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Shortbelly rockfish

Sebastes jordani

Shortbelly rockfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Shortbelly rockfish (Sebastes jordani) is a small, colorful reef‑dwelling rockfish prized for its firm, mild‑flavored flesh. Anglers target it for its steady bite and the challenge of locating it among rocky structures.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Sebastidae

Max Size

32 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-350m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Fall and winter (September to February)

Best Time

Early morning or late evening when tides are moving

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Shortbelly rockfish

  • Use a light jig or soft‑plastic grub near the bottom
  • Fish over rocky ledges and kelp where the fish hide
  • Keep the line tight to feel the subtle bites
  • Retrieve slowly with occasional hops to mimic fleeing prey

Top Fishing Locations for Shortbelly rockfish

Catalina Island – West End Dropoff

United States
intermediate75% Very Common

Deepwater rocky ledges off the west end of Catalina Island host abundant Shortbelly rockfish, especially along the 150‑250 m drop‑off, making it a popular target for sport anglers.

Best: May to September

San Clemente Island – North Shore Canyon

United States
intermediate80% Very Common

Chartered trips to the U.S. Navy‑restricted waters of San Clemente Island yield consistent Shortbelly catches on the steep canyon walls at 120‑200 m depth.

Best: April to August

Santa Barbara Channel – The Point Dume Deep

United States
beginner65% Common

The deep reef structures off Point Dume provide reliable Shortbelly rockfish throughout the summer, accessible from Santa Barbara marinas.

Best: June to October

Gulf of California – Loreto Deep Reef

Mexico
intermediate55% Common

Off Loreto, the Gulf’s volcanic seamounts host healthy Shortbelly populations; anglers target them from live‑bait rigs on the 150‑250 m reef.

Best: July to October

Cabo San Lucas – Cabo Pulmo Dropoff

Mexico
intermediate45% Occasional

The drop‑off adjacent to Cabo Pulmo Marine Park offers occasional Shortbelly finds; depth and currents make it a bit more challenging.

Best: May to September

Monterey Bay – Big Sur Underwater Canyon

United States
expert35% Occasional

A less‑fished deep canyon off Big Sur can produce Shortbelly, but lower densities make catches less predictable.

Best: April to July

Isla del Carmen – Pacific Seamount

Mexico
expert20% Uncommon

A remote seamount off Isla del Carmen is a bucket‑list destination; when conditions align, Shortbelly congregate on the steep walls.

Best: August to November

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Shortbelly rockfish

Recommended Equipment

Rod6-7 ft medium‑action spinning or bait‑casting rod
Line8-12 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMetal jigs, soft‑plastic grubs, or bucktail jigs
TechniqueBottom jigging and slow trolling over reef structures

Best bait: Cut squid, shrimp, or herring strips