Science Name: | Sebastes flavidus |
Other Names: | red snapper, yellowtail. |
World Record: | 26 inches; no weight reco |
Environment: | Shallow Rocky Environment |
Maximum length: 26 in ( 66 cm)
Peritoneum color: light
Maximum depth: 300 fm (549 m)
Shape between eyes: convex
Common depth: 27-137 fm (50-250 m)
The yellowtail rockfish occurs from San Diego, California, to Kodiak Island, Alaska; however, it is most often caught by recreational anglers off of central and northern California. It is regularly found over deep reefs from the surface to depths of 1,800 feet.
Adult yellowtail rockfish feed on small hake, anchovies, lanternfishes, and other small fishes, as well as on small squid, and other shrimp-like organisms. These are all good baits to use for the yellowtail rockfish. A few yellowtail rockfish mature when 11 inches long or 3 years old. Fifty percent are mature when 13 inches long or 5 years old. They may live to be 24 years old. As with other rockfishes, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The number of developing eggs increases from 50,000 in a fish 12 inches long to about 633,000 in a fish 19 to 21 inches long.
When fishing for yellowtail rockfish in deeper waters, the typical rockfish rig and bait is appropriate (see bocaccio). Since this species occurs quite often at or near the surface, standard surface fishing techniques and baits such as anchovies or squid fished on a small hook are effective. Small silvery lures or small lead and rubber jigs also work well.