Quality rockfish is easy to recognize. Fresh rockfish never smells fishy; it smells fresh like the ocean. The eyes should appear bright and clear, almost alive. The gills should be fresh, and the skin moist and with tightly adhering, shiny scales. Fresh rockfish flesh will give slightly when you press it with a finger, then spring back into shape. Top-quality rockfish should have a thick body and have been line-caught rather than netted. When choosing rockfish fillets, look for white flesh free of pink color.