Rockfishing off Bodega Bay is always a good time, and today didn’t disappoint. The weather was overcast but steady, with a light wind that kept the water relatively calm. We launched early, hoping to catch the morning bite and get into some solid action.
We headed out to a spot known for its rock structure, a perfect habitat for rockfish. I set up with a medium-action rod rigged with a simple two-hook setup, weighted enough to reach down around 100 feet. Right from the first drop, there was that familiar tug—an eager nibble on the line that told me we were in the right place. The first pull brought up a black rockfish, nothing huge but a good start to the day.
The action kept steady, with a mix of black and blue rockfish making their way up. Most of these were in the 1- to 2-pound range, solid fighters even if they weren’t giants. I switched over to a heavier jig to see if that might attract something larger, letting it sink close to the bottom before giving it a few slow jigs up. Sure enough, I felt a stronger pull, and up came a nice copper rockfish, a bit over 2 pounds, and a great addition to the day’s haul.
Around mid-morning, the wind picked up a bit, making it trickier to feel the smaller bites. But that’s where rockfishing keeps it interesting—you never know what you’re going to pull up. I tried another spot nearby, hoping the change in depth and structure might bring in some different fish. On the next drop, I hooked into a good-sized vermilion rockfish. This one put up a fight, making me work a bit to get it up. At close to 3 pounds, it was one of the better catches of the day, and its bright red color made it a highlight.
The steady action continued, and I was happy with the mix we were bringing in. Some anglers around us were landing similar catches, with a few lingcod sightings here and there, though we didn’t manage one this time. Toward the end of the trip, the water calmed down, and I made a final drop. This time, I felt a much heavier pull—a good sign. After some careful reeling, up came a hefty 4-pound vermilion rockfish. A nice surprise and a great way to end the day.
By the time we packed up, I had around seven rockfish, a mix of black, blue, copper, and vermilion. It wasn’t a limit-out day, but the quality and variety of the fish made it worthwhile. Rockfishing off Bodega Bay has a way of delivering just the right amount of challenge and reward, with plenty of fish and a chance at a real prize catch if you’re lucky.
For anyone heading out to Bodega Bay, a good selection of jigs and a bit of patience go a long way. The rockfish are out there, and with the right spot and timing, you’ll be reeling them in steadily. Today was proof that even when the weather is a bit cool, the fishing can be hot.
