Kelp beds are essentially underwater forests where aquatic life is prolific. You can find an abundance of species within these unique ecosystems, and they attract and hold some exciting game fish. And there’s a range of saltwater baits designed for fishing kelp beds.
Fishing kelp beds can be a little tricky as they have a high snag potential. Because of that, static baits are among the most productive options. These baits can hold positions in lanes where fish travel to feed. But there are a lot more out there…
If you have access to kelp beds from shore or a boat, it’s worth exploring with a rod and reel. Many anglers blast past these fisheries in favor of open waters but they’re missing some wonderful opportunities. Join me as I dive into the techniques, fishing styles, and baits that can get the job done in kelp beds below…
Understanding Kelp Ecosystems
Most kelp forests are found in the Pacific Ocean, with healthy ecosystems ranging from Alaska to Mexico. I’ve fished some wonderful kelp beds in Baja California, Mexico, and in Washington. British Columbia and Alaska both have some very large kelp forests to explore in remote places, while Southern California is also a hotbed of these marine playgrounds.
You’ll find kelp along shorelines but the forests can extend out a fair distance into the sea. The forests absorb energy and the waters are generally calm in these areas. The kelp itself is an algae with stems, broad leaves, and vegetative structure. It’s flexible yet rigid enough to hold shape in the water.
Kelp beds offer shelter from the dangers of the ocean for many species. They create biomass and host a wide variety of species as well. From urchins to octopus, kelp is an important refuge. It’s not uncommon to find otters, sea lions, and other marine life taking advantage of the bounty of food resources in kelp, too.
Top Species to Target in Kelp Beds
The range of species living in and around kelp beds is impressive. You’ll find common species that are always in the area but plenty of pelagic species move along the edges of the beds, too. You never really know what might show up – so always be prepared! Here’s a snapshot of the species you might encounter while fishing the kelp:
Bass Species
The staples for anglers who regularly fish kelp beds with bait are the Bass species that live there. Spotted Bass (aka Spotted Bay Bass or Sand Bass) are very common, as are Calico Bass and White Sea Bass. Bass species tend to hold along the bottom and camouflage in thick vegetative areas. They strike quickly and retreat back to hiding spots so set the hook and maintain pressure to avoid losing them.
Snapper
Almost every angler is happy when they land a Snapper. They strike hard, fight hard, and offer an excellent option for the kitchen at home. They can also grow large while using the shelter of a kelp forest to remain hidden while feeding on the abundant bait fish, Bass, and other species present. Snapper are difficult to haul out of the kelp, so you’ll have the best success while fishing the outer edges of the stalks.
Corvina
I absolutely love catching Corvina as they fight like crazy and make for a great meal. Some of my best Corvina fishing has occurred in estuary areas on the edges of kelp beds. These fish are very aggressive when fishing with lures or flies in the kelp beds, and they promise to test your tackle with hard runs. Baja and Southern California are both hotspots for great Corvina fishing.
Halibut
The smaller Halibut of Baja and Southern California love kelp habitats. I’ve found them using muddy bottom lanes between rows of kelp. If you see a break in the vegetation, a Halibut just might be present. The same is possible in British Columbia and Alaska, as smaller Halibut use the rich kelp forests to grow before retreating to deeper rock ledges where they can grow even bigger.
Yellowtail Amberjack
You won’t likely find Yellowtail in the kelp but they’re often present on the outer edges and drop offs where the kelp ends. Kelp forests can attract bait fish who use the stalks as refuge. The location of the kelp in Baja and Southern California crosses over with the Yellowtail’s range and habitat. Most anglers who fish kelp beds aren’t necessarily looking for Yellowtail but it’s always a good idea to have rods and lures ready to catch them.
Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
Like Yellowtail, Dorado (aka Mahi Mahi) aren’t a species that live in kelp beds. They hunt the edges of kelp forests, where you’ll land them incidentally. Again, Baja California is the most common place where Dorado are prolific near kelp beds
Top Baits and Lures for Kelp Bed Fishing
There are a ton of baits and lures that work for fishing in kelp beds. The following are a few of the simplest and most effective options available. They consistently produce and are uniquely designed to work well around the snags and obstacles presented by kelp stalks…
Sardines
You can’t go wrong with a sardine. They constitute a large portion of the food source in many regions where kelp is present. Live or dead baiting with sardines will catch just about any fish in the beds. The only difficult thing about sardines is the number of baits you’ll lose when the Sand Bass bite is hot!
Cut Bait
The most practical means of baiting in and around kelp beds is with cut baits. Thread a strip of flesh on a hook and drop it between stalks, or work the edges of the kelp to draw fish into open water. You can drop the bait on the bottom but I like to keep it suspended a few feet above the sea floor. Any bait you have handy will do the trick. I usually try to catch something on a jig or lure then cut it fresh on the spot to maximize potency in the water.
Jigs
You can rig jigs with baits or run them as standalone lures. I prefer jigs for kelp beds because they offer a vertical solution. It’s very difficult to retrieve without snagging stalks. Look for lanes and openings where a jig can fish on a bouncing retrieve without snagging and fouling in the kelp.
Irons
Flat irons are designed to cast, retrieve, or jig, and this makes them deadly for kelp ecosystems. Anglers can jig in the stalks or cast and retrieve along the outer edges while still achieving depth. Every saltwater angler should have a variety of irons ready to fish!
Kelp Bed Fishing Tips
There are essentially two ways to approach a kelp forest as an angler. The first is to fish through the kelp stalks and the second involves targeting the outer edges. Personally, I prefer working the outer edges because it’s much easier to land fish without snagging and wrapping on the kelp stalks.
When fishing the inner kelp forest, look for lanes and pockets between stalks. These are often productive areas where you have some space to play and land a Bass or Halibut.
Where to Find Productive Kelp Beds
Pretty much any kelp bed you find will have fish to target. Finding kelp beds is a matter of driving, walking, and scanning nearshore areas. Look for estuaries, islands, and breaks in current where the water smooths over. There will often be structure nearby as well, creating additional habitat in and around the kelp. You can even use Google Maps’ satellite imagery to look for areas along the shore that are protected and smoothed over when compared to other parts of the coastline!
In terms of specific regions, northern Baja California has quite a few kelp forests, especially in areas with large bays. Southern California is great with kelp occurring in the San Diego region. From the Bay Area of California all the way to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, you can find intermittent kelp zones. Lastly, some of the most remote and rich kelp environments occur in British Columbia and Alaska. Some are road accessible but many require a boat to access.
Get Your Baits Ready for Kelp Bed Fishing!
Many anglers don’t want to mess with the snags in a kelp forest and they hit the gas to find clear fishing lanes. Kayak anglers are the exception as they know the mild currents and nearshore habitat are ideal for motorless fishing. While props are an issue in kelp beds, motor boats can do really well by working the edges. Of course, shore anglers can also do well in accessible kelp zones.
The next time you find a kelp forest brimming with life, rig up and use your favorite bait to catch a variety of fish species!
Do you have a favorite method of fishing kelp beds? We’d love to hear your advice for fishing baits, lures, and even flies. Share away in the comments below!
