What kind of fish is it?

I was fishing today in Humboldt Bay along the east end of the South Jetty. I was fishing a 6" white swim bait in about 12' of water.

I was determined to release all fish with the exception of a keeper lingcod. I caught a fish about 12" long. It was basically dark brown with crimson red splotches. That was kind of creepy by itself. But what really set it apart was that the inside of the mouth was a light blue as was the inside of the gill plates. About the most beautiful blue that I have ever seen. Even the teeth were blue!

I had my camera with me and completely spaced it out.

I've spent the last two hours looking on line and I haven't seen anything even close.

Any idea what it was? If you've ever caught one I'm sure you would remember. I know I'll never forget.

Thanks for any incite. I'm really curious.

NotaSeal

Greenling.

Sound like a male rock greenling.

Sound like a male rock greenling.

+1

Like others have already said: definitely sounds like a rock greenling.  When I fished the Humboldt jetties a lot, rock greenling were a relatively uncommon catch.  I would normally catch 10 kelp greenling for every rock greenling.  Here's one I caught from the north jetty in 2008:


They're very pretty fish and great for pictures.  I always enjoy catching them!

Bingo! That's it! I'm new to this kayaking and rock fishing. I appreciate the response. You people are great.

I learned another lesson yesterday. Cover up anything you don't want to get sun burned.

Actually I learned three lessons yesterday. Put your truck keys somewhere where they can't fall down into the mirage drive well and to the bottom of the bay.

NotaSeal

Beautiful pics! Tasty fish the Hexagrammos Lagocephalus - one of my favorites.

You fishn naked in your yak again?

You fishn naked in your yak again?

Duh!.....He did say he was fishing a 6" white swim bait 

Eel, should be instantly moved to the members only status.  He's a great guy and definatly contribute to the boards more than me.  I've known him for years. Hunter, fisherman, totem pole carver.

LOL on the 6" worm comment. Actually it was from the knees down to the top of my wet suit booties.

Who is Eel?

NotaSeal