Lingcod
Ophiodon elongatus
Lingcod sit motionless in rocky crevices and ambush anything that swims past, which is why a heavy jig worked aggressively in the rocks outfishes a static bait rig. California's boat season closes January through March to protect nesting males, so plan trips outside that window.
Typical size: 22-40in · Peak season: spring, fall. Always check current CDFW regulations for size and bag limits before keeping fish.
Leadhead Jig Rig
intermediateboat & kayak & jetty
A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.
- Main line50-65 lb braid
- Leader40-60 lb fluorocarbon
- Leader length3-5ft from braid to jig via a leader knot or swivel
- Hooks4-8oz leadhead jig with a built-in hook, sized to depth and current
- WeightJig head itself, no separate sinker
- Line to sinkerNot applicable, weight is molded into the jig head
- BaitLarge soft plastic swimbait, worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve
High-Low Rig
Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand.