Nearshore

Lingcod

Ophiodon elongatus

Avg. Weight

15.0 lbs

Avg. Length

22+ inches

World Record

82.0 lbs

Found In

45 Destinations

About Lingcod

Lingcod are fearsome-looking ambush predators that patrol rocky reefs, kelp forests, and pinnacles from Southern California to Alaska. Despite the name, they are neither ling nor cod — they are the largest member of the greenling family. Lingcod have a massive head with a jaw full of sharp, conical teeth, a mottled brown-gray body, and large pectoral fins. Their most striking feature is their occasionally blue-green colored flesh (caused by a harmless bile pigment), which turns white when cooked and is considered among the finest eating fish on the Pacific coast.

Identification & Appearance

Large, elongated body with a massive, flat head and prominent jaw full of sharp teeth. Mottled brown, gray, and copper coloring with irregular dark blotches across the body — excellent camouflage against rocky bottom. Long dorsal fin extending most of the body length. Large pectoral fins for precise maneuvering. Occasionally the raw flesh is bright blue-green — completely safe to eat and turns white when cooked.

Male vs. Female

Females grow significantly larger — nearly all lingcod over 30 inches are female. Males guard the egg masses after spawning and rarely exceed 20 lbs. The size differential is dramatic: females can reach 60+ inches while males rarely exceed 30 inches.

Size, Weight & Records

Average catch is 5-15 lbs (24-36 inches). Quality lingcod run 15-30 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 30 lbs and 40 inches. The all-tackle world record is 82 lbs, caught in Alaska. Fish over 40 lbs are considered exceptional. Females grow much larger than males.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

Jan

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May

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Nov

Dec

Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Jigging heavy metal jigs (6-16 oz Crippled Herring, Luhr-Jensen Pipe Jig, Diamond Jigs) over rocky structure in 60-200 feet is the primary technique. Swimbaits (6-10 inch) on heavy jigheads worked along the bottom are deadly. Lingcod are notorious for grabbing hooked rockfish — many are caught "hitchhiking" on a rockfish being reeled up. Live bait (small rockfish where legal, mackerel) dropped to the bottom near structure produces trophy fish. Trolling large plugs along reef edges works well from boats.

Recommended Tackle

Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 40-65 lb braided line, 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leader, 6-16 oz jigs. The heavy tackle is needed to wrestle fish out of rocks and kelp quickly.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Seasons vary by state — California has specific open seasons (typically May-December). Minimum size limits of 22-26 inches depending on state. Bag limits of 1-3 fish per day. Lingcod nest-guarding males are protected during spawning season in some areas. Check specific state regulations.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.