twintail Squid 7" & 9" with Lead Jighead 4-12 ounces Light Tackle Rockfish Gear Most of the Rockfish fishing is located in the shallows, either inside the kelp, near it, or around rocky structure in 25' to 100'. Light tackle can make this a fun part of the day, and usually jigs from 1 to 3 ounces will perfectly match the size of forage that Rockfish normally prefer. Fisherman's Gold Electric Eel Jigs 1-2 ounces P-Line Twintail Squid 4.5" with Lead Jighead 1-3 ounces Shrimp Flies Luhr Jensen Crippled Herring Jigs 1-3 ounces P-Line Laser Minnow Jigs 1-2 ounces Canary Rockfish caught near Neah Bay, Washington
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