Guess what? Lingcod aren’t a cod. Lingcod are actually greenling which are rockfish. But they’re much larger and tougher than other rockfish. Lings can reach upwards of 5 feet and weight up to 70 pounds.
Lingcod can be caught at any time of the year. And many are caught by rock cod fishermen, particularly while fishing in deep water (200-400). In fact, at times a large ling will strike a small rockfish that has just been hooked.
Dedicated lingcod pursuers, however, choose to fish in fall and winter. Three of the best months are December, January, and February. During this period lings are more active and move to shallower water to spawn.
Lingcod fishing, like rock cod fishing, is bottom, drift fishing. It is done over rocks or reefs. Once the rig has lowered to the bottom, it should be jigged up and down. Try to stay off the bottom to prevent snags.
You’ll need a gaff (lings will tear up a landing net), a fish billy (to subdue this fish which has sharp teeth and fins), and a needle-nose pliers (to take out the hook).
The tackle you’ll need is the same as needed for deep-water rock fishing: a medium-heavy to heavy roller-tipped, 6 to 7 rod, a 6/0 foot rod, a 6/0 or 4/0 ocean reel, a 30-50 pound monofilament line.
The most commonly used lure for lingcod is the chrome hex bar with treble hook. The appropriate lures range from 6-15 ounces depending on ocean conditions and lings’ preference. Some fishermen remove the strong treble hook that comes on this lure and replace it with light wire treble hooks. When hung up in the rocks, the light hook bends and gives before the line breaks, thus saving the expensive hex bar.
Another good offering is a lead-head bucktail jig with a pork trailer. About a 5-inch pork rind is good. The pork looks like the tentacles of small octopus, a favorite food of big lings. Many lingcod fishermen prefer bait fishing. The best bait is whole fish. Good choices include sanddabs, rockfish or squid. Some anglers cut the dorsal fin off rockfish when using it as bait. They say it makes the bait more appetizing. It’s best if the bait is alive, or at least freshly caught. 7-10 inches is a good size. Use a two hook rig. The end hook goes through the bait fish’s upper lip (or through both lips) and the other hook goes into the side of the fish near the tail. A secret, sleeper bait is octopus. Sometimes lingcod spit them up after being caught. Or you might find one in a ling’s stomach. In either case, use this gift bait to catch another ling.
Lingcod seem to congregate on high rock pinnacles and along the irregular edges of reefs that drop off rapidly to deeper water. Key on such structured bottom characteristics with your electronic fish finder. Then position the boat to drift over likely holding spots. The northern California Coast from Monterey to the Oregon border has many lingcod-rich reefs. Off the Golden Gate, the Farallon Island chain, Fanny Shoals and Cordell Beach are the most likely producers of big lings. See the “Pacific Ocean Fishing” for detailed location information.
Lingcod are most often filleted. Larger ones can be steaked. Lingcod fillets or steaks are lean and mild tasting. Lingcod meat (depending on the age of the fish and where it was caught) is often green, but turns white upon cooking. Thick fillets or steaks can be barbecued or broiled. They are also suitable for poaching or frying. Thinner fillets can be sauteed. Lingcod is rather dense so it takes somewhat longer to cook.
Lingcod exhibit specific behavioral patterns that successful anglers must understand to consistently catch larger specimens. These aggressive predators actively hunt in rocky bottom terrain where they ambush prey fish. Lingcod behavior changes seasonally, with fall and winter spawning aggregations making them more concentrated and predictable.
Water temperature dramatically influences lingcod feeding intensity; they’re most aggressive in colder months when seeking energy sources before spawning. Lingcod migrate vertically throughout the water column based on light penetration and prey availability, requiring anglers to adjust jigging depths accordingly.
Understanding lunar cycles and tidal movements helps predict peak feeding windows when lingcod actively hunt. Larger specimens, exceeding 40 pounds, exhibit territorial behavior, defending specific rock pinnacles and reef edges throughout the season.
