Sea Bass
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Sea Bass can be found in the North East of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Sea Bass are bottom-dwelling fish that can be found in a wide range of depths and habitats, including rocky outcroppings, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs.
They are also found in estuaries and nearshore waters during the warmer months.
PATTERNS
SPRING
Migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south.
SUMMER
Sea Bass can be found in nearshore waters and estuaries as well as offshore waters.
FALL
During the fall, Sea Bass can be found in offshore waters as they migrate southwards.
WINTER
Caught through winter.
Bait
Crab, Clam, Minnows, Squid.
Techniques
Bottom Fishing
How: Sea Bass can often be found near rocky bottoms or artificial reefs. When fishing for Sea Bass near the bottom, use a fish finder to locate the schools of fish. Drop a baited rig to the bottom and jig it up and down to attract the fish.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy action rods with sensitive tips. Reels: High gear ratio reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Braided or monofilament line with a test strength of 20-30 pounds. Hooks: 1/0-2/0. Leader: Fluorocarbon leader of 20-30 pounds test. Bait: Live or dead minnows, clams, squid.
Jigging:
How: Jigging for Sea Bass involves dropping a jig to the bottom and lifting it up and down to imitate a live bait fish.
Gear: Rods: Rods: Medium to heavy action rods with sensitive tips. Reels: High gear ratio reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Braided or monofilament line with a test strength of 20-30 pounds. Leader: Fluorocarbon leader of 20-30 pounds test. Lures: Bucktail jigs, diamond jigs, and other types of jigs.
Drifting
How: Drifting for Sea Bass involves drifting with the tide and using a combination of baits and lures to entice the fish to bite.
Gear: Rods: 6-8ft medium action. Reels: Spinning or baitcasting reels. Line: 10-20 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 10-20 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 1/0-2/0. Tackle/Lures: Live bait such as sand crabs or worms, and artificial lures such as soft plastic lures or metal jigs.