Washington · Strait & Sound
LINGCOD FISHING
IN SEKIU
Sekiu is a solid destination for lingcod fishing, with peak season in May and good catches in June, October. Book a charter and target lingcod with local experts.
About Lingcod Fishing in Sekiu
The toothy lingcod is a fearsome ambush predator found on rocky reefs and kelp forests from Southern California to Alaska. These aggressive fish are known for striking at hooked rockfish and can be caught jigging, trolling, or drift fishing. Their mild, white flesh is considered among the finest eating on the Pacific coast.
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.
Scientific name: Ophiodon elongatus
Lingcod Seasonal Calendar — Sekiu
Month-by-month availability for lingcod in Sekiu, WA.
How to Catch Lingcod in Sekiu
Techniques & Bait
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.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Sekiu
Top spots where local captains target lingcod and other nearshore species.
Sekiu Reef
The rocky reef structure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca off Sekiu holds lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon in 30 to 80 feet of water over volcanic bottom. Small boats from Sekiu access the reef for productive bottom-fishing within minutes of launching.
Slip Point
Slip Point between Clallam Bay and Sekiu features rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, black rockfish, and greenling hold in current-swept habitat. The point's position in the strait catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish along the rocky structure.
Clallam Bay Kelp
The kelp beds off Clallam Bay hold rockfish and lingcod in nearshore structure accessible to kayaks and small boats from the bay. The kelp canopy provides habitat for juvenile fish that attract lingcod and other predators in fishable numbers.
Eagle Point
Eagle Point west of Sekiu features rocky nearshore structure in the strait where lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon hold along submerged ledges. The point's exposure to strait currents creates productive fishing conditions for boat anglers.
Other Species in Sekiu
More fish you can target while visiting Sekiu.
Lingcod Fishing in Sekiu — FAQ
The peak months for Lingcod fishing in Sekiu are May. During these months, Lingcod are most active and abundant in the Sekiu area.
Lingcod fishing charters in Sekiu are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
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.
No — when you book a charter in Sekiu, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lingcod regulations in Washington include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Lingcod in Sekiu, you may also catch Rockfish, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Lingcod in Sekiu?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your lingcod fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes