Kelp Bass

The kelp bass, a member of a large group of seabasses, which inhabit the eastern Pacific, is a robust fish with a typical, well-known bass shape.

 

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A KELP BASS

The color of this species is brown to olive green with pale blotches on the back, becoming lighter below. They are easily distinguished from the sand basses by the fact that the third, fourth and fifth dorsal spines are about the same length, whereas the third dorsal spine of the sand basses is much longer than the fourth and fifth.

 

WHERE TO CATCH KELP BASS

The kelp bass is common along the central and southern California coast and northeastern Baja, and ranges from the Columbia River, Washington to Magdalena Bay, Baja California. It is usually found in or near kelp beds, over reefs, around rock jetties and breakwaters or structures in shallow water and to about 150 ft. While it is found throughout the water column, larger specimens usually occur in deeper waters. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

 

BAITFISH PATCHES                               COASTAL WATERS

KELP FORESTS AND BEDS                      REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS

CLIFFS                                                JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS

MAN-MADE STRUCTURES                               ROCKY SEA FLOOR

 

HOW TO CATCH KELP BASS

Because it is considered to be among the best eating fish and a powerful fighter, it is highly sought by sport fishermen. An omnivorous feeder, it will take most of the local live baits as well as a variety of artificial lures. A favorite rig is a metal jig and whole squid that can be bounced along the bottom. The best fishing is summer to fall although it can be fished year round in some areas. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

DRIFT FISHING                                     BAIT CASTING

SPIN CASTING                                     BOTTOM BOUNCING

STILL FISHING                                      SALTWATER JIGGING

 

KELP BASS LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

CRABS                                                         JIGS

SALTWATER LIVE BAIT                                             SPOONS

CUT BAIT                                                               PLUGS

SOFT PLASTICS                                                       SQUID