Alaska lingcod fishing is simply phenomenal.
Lingcod are managed conservatively, and the result is a bountiful population and some very large specimens. Lingcod aren’t as avidly pursued as salmon and halibut in Sitka, but they are a sinister, apex predator that will attack any fish they think they can swallow. Despite the unpleasant demeanor and an appearance only a mother could love, Alaska lingcod have moist, white flesh that many prefer over halibut.
Sitka has ideal lingcod habitat, as well as habitat for many species of rockfish. The shorelines are nearly all rocky, and a quick look at a bathymetric chart will show underwater pinnacles are all over the sea floor. A day spent chasing lings and rockfish can result in many meals’ worth of delicate white fillets.
Lingcod Limits
Non-resident anglers are allowed to retain 2 lingcod that fall into the following slots; 1 fish between 30 and 35 inches, 1 fish over 55 inches. Alaska lingcod fishing is most often on jigs. Lead-head jigs from four to 12 ounces, with an appropriately sized curly-tail grub account for a lot of lings. Large swimbaits work, too. They can also be suckers for metal such as Point Wilson Darts, Viking jigs and even homemade pipe jigs.
Alaska rockfish species are divided into three categories for regulatory purposes: Pelagic Rockfish, Slope Nonpelagic Rockfish, and Demersal Shelf Rockfish.
Pelagic Rockfish
Pelagic Rockfish include Black, Blue, Dark, Dusky, Widow and Yellowtail rockfish. They are relatively fast growing, numerous, and tend to move around rather than live on one rockpile their entire lives. Because of this, Sitka anglers are allowed to keep two pelagic rockfish daily of any size. These are the fish to target for your next several batches of fish tacos.
Slope Non-Pelagics
Slope Nonpelagic Rockfish include Blackgill, Blackspotted, Bocaccio, Brown, Chilipepper, Darkblotched, Greenstriped, Harlequin, Northern, Pacific Ocean Perch, Puget Sound, Pygmy, Redstripe, Redbanded, Rougheye, Sharpchin, Shortbelly, Shortraker, Silvergray, Splitnose, Stripetail, Vermilion, and Yellowmouth rockfish. The daily limit on these species is one fish per day of any size.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish
Demersal Shelf Rockfish include Canary, China, Copper, Quillback, Rosethorn, Tiger and Yelloweye rockfish. Bag and possession limits on Demersal Shelf Rockfish vary depending on abundance estimates and are managed conservatively due to the long-life spans and slow age to reproductive maturity.
Alaska rockfish species are divided into three categories for regulatory purposes: Pelagic Rockfish, Slope Nonpelagic Rockfish, and Demersal Shelf Rockfish.
Pelagic Rockfish
Pelagic Rockfish include Black, Blue, Dark, Dusky, Widow and Yellowtail rockfish. They are relatively fast growing, numerous, and tend to move around rather than live on one rockpile their entire lives. Because of this, Sitka anglers are allowed to keep two pelagic rockfish daily of any size. These are the fish to target for your next several batches of fish tacos.
Slope Non-Pelagics
Slope Nonpelagic Rockfish include Blackgill, Blackspotted, Bocaccio, Brown, Chilipepper, Darkblotched, Greenstriped, Harlequin, Northern, Pacific Ocean Perch, Puget Sound, Pygmy, Redstripe, Redbanded, Rougheye, Sharpchin, Shortbelly, Shortraker, Silvergray, Splitnose, Stripetail, Vermilion, and Yellowmouth rockfish. The daily limit on these species is one fish per day of any size.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish
Demersal Shelf Rockfish include Canary, China, Copper, Quillback, Rosethorn, Tiger and Yelloweye rockfish. Bag and possession limits on Demersal Shelf Rockfish vary depending on abundance estimates and are managed conservatively due to the long-life spans and slow age to reproductive maturity.