Black rockfish are a minor to moderate component of nearshore commercial and recreational fisheries, with increasing importance from the San Francisco area northward. Distribution, Stock Structure and Migration Black rockfish range from Amchitka Island, Alaska to Santa Monica Bay in southern California, but are uncommon south of Santa Cruz. This species may attain a maximum length of 25.5 in. in California, although individuals over 20 in. are rarely observed today. Average size observed in commercial and recreational fisheries now is 14 to 15 in.
Black rockfish have a relatively fast growth rate.
First-year growth is usually 3.5 to 4.0 inches. Most individuals become available to the fishery by the time they have reached 3 to 4 years of age and are approximately 10 to 11.5 inches. In California, age at first maturity for males is 3 yr, or 9.8 in. For females, age at first maturity is 5 yr or, 11.8 inches. At 6 yr, or about 14 in., half of all males are sexually mature.