White Seabass Fishing Guide

White seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) are the premier trophy inshore game fish of Southern California — large, fast, and technically demanding to catch, with some of the finest-tasting flesh of any Pacific coast fish. Despite the name, they are not true bass but are the largest member of the croaker/drum family (Sciaenidae) in the Pacific, capable of reaching over 5 feet and 80+ pounds. They are known for their explosive initial run when hooked on light tackle in the kelp, their stealth on calm nights near the surface, and the haunting croaking sounds large fish make audible from the deck of a boat. The white seabass population was seriously depleted by the 1980s; a successful hatchery and ocean ranching program by the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute has helped the fishery recover meaningfully.

White Seabass is a saltwater species.

Habitat

White seabass range from Alaska to the Gulf of California but are most abundant from Point Conception south through Baja. They are closely associated with giant kelp forests, rocky reefs, and nearshore structure from the surface down to about 200 feet. During spawning season in spring and early summer, large fish move into shallow kelp beds at night, creating the best sport fishing opportunities of the year.

Diet

White seabass feed primarily on squid, anchovies, sardines, and other schooling fish — squid is their most important prey and live market squid is the premier bait during the spring squid spawn. They also eat small rockfish and other demersal fish. Feeding typically peaks at night and in low-light conditions near kelp structure.

Fishing Techniques

• Live squid drifted through kelp at night
• Swimbaits worked slowly along kelp edges
• Fly fishing with squid flies during spawning runs
• Trolling large swimmer lures near structure

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 15 lbs. World record: 83.5 lbs (San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico (1953)).