Back to Species ID

Squarespot rockfish - (sebastes hopkinsi)

Image above Albacore, available from FishStockPhoto.com

Common Names:

Squarespot

Identifying Characteristics:

This species is a smaller rockfish, a fish of 12 inches would be a very large specimen. Average line caught sizes are 8 to 10 inches. They are perch shaped and colorations from yellowish to brown darker on top and lighter moving down sides. The “spots” colorations range from brown to a reddish brown and are roughly square or rectangular in shape.

Range and Locations:

An Eastern pacific rockfish found from southern Oregon to central baja California including the Guadalupe islands. This species range in depths from 60 to 600 feet most common in 120 to 350 feet. It will be found over rock piles and rock reefs.

catch methods:

Very commonly caught by sport fisherman with hook and line, this species requires appropriate sized gear for this fish’s smaller size. Small hooks with enough sinkers to get through current and strip baits such as squid or clams. Not common in commercial markets.

Closing Remarks:

This species is very common from Monterey bay to northern Baja California in its preferred habitat may be the most abundant rockfish in the area.