For sport take, the bag limit has been decreased from 5 fish to 3 fish, and the minimum size has been increased from 22 inches to 24 inches. For lingcod filleted at sea, fillets must be at least 15 inches total length. The 24 inch minimum size limit has also been applied to commercial fisheries. Additional restrictions on commercial fisheries greatly reduce the allowed commercial take. 

  A minimum size limit would be an ineffective management tool if a significant portion of sublegal captured fish succumbed due to the effects of hooking, capture and release. Between 1995 and 1997, the Department of Fish and Game Northern California Sport Fish and Abalone Project evaluated hooking mortality on lingcod. Lingcod were captured by hook and line (sport rod and reel gear and commercial troll gear) and held in aquaria for periods up to about 1 month for evaluation of capture-related mortality. Of 84 lingcod captured at two coastal California locations, 3 died due to capture-related injuries (3.6% mortality). There were no trends in mortality with respect to sex or size of the fish captured, depth of capture, gear, and terminal tackle (bait vs. lure). Of 38 fish with visible hooking wounds, 26 showed evidence of wound healing during the holding period. 

  A review of hooking mortality of other fishes indicated mortality rates from 0% to 88%. Hooking mortality of lingcod is low, so minimum size limits appear to be an appropriate management method. 

  Experienced, conservation-minded anglers will not let lingcod’s apparent hardiness be an excuse for poor handling of sublegal fish. Handle them with wet hands, and use needlenose pliers to back hooks out of puncture wounds. Hold them firmly enough so they will not struggle free and drop on the boat’s deck. Unlike rockfish, lingcod do not have an internal gas bladder for regulating buoyancy, and do not suffer ill effects from gas expansion when brought up from the deep.