Bocaccio
Sebastes paucispinis
Also known as: Salmon Grouper; Red Snapper (misnamed)
Size & Weight
Average Length
21.6"
Max Length
36.0"
Average Weight
4.0 lbs
Max Weight
21.0 lbs
Lifespan
55 years
Habitat
Depth Range
50 - 1560 ft
Water Temp
50-57°F
Rocky reefs; also soft bottom; juveniles in kelp
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Juveniles in shallow kelp; adults deeper
Diet: Fish (primary); squid; octopi
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Deep dropping; heavy tackle
Best Bait: Large jigs; whole squid; cut fish
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; softer flesh than other rockfish
State Records
Washington
23.63
lbs
California
17.5
lbs
Fun Facts
Large mouth (bocaccio = big mouth); important commercial species; recovering
How to Identify
Large mouth (bocaccio = big mouth); reddish coloring; juveniles in kelp; adults deeper; important commercial species; rebuilding population
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 21.6 |