Kelp Bass

Description:
The body is elongate and compressed. The head narrows to a pointed snout. The tail is square.  The mouth is large. The color is blotchy and the predominant color of individuals can be either green, blue, brown, copperiest or grayish. The color of the belly is lighter colored and does not have blotches.

Territory:
Washington cost to Baja California (Pacific Ocean side). Can be found in lesser numbers north to Washington, and south to southern Baja California. Larger numbers off the California cost. 

Habitat:

Calico Bass are found on Kelp forests, rocky inshore structures or any kind of reef.

Natural History:
Calico bass are very abundant off of Southern California, and provide a large part of the action for anglers. These fish are more intelligent than your average fish, and fish that are over 8 lbs. are very difficult to approach. Their skin is relatively thin, and good hits are required to prevent calicos from ripping off and escaping.  Calicos are very slow growing fish, a 16 inch kelp bass is about nine years old.

Other Names:
Kelp bass.

Largest recorded size:
14.5 lbs.

Angling for "Calico Bass”

Can you say Paralabrax Clathratus, well how about Kelp Bass, or the more popular name, Calico Bass. Calico Bass are found in California waters around local islands and beaches.  They are predominantly a surface fish.  Generally all you have to do is locate structure and you’ll find Calico’s.  Usually just off the beach and up a 150 feet of water.  They love structures like kelp beds, rocky reefs, or shipwrecks.  This great game fish has some unusual characteristics,.  They do not migrate they spend their lives on the closest structure.  Calicos use structure for protection and as an ambush location for feeding. This explains their variability to swim baits and other artificial lures.  They are a predator of opportunity. Calicos become very active in the spring and summer when they begin to spawn but they can be caught all year long.  They are a slow growing fish averaging about 12" every 5 years, so if you are fishing for Calico Bass only keep what you wish to eat. 

Tackle:

Well a good saltwater bait caster like a Shimano's Calcutta 400 loaded  with 15-20 lb test line and an 8 foot rod will do just fine

Baits:

Plastics have filled the coolers more than any other baits, but live bait will always have their day.  Don’t forget jigs they can be awesome.  Check the fishing reports and be sure to call your guide or charter for the latest scoop on what working. 

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