Vermilion Rockfish
Sebastes miniatus
Also known as: Red Snapper; Red Rock Cod; Rasher
Size & Weight
Average Length
18.0"
Max Length
30.0"
Average Weight
3.0 lbs
Max Weight
15.0 lbs
Lifespan
60 years
Habitat
Depth Range
50 - 900 ft
Water Temp
50-57°F
Rocky reefs; structure; often near bottom
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Generally residential; some depth movements
Diet: Fish (especially juvenile rockfish); squid; octopi
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Deep dropping; jigging; heavy tackle
Best Bait: Large jigs; squid; cut fish
Eating Quality
Edibility
Excellent
Firm; mild; highly regarded
State Records
California
14.56
lbs
Fun Facts
Bright red color; often confused with other red rockfish; excellent eating
How to Identify
Bright red color; white mouth; found deeper than most rockfish (50-900 feet); often confused with other red rockfish
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 | — | 18.0 |