White Seabass

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Alaska south to Baja California and the Gulf of California, most abundant from Central California to Baja California. Found around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and sandy bottom near structure in 10–200 feet. A prized California sport fish with recovering populations.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–68°F. Follow squid spawning aggregations in spring — March through June is prime season off Southern California. Kelp bed edges and rocky reefs with sandy bottom nearby are prime habitat.

Size & Weight: Typically 10–25 lbs and 2–3 feet. Trophy fish reach 50–60 lbs. World record: 83 lbs 12 oz. Distinguished by a prominent ridge along the bottom of the tail base. One of the finest-eating Pacific fish — large, white, firm fillets. Minimum size limits apply throughout California.

Best Lures: Large soft plastic swimbaits (5–8 inch) in sardine and mackerel colors are the dominant technique. Iron jigs worked at mid-depth produce fish. Large swimbaits fished slowly near the bottom in sandy areas. Topwater lures produce strikes at night near kelp.

Best Baits: Live squid are the number one bait during spring squid runs — the most productive period. Live mackerel produce large fish. Live anchovies work in kelp. Ghost shrimp are effective year-round. Squid-rigged on a sliding sinker for bottom fishing is the winter standard.