Prepare your fishing rig. You just need light tackle for rockfish. Something along the lines of a six to eight foot rod, with a level-wind reel, and 14 to 20-pound test line should work nicely. Many fisherman use a one to two ounce jig lure, sometimes with a six to eight inch curl-worm or other tail.
Cast out to your preferred area. Start reeling in immediately, but slowly, occasionally jigging the pole up to create action with the lure. If the jig hits depth before getting a strike, move the lure gradually back to the surface, intermittently raising your rod tip and then dropping it, then reeling in the slack.
Set the hook when you get a strike by snapping your wrist upwards. You will usually have felt a few nibbles as the rockfish tested the lure before taking it. While rockfish are not as powerful fighters pound-for-pound as salmon, they do put up a good fight, especially if brought up from depth.
