Cabezon

These big-headed fish hunt crustaceans and smaller fish near reefs and in intertidal zones.

a cabezon fish pokes its head out from between large rocks

Features: Cabezon are a dark green to dark brown with mottling along their sides and with smooth, scaleless skin. The largest cabezon caught was over 20 pounds, but on average they weigh approximately 4 pounds. 

Habitat: Cabezon live around kelp beds and rocky headlands over hard bottoms.

Technique: Cabezon are best caught using rubber tailed jigs tipped with bait. Make sure you are fishing within just a foot or two of the bottom as Cabezon like to hold tight to cover. CAUTION: While Cabezon meat can be safely consumed, its roe is poisonous to humans.

Photo credit: Brandon Ford

Angler fly fishing in a stream

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