Spotted Sand Bass

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Point Conception south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California. Found over sandy bottom adjacent to rocky reefs and kelp in 5–200 feet. Most common in Southern California and Northern Baja over sandy bottom — particularly around sand-rock interface areas and kelp-sand edges.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–70°F. Found over sandy bottom near rocky structure and kelp. Spotted Sand Bass prefer sandier habitat than Kelp Bass or Barred Sand Bass — specifically the sand-rock interface. Common in Southern California bays and coastal areas.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–3 lbs and 12–16 inches. Maximum approximately 6 lbs. World record: 7 lbs 2 oz. Identified by numerous dark brown spots on a tan body — distinctive from other sand bass species. Good eating — firm, white meat.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits dragged over sandy bottom near structure are the top approach. Paddle tail grubs on leadhead jigs are very effective. Drop shot rigs with small soft plastics produce in deeper sandy areas.

Best Baits: Live anchovies on a light sliding sinker near sandy bottom are excellent. Dead anchovies on a slider produce consistent catches. Fresh squid works well. Ghost shrimp are very effective in sandy bottom areas.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Point Conception south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California. Found over sandy bottom adjacent to rocky reefs and kelp in 5–200 feet. Most common in Southern California and Northern Baja over sandy bottom — particularly around sand-rock interface areas and kelp-sand edges.

58°F–70°F. Found over sandy bottom near rocky structure and kelp. Spotted Sand Bass prefer sandier habitat than Kelp Bass or Barred Sand Bass — specifically the sand-rock interface. Common in Southern California bays and coastal areas.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits dragged over sandy bottom near structure are the top approach. Paddle tail grubs on leadhead jigs are very effective. Drop shot rigs with small soft plastics produce in deeper sandy areas. Best Baits: Live anchovies on a light sliding sinker near sandy bottom are excellent. Dead anchovies on a slider produce consistent catches. Fresh squid works well. Ghost shrimp are very effective in sandy bottom areas.

Typically 1–3 lbs and 12–16 inches. Maximum approximately 6 lbs. World record: 7 lbs 2 oz. Identified by numerous dark brown spots on a tan body — distinctive from other sand bass species. Good eating — firm, white meat.

1 official record on file for Spotted Sand Bass