Also known as
- Buffalo Cod US
- Cultus Cod US
- Buckethead US
- Ling Cod US
Identification
A muscular elongated PNW and Alaskan reef-and-kelp ambush predator — heavily built compressed profile delivers explosive short-burst power and bone-crushing bite force. Females out-grow males.
- Highly variable mottled colouration — dark brown, grey, blue, or green
- Very large head with a wide mouth and prominent canine teeth
- Long single dorsal fin notched into two distinct sections running the length of the back
- Pelvic fins set forward beneath the pectoral fins
Where it holds
- Rocky Shores
- Kelp Forests
- Inshore
- Offshore
Behaviour
A solitary territorial ambush predator of rocky reef, kelp forest, and high-relief structure — holds tight to caves, ledges, and crevices in 10-100m of water with a small home range. Hunts by waiting motionless for rockfish, herring, sanddabs, octopus, and squid to drift within striking range, then strikes with explosive short-burst speed. Most active at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days; peak feeding in 8-13°C (46-55°F) water. Spring-spawning males guard nests aggressively over rocky structure.
Diet: Rockfish, Herring, Sanddabs, Pacific Mackerel, Squid, Octopus
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Jigging
The dominant Alaskan, BC, and PNW charter approach — drop a 100-400g metal jig (Buzzbomb, P-Line Laser Minnow, glow pipe jig) to the bottom over rocky reef or pinnacle and work it with sharp 1-3ft vertical sweeps every 15 seconds. Most strikes hit on the fall. PE3-5 jigging tackle, 24-37kg braid, 30cm of 60-80lb monofilament leader. Glow colours dominate beyond 30m where sunlight fades.
Live Lining
An iconic PNW approach — drop a live small rockfish, sanddab, herring, or mackerel on a dropper-loop or fish-finder rig with a 8/0-10/0 octopus hook and 80lb monofilament leader to within 1-2 cranks of the bottom near rocky reef. Strikes typically come within 5 minutes if a fish is present. Heavy enough lead to hold bottom in current.
Spinning
A productive shallow-water and shore approach — cast a heavy 100-400g swimbait, paddletail, or hootchie jig past kelp edges and rocky structure and work it back with erratic sinking jerks and pauses. Most effective at dawn and dusk in 5-30m. PE3-5 spinning, 60lb monofilament leader.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A premier West Coast spearo target on rocky reef and kelp forest — search caves, ledges, and crevices in 5-40m where the fish lie motionless against the rock. Approach calmly; the fish are remarkably tolerant once spotted. Aim for a head shot to avoid losing fish into the rocks. 90-110cm gun with double bands and 7.0-7.5mm shaft handles trophy fish.
