Rockfish
Quillback • Copper • Black • Yelloweye & More
Telegraph Cove waters are home to numerous rockfish species, including Quillback, Copper, Black, and Yelloweye. These colorful bottom dwellers are prized for their excellent flavor but require careful handling due to their vulnerability to overfishing and barotrauma.
Migratory Patterns
Inshore rockfish species are highly residential with very localized movement patterns.
Their larvae drift with the currents (pelagic stage) before settling into benthic (bottom) habitats.
How They Live
Rockfish are characterized by slow growth, late maturity, and extreme longevity, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing.
They typically inhabit rocky reefs, kelp beds, and underwater structures.
Interesting Details
Many species are incredibly long-lived. The Yelloweye Rockfish (often mistakenly called Red Snapper) can live for over 115 years.
Rockfish suffer from barotrauma (pressure injury) when brought up from depth, as their swim bladders expand.
Species Diversity
The waters around Telegraph Cove host an impressive variety of rockfish species, each with unique colors and characteristics:
Quillback
Orange-brown with spines
Copper
Copper-bronze coloration
Black
Dark with white spots
Yelloweye
Bright orange-red
Barotrauma & Proper Release
Rockfish brought up from depth suffer from barotrauma as their swim bladders expand due to pressure changes. Signs include bulging eyes and protruding stomach.
Mandatory Release Procedures:
- •Use a descending device (weight or specialized clip) to return fish to depth
- •Release fish as quickly as possible at the depth of capture
- •This significantly increases survival rates
Regulations (Area 12)
Daily Limit: 0 (Non-retention) - Due to conservation concerns
All Other Rockfish Species:
Subareas 12-1 to 12-13 & 12-15 to 12-48
Subarea 12-14
Mandatory Release Aid: It is mandatory to use a descending device (a weight or specialized clip) to return rockfish to the depth they were caught, significantly increasing their chance of survival.
Many areas are closed to all fishing to protect rockfish populations. Check maps for RCA locations before fishing.
Best Season
Year-round
Check for Rockfish Conservation Area closures before fishing