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How to Fish for Lingcod

Lingcod are aggressive fish found in waters throughout the Pacific Coast. They are bottom dwellers and can be found as deep as 400 feet and in waters as shallow as 20 feet. Lingcod like structures such as rocks or reefs and will stay close to them and the bottom. Lingcod are good sport and commercial fish. To catch this fish, use a variety of baits. The easiest way to fish for lingcod, especially for the novice angler, is by using shrimp flies. They resist snags and can be combined with live bait to make the artificial bait more attractive.

Things You'll Need

7 foot stiff-action rood and spinning reel combo
30-pound or better heavy braided line
1-0 shrimp flies
2 oz. pyramid sinker
Cut squid
Fish net

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location to fish for lingcod. They are typically found near partially submerged structures such as rocks or piers.
- 2
  Rig a 7-foot stiff action rod with a spinning reel and heavy-duty braided line, 30-pound test or better.
- 3
  Let out about 5 feet of line from the reel. Tie a 1-0 shrimp fly onto the line, about 18 inches from the end, and tie a 2 oz. pyramid sinker on the bottom of the line. Add a piece of cut squid to the hook as a teaser. The shrimp fly comes pre-tied to a hook if bought commercially.
- 4
  Cast the shrimp fly and let it sink to the bottom. If you are on a boat, pier or bridge, simply drop the bait and fish it vertically. When the bait hits the bottom, reel up one revolution of the reel. Let the bait lie on the bottom for about 20 minutes. If you do not get a bite, reel up and try again.
- 5
  Jerk up the rod and set the hook when the lingcod strikes. Reel upward using constant pressure, and do not pump the rod. When the lingcod gets close to the surface, try to let it swim just below the surface until you are ready to bring it into the boat. Swing the lingcod into the boat or have a partner dip the fish with a net.

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