Bocaccio
Sebastes paucispinis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC License
Frequently Asked Questions About Bocaccio
How do I identify a bocaccio?
Bocaccio are identified by their large, prominently slanted mouth that extends well past the eye - their most distinctive feature. Body coloration is olive to brownish-red in adults; juveniles are more orange-red with spotting. They're large (up to 36 inches, 20+ lbs) deep-water rockfish.
Can I keep bocaccio in California?
Bocaccio regulations change frequently as the population rebuilds. In some areas and seasons, retention may be prohibited or severely restricted. In other circumstances, limited retention may be allowed within the aggregate rockfish bag limit. Always verify current rules at wildlife.ca.gov before fishing - do not rely on outdated information.
Where are bocaccio found in Northern California?
Bocaccio inhabit rocky reefs at 50–750 feet in NorCal waters. Juveniles may be in shallower water; large adults typically are deeper (200–750 ft). They occur on offshore rocky bottom throughout the region - Bodega Bay, Mendocino Coast, and offshore pinnacles. Primarily a boat fishing target.
How long do bocaccio live?
Bocaccio can live 50+ years. Despite this longevity, they're faster-growing than many rockfish and have shown better recovery potential under reduced fishing pressure. Population rebuilding timelines for bocaccio are more optimistic than for extremely slow-growing species like yelloweye rockfish.
What should I do if I catch a bocaccio I need to release?
Immediately use a descending device to return the fish to the depth where it was caught. At the depths where bocaccio live, barotrauma is severe. Do not simply throw the fish overboard - at 200–400+ feet, barotrauma without descending is almost always fatal. Descending devices are inexpensive and essential for deep rockfish fishing.
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