Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Humboldt Bay, California south to the Gulf of California. Most commonly encountered from the Channel Islands south to Baja California. A protected species in California waters — fishing prohibited. Found around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and sandy bottom areas near structure in 15–150 feet.
Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–70°F. Found in kelp forest environments and over sandy bottom near rocky structure. Young fish (juveniles) inhabit shallow kelp beds; adults are deeper and more wide-ranging.
Size & Weight: One of the largest bony fish in the Pacific — can reach over 7 feet and 560 lbs. World record: 563 lbs 8 oz from Anacapa Island, California. Fully protected in California — all fish must be released immediately. The California population, once severely depleted, is slowly recovering.
Best Lures: N/A — fully protected in California waters. Incidental encounters occur when fishing for Halibut and Yellowtail.
Best Baits: N/A — fully protected. Immediately release any Giant Sea Bass encountered. Do not remove from water — they must be released boat-side.
Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Humboldt Bay, California south to the Gulf of California. Most commonly encountered from the Channel Islands south to Baja California. A protected species in California waters — fishing prohibited. Found around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and sandy bottom areas near structure in 15–150 feet.
Water Conditions
4 of 8
58°F–70°F. Found in kelp forest environments and over sandy bottom near rocky structure. Young fish (juveniles) inhabit shallow kelp beds; adults are deeper and more wide-ranging.
Tackle & Bait
5 of 8
Best Lures:
N/A — fully protected in California waters. Incidental encounters occur when fishing for Halibut and Yellowtail.
Best Baits:
N/A — fully protected. Immediately release any Giant Sea Bass encountered. Do not remove from water — they must be released boat-side.
Size & Sport
6 of 8
One of the largest bony fish in the Pacific — can reach over 7 feet and 560 lbs. World record: 563 lbs 8 oz from Anacapa Island, California. Fully protected in California — all fish must be released immediately. The California population, once severely depleted, is slowly recovering.
