Goldspotted Sand Bass

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California (rare north of the border) south through Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Found over sandy and rocky bottom near the sand-reef interface in 15–150 feet. Most common in the northern Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of Baja California.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–76°F. Found over sandy and rocky bottom of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. A common sport fish in the Sea of Cortez region of Mexico — less commonly encountered north of the US-Mexico border.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–4 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 11 oz. Identified by the distinctive orange-gold spots on the body — separates it from Barred and Spotted Sand Bass. Good eating — firm, white meat.

Best Lures: Swimbaits near sandy bottom produce results. Small jigs near the sand-rock interface work well. Drop shot rigs are effective in the Sea of Cortez.

Best Baits: Fresh squid on a slider rig are effective. Live anchovies produce well. Fresh shrimp near bottom works consistently. A common target for Sea of Cortez anglers on mixed bottom trips.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California (rare north of the border) south through Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Found over sandy and rocky bottom near the sand-reef interface in 15–150 feet. Most common in the northern Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of Baja California.

60°F–76°F. Found over sandy and rocky bottom of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. A common sport fish in the Sea of Cortez region of Mexico — less commonly encountered north of the US-Mexico border.

Best Lures: Swimbaits near sandy bottom produce results. Small jigs near the sand-rock interface work well. Drop shot rigs are effective in the Sea of Cortez. Best Baits: Fresh squid on a slider rig are effective. Live anchovies produce well. Fresh shrimp near bottom works consistently. A common target for Sea of Cortez anglers on mixed bottom trips.

Typically 1–4 lbs and 12–18 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 11 oz. Identified by the distinctive orange-gold spots on the body — separates it from Barred and Spotted Sand Bass. Good eating — firm, white meat.