The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
White Seabass Atractoscion nobilis
White Seabass Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 30–48 in, 10–40 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to about 5.5 ft and 90 lb |
| Lifespan | up to about 20 years |
| Range | Eastern Pacific from Alaska to Magdalena Bay in Baja California and into the Gulf of California, though the fishery is centered on the Southern California kelp coast and the Channel Islands. |
| Habitat | Schools along kelp edges and rocky structure from the surf zone out to about 400 ft. |
| Diet | Anchovies, sardines, Pacific mackerel and squid, plus pelagic red crabs in warm years — live squid is the classic bait. |
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 White Seabass
- Elongated silvery body, bluish to dark gray back
- Raised fleshy ridge running lengthwise down the belly midline
- Several dark vertical bars on juveniles that fade with age
- Dark blotch on the inner base of the pectoral fin
- Large mouth, no chin barbel
Tell it apart: A raised fleshy ridge along the belly midline plus the dark spot at the pectoral base positively ID a White Seabass (the largest local croaker, not a true bass).
How to Catch White Seabass
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- Best spring, April and May, on squid spawns — fly-line a bait or slow-yo a heavy iron near kelp at grey light and dusk.GearHeavy yo-yo ironLive-bait hooksGlow squid jigs
When & Where White Seabass Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Nearshore |
White Seabass Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.