Mastering jigging mechanics is crucial for lingcod success, as these fish respond to specific lure actions and rhythms. The lift-and-drop technique involves sharply raising the rod to 45 degrees, then slowly lowering it while maintaining line contact with the bottom.
Variations in jigging speed—from slow deliberate motions to rapid aggressive jerks—trigger different response levels depending on lingcod mood and water conditions. Maintaining bottom contact throughout the jigging cycle ensures the lure stays in the strike zone where lingcod hunt.
Rod weight and sensitivity significantly impact jigging effectiveness; medium-heavy rods provide adequate power while lighter rods offer better feel for subtle strikes.
Expert jigging incorporates figure-eight patterns, spiral descents, and pause-and-wait tactics that mimic wounded prey fish. The key is developing consistent rhythm while remaining alert for the violent strikes characteristic of large lingcod.
Lingcod fishing success depends heavily on understanding seasonal movement patterns and spawning timelines. December through February represents peak season when spawning aggregations concentrate fish over accessible bottom structure. Water temperature drops during winter months, making lingcod increasingly aggressive feeders preparing for reproduction.
Spring and summer see lingcod dispersing to deeper water (300-400+ feet) where they’re less accessible to many recreational anglers. Fall brings renewed shallow-water activity as lingcod transition toward spawning grounds, creating another excellent fishing window.
Tidal cycles significantly influence lingcod feeding activity; slack tides often produce better results than strong current periods. Water clarity fluctuations affect lure visibility and strike rates; murky spring conditions often produce excellent action as lingcod rely more on sensory systems than vision.
Both live bait and artificial lures effectively catch lingcod, each approach offering distinct advantages depending on conditions. Live baitfish presentations using sanddabs or small rockfish produce consistent results throughout the season, particularly when lingcod feeding intensity is moderate.
Fresh squid presents an excellent alternative, providing scent dispersion that attracts fish from greater distances. Chrome hex bar lures with treble hooks remain the most popular artificial option, their reflective properties triggering aggressive responses.
Substituting standard treble hooks with lighter-wire versions prevents lost lures when snagged on bottom structure. Bucktail jigs with pork trailers effectively mimic octopus, a favorite lingcod prey item.
Color selection varies by water clarity; bright silvers work well in clear conditions, while darker colors perform better in turbid water. The combination of scent-producing baits with artificial lures creates hybrid presentations that maximize strike rates.
Trophy lingcod exceeding 50 pounds primarily inhabit deep-water reefs (300-400+ feet) requiring specialized equipment and techniques. Accessing these deep grounds demands reliable electronics (fish finders) capable of identifying bottom structure and suspended fish.
Heavy 50-pound monofilament line and sturdy roller-tip rods withstand the extreme pressure and aggressive strikes from trophy specimens. Drift fishing over deep pinnacles allows covering more bottom while maintaining proper lure positioning in the strike zone.
Anchoring directly over identified structure works well when bottom conditions are known and snag-free zones are identified. Larger baitfish presentations (8-10 inch whole fish) selectively target larger lingcod while discouraging smaller fish captures.
Deep-water jigging requires patience and persistence; lingcod often need multiple presentations before committing to strikes. The rewards of deep-water fishing include consistent encounters with larger specimens and reduced competition from casual anglers.
Lingcod’s sharp teeth, gill plates, and aggressive thrashing behavior demand specialized gear for safe handling and equipment protection. Gaff hooks remain essential for boat landing, as lingcod frequently escape from hand-net attempts with powerful lateral movements.
Fish billy clubs quickly subdue lingcod before handling, preventing injuries from sharp spines and teeth. Needle-nose pliers with extended handles safely remove deeply embedded hooks without hand contact with oral structures. Gloves protect hands from cuts and abrasions when handling fish, particularly important when multiple catches occur during productive sessions.
Rod durability matters significantly; lower-quality equipment fails under the intense pressure from aggressive lingcod battles. Reel maintenance prevents backlashes and free-spool situations that create dangerous tangled line conditions. Proper boat positioning during jigging prevents accidental entanglement and ensures efficient energy conservation during long fishing days.
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