Winter lingcod and rockfish

While many anglers turn their attention to steelhead in the rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California during the winter months, we like to keep an eye on the marine forecast, watching for those days in January, February and March when the ocean is flat enough to allow lingcod and rockfish trips.

Some of the best lingcod fishing of the year occurs during the winter, as that’s when big numbers of the prized saltwater fish move into shallow water to spawn. We often find lings in water as shallow as 40 feet, and the run from the Port of Brookings to some of the most productive lingcod areas is only a couple of miles.

After the bigger females spawn, numerous of the smaller 22- to 30-inch male lingcod will stay and guard the nests. A typical nest may have a dozen or more lingcod guarding it, and those aggressive sentinels are easy targets for winter time sport anglers. Lingcod less than 30 inches also are among the best eating, making them prime winter time tablefare.

We use light tackle to catch lingcod, as well as various species of rockfish. Short spinning rods with 14-pound braided line allow you to enjoy the fight of these ferocious bottom fish. When weather conditions allow, we use jigs as light as 2 ounces. If conditions dictate, we’ll use slightly heavier gear to quickly get to the bottom.

Lingcod fishing is open year round on the Oregon Coast, and the Port of Brookings Harbor usually has the calmest crossing into the ocean on the coast. Brookings’ uniquely calm winter weather makes it the preferred spot on the West Coast for winter time lingcod and rockfish charters.

To book a winter time lingcod and rockfish charter, visit brookingsfishing.com or call (541) 813-1082.