top of page
4_1c7025d0-76b4-4838-872e-b5ddedd110b7.webp

Sea Bass

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

  • Seabass, a popular saltwater game fish, can be found in various bodies of water along the South/Gulf region of the United States. They are commonly encountered in both inshore and offshore environments, as well as in estuaries and bays.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

  • Seabass inhabit a variety of habitats, depending on their life stage and the time of year. They are often found near structures such as rock piles, reefs, jetties, bridges, and wrecks. Inshore, they can be found around oyster bars, marsh grass, and submerged structures. Seabass also venture into estuaries and tidal creeks in search of food.

  • Look for seabass in areas with clear water, moderate current flows, and sufficient structure. They are known to gather around areas with shellfish beds, as well as artificial reefs and wrecks. Seabass are bottom-dwelling fish but can also be found suspended in the water column, particularly when actively feeding. ​


PATTERNS

SPRING

  • During the spring months, seabass move closer to shore and can be found in shallower waters. They may gather around inshore structures such as jetties, bridges, and rock piles. Bottom fishing with bait rigs, such as high-low rigs or fishfinder rigs, can be effective in targeting seabass. Deploying live or cut bait, such as squid, clams, or shrimp, can entice strikes.

SUMMER

  • In the summer, seabass can be found in a variety of habitats, including inshore reefs, wrecks, and deeper offshore structures. They may move to deeper waters as temperatures rise. Bottom fishing with bait rigs, using fresh cut bait or live bait, remains a popular method for targeting seabass. Drifting over reefs and wrecks with jigs or soft plastic baits can also yield success.

FALL

  • As fall arrives, seabass continue to provide exciting fishing opportunities. They may move closer to shore again and gather around inshore structures. Bottom fishing with bait rigs, using fresh cut bait or live bait, remains effective during this time. Anglers can also target seabass using vertical jigging techniques, deploying metal jigs or bucktail jigs near structure-rich areas.

WINTER

  • During the winter months, seabass may move to deeper offshore waters, seeking warmer temperatures. They can still be caught during this time, but may require venturing to offshore wrecks or artificial reefs. Bottom fishing with bait rigs, using cut bait or squid strips, can be effective when targeting winter seabass. Pay attention to favorable weather conditions and consult local fishing reports to maximize your chances of success.

Bait

  • Live bait: Live bait such as sand crabs, worms, and clams can be very effective for catching sea bass, especially when fished on the bottom or near structure.

  • Cut bait, such as squid, mackerel, or sardines, can also be used to catch sea bass.

Techniques

  • Bait Fishing

    • How: Use a variety of natural baits to attract sea bass, such as squid, clams, mussels, or cut bait. Anchor your boat near rocky structures, wrecks, or artificial reefs where sea bass tend to congregate. Cast your baited hooks close to the structure and allow them to sink to the desired depth. Use a slow and steady retrieve to entice sea bass to bite.

    • Gear: Rods: Medium-light to medium spinning rods. Reels: 2000-3000 size spinning reels. Line: 10-15lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2-4 bait hooks. Sinkers: Egg sinkers or bank sinkers in various weights to reach the desired depth.

    Artificial Lures

    • How: Sea bass can be enticed by a variety of artificial lures. Use jigs, soft plastics, or metal spoons that imitate small baitfish or crustaceans. Cast your lures near underwater structures or drop-offs and vary your retrieval speed to find the most effective presentation.

    • Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: 3000-4000 size spinning reels. Line: 10-15lb test braided line or fluorocarbon leader. Lures: Jigs (1/2 to 1 oz), soft plastics, metal spoons, and bucktail jigs.

    Fly Fishing

    • How: Fly fishing for sea bass can be a thrilling experience. Look for sea bass near rocky shorelines, jetties, or submerged structures. Use baitfish or shrimp patterns that match the local forage. Make accurate casts near the structure and employ a strip-and-pause or twitching retrieve to entice sea bass to strike.

    • Gear: Rods: 6-8 wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large-arbor fly reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate fly lines. Leaders: 7-9ft fluorocarbon leaders with a tippet strength of 8-12lb. Flies: Clouser Minnows, shrimp patterns, crab patterns, and baitfish imitations.

    Surf Fishing

    • How: Surf fishing for sea bass can be productive, especially near rocky points or jetties. Use a fishfinder rig with a pyramid sinker and a bait holder hook baited with clam, squid, or cut bait. Cast your rig into the surf and let it settle on the ocean floor. Keep an eye on your rod tip for subtle nibbles indicating a sea bass bite.

    • Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy surf rods. Reels: 4000-5000 size spinning reels. Line: 15-20lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2-4 bait hooks. Sinkers: Pyramid sinkers in various weights to hold bottom in the surf.

bottom of page