Light Tackle Update from Jim Beggerly
Texas Fishing Guide and Sometimes Alaska Fisherman

Tim and I have often discussed ways to allow guests to broaden their Sea Otter Sound Lodge fishing experience. One of these ways is to pursue the black rockfish. At one time or another most guests have seen the blackies go into one of their feeding frenzies, chasing small baitfish up to the surface near kelp beds and splashing wildly, or they have seen stacks of fish on the fish finder, usually 25-75 feet down on sloping rock ledge.
These fish are good fighters and good eaters, too, and can add to the “white meat” you take home. One of Murtie’s favorite recipes is a dish made with black rockfish and has probably been served to every guest that has ever been to SOS.
The best lures to use for the blackies are those that resemble the minnows that they feed on and that can be used relatively close to the boat and produce a lot of movement. Some of these lures are available at the Lodge (ask Tim), but you can bring some of your own to try out. My favorite is the Buzz Bomb, Gary really likes the lead head with the plastic swirly tail, and there are a variety of spoons and swimbaits that will work well. What you don’t want to do is use up your herring and your mooching rigs during one of these fast-paced bite periods.