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Common name: Blue Rockfish (also known as blue bass, reef perch)
Scientific name: Sebastes mystinus
California record: 3 lbs. 14 oz. at San Carpoforo on October 14, 1993 by angler Terry Lamb Jr.
Description: Blue rockfish, like their name implies, are usually a medium blue to dark blue or grayish mottled in color. Their bodies are oval-shaped and compressed, and they are typically smooth and have minimal head spines. The anal fin is slanted or straight at the end, and their pectoral fins are large. Their mouths are small by rockfish standards.
Habitat: Blue rockfish can be found along the Pacific coast from Baja California to Alaska. In California, the are most commonly found in central and northern regions.
Blue rockfish prefer rocky bottoms and structure along with kelp beds. They can be caught in deeper water up to 300 ft. or so, but are most commonly caught in waters 80 ft. or less around kelp beds and shallow reefs. They are a schooling species and can be found in big numbers, and are also known to school with other species of rockfish.
Reproduction: Blue rockfish spawn in the winter months from November to March. Females give birth to live young and juveniles are pelagic. The young fish are very susceptible to being eaten by other predators.
Eating habit: Smaller juvenile blue rockfish eat plankton, copepods and barnacle larvae. Adult diets consist of small fish, jellyfish, squid, shrimp, crabs and also small pieces of aquatic plants such as algae and seaweed.
Fishing methods, tips, and best lures and baits: Blue rockfish are normally aggressive feeders and can usually be found in good numbers once located. They are also considered excellent fighters for their size.
These fish do not grow to large sizes like some other species of rockfish, so heavy tackle is not needed. Squid, mussels, shrimp and cut bait are a few good bets for bait. Blue rockfish will also hit artificials, including small swimbaits and other plastics.
Look for blue rockfish around kelp beds and structure spots. Better success is usually found north of Point Conception.
Best times of the year for targeting this species: Blue rockfish can be caught year-round. Be advised to check the current regulations for size restrictions, bag limits and closed seasons as these are known to change almost yearly.
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