UTERWhite seabass fishing in Central California Coast
In Central California Coast, white seabass peak July–September and are around May–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: San Francisco Bay and the Monterey kelp — live squid or anchovy.
Leaving with the first north swells.
White seabass in Central California Coast, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayAroundA few on the squid in Monterey Bay in warm years.
- JuneArrivingSeabass in Monterey Bay and off Santa Cruz when the water's warm.
- JulyPeakSan Francisco Bay and the Monterey kelp — live squid or anchovy.
- AugustPeakPeak in warm years.
- SeptemberPeakStill around if the water holds warm.
- OctoberLeavingLeaving with the first north swells.
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish white seabass near Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz
A rugged, cold coast of kelp and granite — Big Sur, Monterey Bay's submarine canyon, Half Moon Bay, the Farallones — and San Francisco Bay, San Pablo and Suisun Bays running up into the Delta.
Fish Scouter charts 1 ledge / hard bottom, 1 artificial reef spots in the Central Coast & San Francisco Bay map area — the kinds white seabass hold on.
What to use for white seabass
- SquidStrips on a bottom rig for snapper, grunts and porgies; whole on a deep-drop rig.
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 56–70°F water, best at 60–68°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch white seabass in Central California Coast?
Peak season is July–September. White seabass are in Central California Coast May–October. July: San Francisco Bay and the Monterey kelp — live squid or anchovy.
Where do white seabass hold in Central California Coast?
Look on artificial reef, ledge / hard bottom, beach / surf, fishing pier — around Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Berkeley.
What is the best bait for white seabass in Central California Coast?
Live bait: squid, sardines (pacific), anchovies (pacific). Squid: Strips on a bottom rig for snapper, grunts and porgies; whole on a deep-drop rig. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for white seabass in Central California Coast?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about white seabass · Central Coast & San Francisco Bay, the whole year