California · Central Coast
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN MONTEREY
Monterey is an outstanding destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in March, April, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Monterey
The Pacific rockfish complex includes over 70 species, from the prized vermilion and copper rockfish of California to the massive yelloweye of Alaska. Found around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds at depths from 50 to 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of West Coast bottom fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Pacific Rockfish encompass over 70 species in the genus Sebastes, making them the most diverse group of sportfish on the West Coast. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (red snapper), Copper Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and the massive Yelloweye Rockfish of Alaska. Colors range from bright vermilion-red to jet black to mottled copper-brown, depending on species and depth. Found from shallow kelp beds to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of Pacific coast bottom fishing. Many species are extremely long-lived — yelloweye rockfish can live over 120 years.
Scientific name: Sebastes spp.
Rockfish Seasonal Calendar — Monterey
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Monterey, CA.
How to Catch Rockfish in Monterey
Techniques & Bait
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 30-65 lb braided line, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 4-16 oz weights depending on depth. Long dropper leaders with multiple hooks (shrimp fly rigs) are standard on party boats. Sensitive rod tips help detect bites at depth.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Monterey
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Monterey Municipal Wharf #2
Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf #2 provides free pier-fishing over sandy bottom where halibut, surfperch, jacksmelt, and squid are caught year-round. The wharf's position in Monterey Harbor puts anglers over productive water, and squid fishing under the lights during spawning season is a unique Monterey experience.
Monterey Harbor Breakwater
The Monterey Harbor breakwater shelters the harbor from Pacific swells and its submerged rock structure holds rockfish, cabezon, and perch along the entire length. Shore anglers fish from the breakwater wall for accessible catches, and the calm inner harbor holds halibut and bat ray on the sandy bottom.
Cannery Row Kelp
The kelp forests directly offshore of historic Cannery Row harbor a diverse assemblage of rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling in structure visible from shore. Kayak anglers launch from nearby beaches to fish the kelp canopy for nearshore species in one of Monterey Bay's most iconic settings.
Wharf #1 Pilings
Fisherman's Wharf #1 in downtown Monterey offers pier-fishing from the historic tourist wharf where surfperch, jacksmelt, and small rockfish hold around the old wooden pilings. The wharf's location in the harbor provides sheltered fishing conditions and easy access for visiting anglers.
Other Species in Monterey
More fish you can target while visiting Monterey.
Rockfish Fishing in Monterey — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Monterey are May, June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Monterey area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Monterey are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
No — when you book a charter in Monterey, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Rockfish regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Rockfish in Monterey, you may also catch Lingcod, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, White Seabass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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