Pacific Staghorn Sculpin

A moderately sized sculpin with a large, flattened head and a distinctive Y-shaped preopercular spine (the "staghorn"). Olive-brown above with mottled patterning. Adults reach 8–12 inches.\n\n

Best Baits: Worms, shrimp, small cut fish, squid strips.\n\n

Extremely common on bay bottom rigs — often the most abundant fish caught from docks and piers. A fun fish for beginners. The preopercular spine requires careful handling.