Octopus

Oceans & Range: Giant Pacific Octopus — from Southern California north through Alaska and across the North Pacific. Common in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and rocky reefs. The largest octopus species in the world. Also found in the Atlantic and other world oceans as various species. Intertidal to 165+ feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 38°F–60°F for Giant Pacific Octopus. Found in rocky areas with dens — they inhabit crevices and caves in rocky reefs. Common in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Size & Weight: Giant Pacific Octopus can weigh 50–100 lbs with arm spans of 14+ feet. Average sport-caught specimens are 10–30 lbs. World record: 156 lbs. A fascinating and intelligent cephalopod. Excellent eating — firm, white meat that rivals the best seafood.

Best Lures: Jigs with skirts occasionally attract octopus. Special octopus jigs are used in some fisheries.

Best Baits: Fresh crab is the top bait in Pacific Northwest octopus fishing. Fresh fish heads attract them from their dens. Specialized octopus pots and traps are used commercially. Hand-catching in tide pools and rocky areas during low tide is a traditional harvest method. Check local regulations carefully — seasons and take limits apply throughout the range.

Giant Pacific Octopus — from Southern California north through Alaska and across the North Pacific. Common in rocky inshore areas, kelp beds, and rocky reefs. The largest octopus species in the world. Also found in the Atlantic and other world oceans as various species. Intertidal to 165+ feet.

38°F–60°F for Giant Pacific Octopus. Found in rocky areas with dens — they inhabit crevices and caves in rocky reefs. Common in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Best Lures: Jigs with skirts occasionally attract octopus. Special octopus jigs are used in some fisheries. Best Baits: Fresh crab is the top bait in Pacific Northwest octopus fishing. Fresh fish heads attract them from their dens. Specialized octopus pots and traps are used commercially. Hand-catching in tide pools and rocky areas during low tide is a traditional harvest method. Check local regulations carefully — seasons and take limits apply throughout the range.

Giant Pacific Octopus can weigh 50–100 lbs with arm spans of 14+ feet. Average sport-caught specimens are 10–30 lbs. World record: 156 lbs. A fascinating and intelligent cephalopod. Excellent eating — firm, white meat that rivals the best seafood.