Barred Sand Bass

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Monterey Bay, California south to Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Most abundant from Santa Barbara south through Southern California and the Channel Islands. Found over sandy and rocky bottom near kelp beds and reefs in 6–200 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–70°F. Move shallower in summer and retreat to deeper water in winter. Spawn in dense aggregations ("boils") in June and July offshore from Southern California — a spectacular fishing phenomenon.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–4 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 13 lbs 3 oz. Identified by the tall third dorsal spine — taller than the adjacent spines (vs. Kelp Bass where spines are equal). Good eating — firm, white meat.

Best Lures: Swimbaits in white and natural colors produce excellent results. Soft plastic jigs worked near the bottom. Drop shot rigs with small swimbaits are very effective in deeper water. Surface iron jigs during spawning boils produce fast action.

Best Baits: Live anchovies are the top bait during spawning season. Fresh squid on a sliding sinker rig catches fish year-round. Live sardines work well. Dead anchovies on a light sliding sinker produce off sandy bottom.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Monterey Bay, California south to Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Most abundant from Santa Barbara south through Southern California and the Channel Islands. Found over sandy and rocky bottom near kelp beds and reefs in 6–200 feet.

58°F–70°F. Move shallower in summer and retreat to deeper water in winter. Spawn in dense aggregations ("boils") in June and July offshore from Southern California — a spectacular fishing phenomenon.

Best Lures: Swimbaits in white and natural colors produce excellent results. Soft plastic jigs worked near the bottom. Drop shot rigs with small swimbaits are very effective in deeper water. Surface iron jigs during spawning boils produce fast action. Best Baits: Live anchovies are the top bait during spawning season. Fresh squid on a sliding sinker rig catches fish year-round. Live sardines work well. Dead anchovies on a light sliding sinker produce off sandy bottom.

1 fishing location where you can catch Barred Sand Bass

Typically 1–4 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 13 lbs 3 oz. Identified by the tall third dorsal spine — taller than the adjacent spines (vs. Kelp Bass where spines are equal). Good eating — firm, white meat.

1 official record on file for Barred Sand Bass