Premier 10-Hour Rockfish Adventure at Sea

Deep Water Rockfish: 10 Hours of Non-Stop Action

Trip Overview

Get ready for a full day of hard-pulling action on this 10-hour deep water rockfish trip. We're heading offshore to some killer spots where big rockfish lurk in the depths. This shared charter is perfect whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious rod-bending fun. We provide top-notch gear to make sure you're equipped to battle those deep-dwelling monsters. It's all about filling the cooler with tasty rockfish and maybe even landing that personal best.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be dropping lines in 300-600 feet of water, where the biggest rockfish hang out. The name of the game is bottom fishing with heavy tackle. You'll be using stout rods, braid line, and heavy sinkers to get your bait down where the fish are. We typically use a mix of cut bait and artificial lures like metal jigs. The action can be fast and furious - when you hit a school, it's not uncommon to have everyone on the boat hooked up at once. Be ready for some serious arm workout! The deep water means you'll feel every head shake and dive as you winch these powerful fish up from the depths. It's a blast, but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Top Catches This Season

Our anglers have been crushing it lately with some real trophy rockfish. We're talking about chunky vermilions pushing 10 pounds, goliath bocaccio over 36 inches, and those prized yelloweye rockfish that light up the deck with their vibrant color. The variety out here is insane - on any given trip you might hook into canary rockfish, blackgill rockfish, chilipepper rockfish, and more. Each species fights a little differently, so you never know what you're in for when that rod doubles over. The deep water produces some absolute tanks, so don't be surprised if you end up with fish story material by the end of the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Vermilion Rockfish: These crimson beauties are a fan favorite for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They typically hang out in rocky areas between 150-800 feet deep. Vermilions can grow up to 30 inches and live for over 60 years, so when you hook into a big one, you know you're battling an old-timer. They're aggressive feeders and will readily attack both bait and jigs. The best time to target them is during summer and fall when they move into slightly shallower waters to feed.

Bocaccio: Often called "salmon grouper" due to their size and taste, bocaccio are one of the largest rockfish species we target. These bad boys can reach lengths of over 3 feet and weights up to 21 pounds. They're known for their powerful initial run when hooked, often mistaken for a much larger fish. Bocaccio prefer areas with high relief and are usually found between 250-750 feet deep. Spring and early summer are prime times to catch these giants as they move closer to shore to spawn.

Yelloweye Rockfish: The crown jewel of rockfish species, yelloweyes are prized for their striking appearance and delicious white meat. These slow-growing fish can live up to 120 years and reach sizes over 30 pounds. They're typically found in rocky habitats between 300-600 feet deep. Yelloweyes are curious by nature and will often investigate baits, making them a thrilling catch for anglers. Due to their longevity and slow reproduction rate, there are strict regulations on keeping yelloweyes, so we practice careful catch and release with these beautiful fish.

Canary Rockfish: Don't let their name fool you - these fish are anything but dainty songbirds. Canary rockfish are hard-fighting and can grow up to 24 inches long. They prefer rocky bottoms and underwater pinnacles between 150-900 feet deep. Canaries are known for their schooling behavior, so when you find them, you can expect multiple hookups. Their bright orange-yellow color makes them a stand-out catch, and their firm white flesh is excellent for fish tacos. Late summer and fall are typically the best times to target canaries as they move to shallower waters to feed.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about deep water rockfishing that keeps our customers coming back for more. Maybe it's the anticipation as your bait sinks into the abyss, or the sudden jolt when a big fish slams your offering. Perhaps it's the variety - with over 50 species of rockfish in these waters, you never know what colorful creature you'll bring up next. Or it could be the pure satisfaction of battling a fish from hundreds of feet below, feeling every headshake and run amplified by the depth. Whatever it is, one trip is rarely enough. Our regulars talk about the "one that got away" and plan their next outing before we even hit the dock. It's not just fishing; it's an adventure into an underwater world few get to experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching for some serious deep water action, don't sleep on this trip. Our 10-hour rockfish charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling big fish in deep water, this is the trip for you. Remember, we also offer lingcod trips, San Francisco deep sea fishing, striped bass charters, and even California crabbing excursions if you want to mix it up. But for pure, unadulterated rockfish madness, this is the way to go. Give us a call or hop online to reserve your spot. Trust me, your arms will be sore, but your grin will be even bigger when we get back to the dock. Let's go fishing!