WikiCatch
Yelloweye rockfish

Yelloweye rockfish

Sebastes ruberrimus

Family
Sebastidae
Max Length
104 cm
Max Weight
17.8 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
saltwater
Fishing Spots
54

Overview

The yelloweye rockfish is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae and one of the biggest members of the genus Sebastes. Its name derives from its coloration. It is also locally known as "red snapper," not to be confused with the warm-water Atlantic species Lutjanus campechanus that formally carries the name red snapper. The yelloweye is one of the world's longest-lived fish species, and is cited to live to a maximum of 114 to 120 years of age. As they grow older, they change in color, from reddish in youth, to bright orange in adulthood, to pale yellow in old age. Yelloweye live in rocky areas and feed on small fish and other rockfish. They reside in the East Pacific and range from Baja California to Dutch Harbor in Alaska.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Small Rockfish

    Hook through the back; yelloweye are opportunistic.

  • Herring

    Use whole or cut herring; scent is a big attractant.

  • Squid

    Effective whole or as strips.

  • Sand Shrimp

    A great option when fished near the bottom.

  • Pile Worms

    Good for attracting attention and smaller yelloweye.

Artificial Lures

  • P-Line Laser Minnow JigJig

    Effective jigging deep near structure.

    Buy
  • Berkley Gulp! Saltwater GrubSoft Plastic

    Use with a leadhead; good action and scent.

    Buy
  • Luhr Jensen Crippled Herring SpoonSpoon

    Cast and retrieve or jig vertically.

    Buy
  • Shimano Butterfly JigJig

    Fast action imitates fleeing baitfish.

    Buy
  • Buzz Bomb JigJig

    A classic for deep water rockfish.

    Buy

Techniques

Yelloweye often hold near structure in deep water, so use heavy enough tackle to get down quickly and avoid snags; consider using a fish finder to locate promising spots.

As an Amazon Associate, WikiCatch earns from qualifying purchases.

Where to Find Yelloweye rockfish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Yelloweye rockfish?+

Popular baits for Yelloweye rockfish include Small Rockfish, Herring, Squid, Sand Shrimp, Pile Worms. Tip: Yelloweye often hold near structure in deep water, so use heavy enough tackle to get down quickly and avoid snags; consider using a fish finder to locate promising spots.

Where can I catch Yelloweye rockfish?+

Yelloweye rockfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Alaska, United States; British Columbia, Canada; Ontario, Canada. WikiCatch lists 54 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Yelloweye rockfish get?+

Yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) can reach up to 103.99999600000001 cm in length and 17.8 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.

Get WikiCatch on iPhone

360,000+ fishing spots, AI fish ID, weather & solunar — free.

Download on the App Store