Species guide

Calico Bass (Kelp Bass)

Paralabrax clathratus

Pure structure fishing — the best light-tackle sport we have

Calico bass live in kelp, rock, and boiler structure and hit with reckless aggression. They are the ideal species for artificial-lure fishing, and because we release nearly all of them, the fishery stays strong. Great for anglers who want constant casting action rather than waiting on a bait.

Season: Year-round, best May through October
Best bite: Warm afternoons and around structure on a moving tide
Typical size: 2–5 lb, with 7–10 lb trophies
Where we fish: Point Loma kelp, La Jolla, Coronado Islands boilers

How we catch them

Casting swimbaits into kelp stringers
Flylined sardine over the top of structure
Surface iron early and late
Topwater walking baits in the summer

Tackle we use

25–40 lb braid to fluorocarbon
Heavy-action rods to pull fish out of kelp
3/8–1 oz leadheads

Baits & lures

Big Hammer swimbaits
Live sardine
Surface iron
Topwater plugs

Captain's tips

Cast tight to structure; a foot away is a missed bite.
Set hard and wind fast to get their head out of the kelp.
Release fish over 5 lb — they take a decade to grow.

Table quality

Good, mild white meat — but we strongly encourage releasing the big breeders.

Regulations

14-inch minimum, 5 fish per angler within combined bass limit — we practice catch and release.

Ready to target Calico Bass (Kelp Bass)?

Private charters aboard the Kate Elizabeth out of Seaforth Marina, Mission Bay.

(619) 431-3070