What kind of RF is this one from Capitola? Rockfish ID needed.

that's Sheriff Larry, he knew exactly what it was, and he released it (that's why it was taken while still on a boat - doesn't qualify as "landing").

Then someone needs to hit him on the knuckles for shoving his fingers into the gills.

that's Sheriff Larry, he knew exactly what it was, and he released it (that's why it was taken while still on a boat - doesn't qualify as "landing").

Then someone needs to hit him on the knuckles for shoving his fingers into the gills.

More like slap him in his f***in mouth. Idiot.

that's Sheriff Larry, he knew exactly what it was, and he released it (that's why it was taken while still on a boat - doesn't qualify as "landing").

Then someone needs to hit him on the knuckles for shoving his fingers into the gills.

Yeah, that's pretty much it. A pic is cool, but that fish should have been photographed in the water. If it had been we'd all be saying "what a great & rare fish to come across" rather than what has been said already. Maybe the next time someone hooks up with a BSB hereabouts they'll remember this. If so, I suppose the photo has been good for something.

just so we all know the BSB rules in California going forward:

Pursuant to Section 28.10 of Title 14, CA Code of Regulations (Sport Fish Regs) the take or possession of giant sea bass - also known as black sea bass in California waters is prohibited. All fish taken incidental to other fishing activity shall be immediately returned to the waters where taken. There is a two fish limit in Mexican waters.

Someone else pretty much summed it up but - yeah - that's Sheriff Larry, he knew exactly what it was, and he released it (that's why it was taken while still on a boat - doesn't qualify as "landing").  It was a beautiful fish - the photo doesn't properly capture the color. 

I noticed some captions for the other photos, how about throwing one up about Sherrif Larry's rare catch with a fish ID and description of the release.