UTERWhite seabass fishing in Southern California
In Southern California, white seabass peak April–August and are around year-round, spawning in April–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Spawning season: live squid on a dropper loop in the kelp at night and dawn.
No note for October — see the months around it.
White seabass in Southern California, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArrivingThe squid spawn draws seabass into the kelp at Catalina, San Clemente and the Ventura/Santa Barbara kelp beds. South of Point Conception the bag drops to one fish from March 15 to June 15 — check CDFW.
- AprilSpawningSpawning season: live squid on a dropper loop in the kelp at night and dawn.
- MaySpawningPeak spring seabass on the squid; the La Jolla kelp on a full moon.
- JuneSpawningSpawning into summer; surf seabass on the beaches at dawn.
- JulyPeakIslands and kelp; fish the bait.
- AugustPeakFewer fish, still in the kelp.
- SeptemberLeavingTail of the season.
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish white seabass near San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach
A sheltered bight of kelp forests, sand flats and harbors, with the Channel Islands, Catalina and San Clemente 20–60 miles out and the offshore banks (Tanner, Cortes, the 9-Mile, the 43) beyond. The long-range sportboat fleet out of San Diego is its heart.
Fish Scouter charts 76 artificial reef, 16 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Southern California Bight 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 Southern California?
Peak season is April–August, with fish spawning in April–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). White seabass are here year-round. April: Spawning season: live squid on a dropper loop in the kelp at night and dawn.
Where do white seabass hold in Southern California?
Look on artificial reef, ledge / hard bottom, beach / surf, fishing pier — around San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, Santa Barbara.
What is the best bait for white seabass in Southern California?
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 Southern California?
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.
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All about white seabass · Southern California Bight, the whole year