The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Calico Bass Paralabrax clathratus
Calico Bass Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 12–18 in, 1–4 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 28 in and 14 lb |
| Lifespan | up to 34 years |
| Range | Ranges the California coast into Baja, but the fishery is concentrated from Point Conception south — Southern California, the Channel Islands and northern Baja. |
| Habitat | Kelp beds, rocky reefs, breakwalls, piers and oil platforms, usually in 8–70 ft and rarely past 150 ft. |
| Diet | Anchovies, sardines, small surfperch, squid and shrimp-like crustaceans picked out of the kelp. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Calico Bass
- Olive to brown body with cream/yellow blotchy mottling, often pale saddles on the back
- Greatly elongated third dorsal spine that is clearly the tallest of the spiny dorsal
- Deep, laterally compressed body; spiny dorsal deeply notched before the soft dorsal
- Tail squared to slightly forked
- No bold dark vertical bars on the sides
Tell it apart: Calico (Kelp Bass) has a conspicuously LONG third dorsal spine that stands taller than the spines around it; Sand Bass has even dorsal spines (none elongated) plus dark vertical bars. Note both carry size/bag limits, so check this spine before keeping.
Easily confused with: Sand Bass
Side by side: Calico Bass vs Sand Bass
How to Catch Calico Bass
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- Best April through September over kelp and structure — fan-cast weedless swimbaits and leadhead jigs, throwing surface iron on warm summer mornings.GearWeedless swimbaitsLeadhead jig hooksInshore casting combo
When & Where Calico Bass Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Inshore |
Calico Bass Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.