Vermilion Rockfish
Sebastes miniatus
FR Sébaste vermillon · ES Rocote bermellón
Also known as: Rock CodRed Rock CodRocote bermejoRocote bermellónSébaste vermillon
Reef/KelpBoat
DeepwaterReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Depth
30–180m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–AugGood Apr–Sep
Depth range
30–180mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Jigging80%
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering65%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Bright red trophy of the deep drops – bounce bait or metal jigs along rocky bottom past a hundred feet and I'll light up the cooler.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shoreWreck reefDeep water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSoft plastics
Diet
Small fishSquidKrillZooplankton
Effective techniques
JiggingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
Day
My species name literally means 'scarlet' – I'm the reddest rockfish on the reef, with three orange stripes fanning out from each eye.
Field notes
Where to find them
California/Pacific deep reef
Where they hang out
Deep reef structure
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate
What they're into
Squid strips over deep structure
Temperature vibe
Cold-water species
Fave weather
Calm seas needed to hold position over structure
Fun fact about me
Deep-red on the way up, faded by the time you see me on deck.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits, depth closures — check CDFW rulesCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Looking after them
Near Threatened