Side by Side

Calico Bass Paralabrax clathratus

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–4 lb

Quickest tell: 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.

• 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

Full Calico Bass guide — season, gear and rules →

Sand Bass Paralabrax nebulifer

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–4 lb

Quickest tell: Barred Sand Bass has even dorsal spines and dark vertical bars; if the third dorsal spine is greatly elongated it is a Calico Bass, not a Sand Bass.

• Gray-brown with dark blotches and broad dark vertical bars on the sides
• Dorsal spines roughly even in length — NO single elongated third spine
• Dark vermiculations (worm-lines) on the snout and between the eyes
• Rounded to squared tail
• Stout, moderately deep body

Full Sand Bass guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Calico Bass and Sand Bass Overlap

Both run in Southern California — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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