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Cabezon

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus

CabezonSaltwater39 inchesUp to 25 lbEdibility: GoodSport Fish

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Sitka, Alaska south to Baja California. Most abundant from Oregon south through Southern California. Found over rocky reefs, kelp beds, and rocky shore areas in 0–250 feet. A heavyweight bottom fish of the Pacific Northwest and California rocky reef fisheries — the largest member of the sculpin family.
Preferred Water Temperature: 46°F–58°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on or near rocky bottom. Lies motionless on the reef waiting to ambush prey — colors match the surrounding bottom. Common in shallow rocky areas and tide pools as juveniles; larger fish prefer deeper rocky structure.
Size & Weight: Typically 5–15 lbs and 20–30 inches. Maximum approximately 25 lbs and 39 inches. World record: 23 lbs from Oregon. Highly variable coloring — green, red, brown, or mottled depending on the substrate they inhabit. Important note: The roe (eggs) of Cabezon are poisonous — never eat the eggs. The flesh is blue or green when raw but turns white when cooked — excellent eating.
Best Lures: Large swimbaits worked slowly near rocky bottom are very effective — Cabezon attack large prey readily. Large tube jigs produce strikes. Heavy jigs with large soft plastic tails work well. Fly fishing with large sculpin patterns in shallow rocky areas is productive.
Best Baits: Fresh whole octopus is the top bait — Cabezon love octopus. Fresh squid works very well. Fresh whole crabs are excellent. Live rockfish produce large specimens. Large fresh anchovies on a sliding sinker near rocky bottom catch fish consistently.

Range

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Sitka, Alaska south to Baja California. Most abundant from Oregon south through Southern California. Found over rocky reefs, kelp beds, and rocky shore areas in 0–250 feet. A heavyweight bottom fish of the Pacific Northwest and California rocky reef fisheries — the largest member of the sculpin family.

Habitat

Cabezon inhabit rocky reefs, kelp forests, and boulder-strewn bottoms along the Pacific coast, typically from the intertidal zone down to depths of 250 feet, though most commonly found in waters shallower than 100 feet. They show a strong preference for complex structure with abundant crevices, caves, and overhangs where they can ambush prey. These fish are highly territorial and often remain in the same home territory for extended periods. Cabezon favor areas with moderate to strong current flow that brings food past their ambush positions. Juveniles are frequently found in shallow tide pools and eelgrass beds before moving to deeper rocky habitat as they mature. They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures but are most active in cooler Pacific waters between 50–60°F. During spawning season in winter and early spring, males guard egg masses in rocky crevices and caves in shallow water.

How to Catch Cabezon

Equipment

46°F–58°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on or near rocky bottom. Lies motionless on the reef waiting to ambush prey — colors match the surrounding bottom. Common in shallow rocky areas and tide pools as juveniles; larger fish prefer deeper rocky structure.

Tackle & Bait

Best Lures:
Large swimbaits worked slowly near rocky bottom are very effective — Cabezon attack large prey readily. Large tube jigs produce strikes. Heavy jigs with large soft plastic tails work well. Fly fishing with large sculpin patterns in shallow rocky areas is productive.

Best Baits:
Fresh whole octopus is the top bait — Cabezon love octopus. Fresh squid works very well. Fresh whole crabs are excellent. Live rockfish produce large specimens. Large fresh anchovies on a sliding sinker near rocky bottom catch fish consistently.

Game Qualities

Typically 5–15 lbs and 20–30 inches. Maximum approximately 25 lbs and 39 inches. World record: 23 lbs from Oregon. Highly variable coloring — green, red, brown, or mottled depending on the substrate they inhabit. Important note: The roe (eggs) of Cabezon are poisonous — never eat the eggs. The flesh is blue or green when raw but turns white when cooked — excellent eating.

Taxonomy

kingdom	Animalia
phylum	Chordata
class	Actinopterygii
order	Scorpaeniformes
family	Cottidae
genus	Scorpaenichthys
species	Scorpaenichthys marmoratus

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