Rockfish
Pelagic Rockfish
There are many different species of Rockfish in Alaska, the 26 local species are divided into 2 broad categories. Pelagic rockfish and Non-Pelagic. Pelagic are the most abundant, the most widely distributed and they grow and reproduce faster than their Non-Pelagic cousins. Pelagic Rockfish are typically in shallower water, they’re capable of moving around the ocean and they are usually found in large schools. Pelagic Rockfish will chase bait to the surface. The limit on these Fish is 5 per person.
Non-Pelagic Rockfish
Non-Pelagic Rockfish are the largest of the 2 broad categories with Yelloweye and Rougheye Rockfish regularly exceeding 25lbs. Non-Pelagic rockfish also tend to be beautiful, Tiger Rockfish and China Rockfish commonly held as the most beautiful. These Fish can live a very long time. Otoliths removed from yelloweye have indicated many have lived for over 100 years!! These fish spend their entire life in an area the size of a football field. The Limit on these fish is 1 per person.