Rockfish baits

[PudgyPrawn]

Hey gang,

I was thinking about doing some rockfishing. I may have to do this from shore, I have a sit in kayak I'm really afraid of ditching/swamping my yak. I know that live eels are one of their favorite foods; but I think I recall reading somewhere that it is illegal to use eel as a live bait. Is that correct? What about using an artificial, like gulps natural eel?

Any suggestions on bait, tackle, and or location would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
PudgyPrawn

[Oldbayrunner]

No, it's only illegal during trophy season afaik. Rock also like perch, bloodworms, gizzard shad or whatever baitfish are native to the area.

[yakscientist]

Best live bait for rockfish is spot, they should still be around in the Bay for another month or so as long as the water stays above 75 or so. Everything loves to eat spot, be sure that you're using the right fish though, as they look remarkably similar to juvenile croaker, which actually have a size limit/catch limit. I've also caught rockfish on all the baits listed, even mummichog, which are much cheaper. I also have a sit-in kayak, and I've been on some very rough water, and have never swamped the kayak, you've just got to be extremely careful. Make sure you've got a bilge pump as well (hand pump or electric, properly wired), and another bailer device just in case.