Black Rockfish
Sebastes melanops
Also known as: Black Bass; Black Snapper; Sea Bass
Size & Weight
Average Length
15.0"
Max Length
25.0"
Average Weight
2.0 lbs
Max Weight
11.5 lbs
Lifespan
50 years
Habitat
Depth Range
60 - 300 ft
Water Temp
50-57°F
Rocky reefs; kelp forests; jetties; semi-pelagic in schools above structure
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Generally residential; some seasonal depth movements
Diet: Squid; small fish; krill; crustaceans; zooplankton
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Jigging; shrimp flies; mooching; casting
Best Bait: Leadhead jigs; shrimp flies; cut squid; herring
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good to Excellent
Mild; slightly sweet; firm white flesh
State Records
Washington
10.72
lbs
California
9.13
lbs
Fun Facts
Live 50+ years; give live birth; barotrauma from depth - use descending devices
How to Identify
Dark black to olive color; rounded dorsal fins; often found in schools above rocky structure; juveniles are reddish
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-Side
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 10, 2026 at 02:07 PM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 02:07 PM | Added image | — | species-14-65d34f418dd9df38.jpg | Source: prickly_sculpin via picture fish |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | 1200 | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 60 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 15.0 |