Sablefish, better known as Black Cod, is a species often overlooked by recreational fisherman on the west coast—mainly because they live in deep water along the continental shelf. Reeling in up to 800′ of line for a bait check is a lot of work, but with access to advanced electric reels like the Daiwa Tanacom, this fishery has become way more efficient and accessible.
Power Crew fishing black cod! Three west coast guides (Rob Frawley, Lucky Strike Sportfishing Tofino, Lance Desilets, Lance’s Sportfishing Adventures Tofino, James Costello, Maximum Coastal Adventures, Ucluelet). Photo Joel Unickow, Island Fisherman magazine
Why They Call it “Butterfish”
Commonly referred to as the “Butterfish” of the abyss, Sablefish are prized for their high Omega-3 content—even higher than most Salmon species. This makes them one of the best-eating fish in the world. Despite the name, they aren’t actually part of the Cod family; they are a unique deep-water species that thrives in the cold canyons off Vancouver Island.
The common misconception is that you must fish in 800′ to 1,000′ of water. While that’s true in Alaska, off the coast of Vancouver Island, we have ten different canyons anywhere from 15 to 40 miles offshore. The structure you’re looking for is the same: find those canyon edges or dropoffs and fish the flats and gradual slopes at the top in 500′ to 600′ of water before it drops into the abyss.
Sablefish/Black Cod Fishing Gear & Tactics
You can fish for Black Cod using the same setup as Halibut: a spreader bar and a 2-lb weight. You can even use the same baits (octopus, squid, or herring). In fact, you’ll probably catch Halibut as bycatch. Just be careful to identify your catch—don’t mistake an arrowtooth flounder or turbot for a Halibut. One look at those teeth and you’ll know that’s no flatfish!
Photo Credit: Joel Unickow Island Fisherman magazine
The biggest mistake people using electric reels make is bringing the fish up at full throttle. Full speed is for bait checks. Slow it down during the fight—Sablefish have softer mouths. For your rig, a 5/0 treble hook with a 7/0 J-hook trailer on 100-lb mono is a proven winner for these deep-water giants.
FISH ON!! Joel Unickow Fishing with a Daiwa Tanacom 750
Offshore Safety & Sustainability
Venturing offshore for Black Cod requires the right weather window, a capable boat, and proper safety gear. Think of it as going out for Tuna—always use a “buddy boat” system. Because it’s a difficult fishery to access, the harvest is sustainable and the reward is incredible. When the weather cooperates, you’re harvesting some of the finest fillets available on the BC coast.
Joel Unickow, Island Fisherman magazine and a West Coast Vancouver Island Black Cod/Sablefish
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