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Kelp Bass
Species Information
| Scientific Name: | Paralabrax clathratus |
| Common Names: | kelp bass, calico bass, western fish, calico |
| Environment: | Inshore, Nearshore |
| Ideal Temp: | 66-75ºF (19-24ºC) |
About Kelp Bass
The kelp bass, sometimes referred to as the Calico bass or western fish (leading to easy confusion with the freshwater fishes from the genus Pomoxis), is a species of marine fish found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean from Baja California, Mexico, to Washington, USA (although rare in the northernmost part of its range). As suggested by its common name, it is typically associated with kelp beds, but may also be found in rocky areas or near hard structures. It prefers relatively shallow water, but may occur as deep as 165 ft (50 m).
It can reach a length of 29 1⁄2 inches (75 cm), and, being a slow grower, live for as long as 34 years. It is considered an excellent food fish, and is a popular recreational fishery species in Southern California. While the population is believed to be stable, large individuals are relatively rare due to fishing pressure. Commercial fishing for this species has been illegal since the 1950s.
It feeds on small fishes, squid, crustaceans, and, when abundant, plankton. During the warmer months (May to September in California), kelp bass form spawning groups in deeper water. After one to two days, the pelagic eggs hatch into larvae, which metamorph into juveniles after about a month. The juveniles settle among blades of kelp.
Kelp Bass Fishing
| World Record: | 6.54 kg (14 lb 7 oz) Newport Beach, California, USA |
| # Fish Caught: | 231193 documented in database. |
| Earliest Record: | 1/1/1872 12:00:00 AM and located at 32.77874, -117.23084. |
| Latest Record: | 9/26/2023 7:30:59 AM and located at 32.72489, -117.22661. |
| Common Techniques: | Bottom Fishing, Jigging |
| Popular Lure Types: | Bottom Rig, Jigs |
| Fishing Spots: | 121 Kelp Bass fishing spots. |
Latest Kelp Bass Fishing Reports and Spots
Kelp Bass - 7/13/2022 1:17:13 PM
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Kelp Bass - 7/13/2022 1:17:01 PM
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Kelp Bass - 7/13/2022 1:09:00 PM
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Palisades - 9/21/2021 11:16:11 PM
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Calico Bass, Barracuda, Yellowtail Lots of boat traffic directly in front. Best fishing is just to the east of the harbor. (
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