Rockfish, Lingcod, Crab

Parking and Check-In:

Parking for trips out of Berkeley Marina is freely available in the lot across the street from Hana Hibachi by K Dock. I’ve parked here for years without issue. While the main lot near the dock is ticketed, this adjacent lot is ticket-free, with a similar walking distance to the marina. There’s a full restroom, plenty of lighting, and seating for waiting. I usually enjoy a walk along the dock to check out the boats. A nearby tackle shop opens early, offering last-minute items like hoodies, tackle, snacks, water, and ice; I often grab ice here for the return trip. Once you board, you’ll need your reservation, fishing license, and crab endorsement if crabbing. Check-in typically occurs right before departure; once everyone is set, we head out.

Crabbing in December

In December, we venture about 20 miles offshore to drop crab pots, then travel an hour further to the Farallon Islands to begin fishing. We search for fish on sonar, dropping baits to check the grade; if they’re too small, we move on. Bring a small cooler for food on the boat and a larger one in your car for your catch. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take meds the night before; for severe cases, consider speaking with a doctor about the patch.

Tackle and Technique

For rockfish and lingcod, I recommend a hi-lo rig, a versatile setup with a sinker on the bottom and two hooks above it. This rig accommodates two baits, often using the P-Line Farallon Feather or a similar off-the-shelf rig that’s easy to clip weights and hooks onto without tying knots—ideal for beginners. These rigs come with feather teasers or synthetic shrimp to attract fish, so bait isn’t always necessary. When live bait is available, I use it on the top hook and a Gulp bait on the bottom. Without live bait, I experiment with two Gulp colors and adjust based on what’s working best for bites. Recently, I started making custom hi-lo rigs with larger hooks, such as Owner Mutu Light in 6/0 and VMC Circle hooks up to 9/0. I will also have a large jig binder with many jigs to choose from and some lead heads.

Fishing Depths and Tips

We adjust our fishing depths by season and location. In May, we stay in the shallow bays off Santa Cruz (30-90 feet) where lingcod are smaller, maxing out around 20 lbs. In December, we go deeper at the Farallon Islands, exploring drop-offs between 300 and 3000 feet, where the bigger catches are. Deep water also allows for Gulp baits to stay effective longer, reducing the need to replace them after every catch.

Once we’re in position, the captain gives the signal to drop lines. The thrill starts as we release our lines to the ocean floor, keeping control on the spool to prevent backlash. Deckhands or the captain will guide us, often advising, “10-15 cranks up from the bottom.” In the “strike zone,” jig your rod lightly and wait. With the hi-lo rig, you can catch two fish at once; if you feel a heavy pull, it’s likely a lingcod.

Processing and Storage

Deckhands offer fish cleaning and processing for a small fee, making it easy to transport your catch. Once home, I debone, vacuum seal, and freeze everything. For safe storage and information on parasites, check out the FDA recommendations linked on my site.

Crabbing and Gear

For crabbing, we use hoop nets and pots for Dungeness, aiming for the 10-crab limit. You can help sort crabs, which can earn you larger ones if you’re quick! Crabs can be brought home live or processed on-site (last season’s fee was around $25-35), a great option if you plan to freeze your catch.

General Trip Gear

Bring a cooler large enough for up to 10 rockfish, 2 lingcod, and 10 crabs. You’ll need a recreational crab license before we depart. I’ll have rods and reels ready, with some rental gear if the group size warrants it, and I’ll go over trip regulations, including sub-limits and catch-and-release rules, to ensure everyone stays compliant.

If you need help, just ask—whether it’s me, a crew member, or a deckhand, there’s always someone around to assist!