If all you catch are rockfish or small lingcod don't fret, Ms. Lingcod isn't fussy. For best results, your bait should be alive and healthy. It needs to be swimming alluringly when Ms. Lingcod first makes visual contact. Using only as much weight as is necessary, rapidly lower your bait to the bottom. Reel up about three feet, and wait for the action.
Every few moments release a bit more line to keep in touch with the bottom.
If there is a big lingcod in the area you won't have long to wait. You may sense the lingcod's approach as you feel your bait frantically trying to escape. The strike may be a savage lunge leaving no mistake that the battle is on. Sometimes, Ms. Lingcod just inhales the bait and swims away. The lingcod will not have the hook in her mouth.