WikiCatch
Quillback rockfish
Sebastes maliger
Overview
The quillback rockfish, also known as the quillback seaperch, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae. This species primarily dwells in salt water reefs. The average adult weighs 2–7 pounds and may reach 1 m in length. Quillback rockfish are named for the sharp, venomous quills or spines on the dorsal fin. Their mottled orange-brown coloring allows them to blend in with rocky bottom reefs. The quillback rockfish eats mainly crustaceans, but will also eat herring. They are solitary and minimally migratory, but not territorial, and give birth to live young (viviparous). They are a popular sport fish, generally caught in cold water 41–60 m deep, but also to subtidal depths of 275 m.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Small herring
Effective when drifting or mooching.
- Sand shrimp
Good for fishing near the bottom.
- Pile worms
A good all-around bait.
- Mussels
Crushed and used as chum or on a hook.
- Squid
Strips or whole; very versatile bait.
Artificial Lures
- Buzz Bomb JigJigBuy
Great for vertical jigging near reefs.
- Crippled Herring SpoonSpoonBuy
Effective when trolled slowly near structure.
- Swim SenkoSoft PlasticBuy
Cast near rocks; slow retrieve.
- Krocodile SpoonSpoonBuy
Can be cast or trolled at varying depths.
- Tidal Surge Swim ShadSoft PlasticBuy
Pairs well with a jig head.
Techniques
Target rocky bottoms and structure where quillback rockfish seek shelter; vary your retrieval speed to find what triggers strikes.
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Where to Find Quillback rockfish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Quillback rockfish?+
Popular baits for Quillback rockfish include Small herring, Sand shrimp, Pile worms, Mussels, Squid. Tip: Target rocky bottoms and structure where quillback rockfish seek shelter; vary your retrieval speed to find what triggers strikes.
Where can I catch Quillback rockfish?+
Quillback rockfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Alaska, United States; British Columbia, Canada; Oregon, United States. WikiCatch lists 32 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Quillback rockfish get?+
Quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) can reach up to 61.0000014 cm in length and 3.3 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.
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