When many anglers think about Bass, they only really consider Largemouth and Smallmouth species in freshwater locations. But there’s a greater diversity of Bass and Bass-like species that thrive in saltwater environments. Wherever you find saltwater Bass, fishing is a must! There are always plenty of exciting opportunities, whether you’re chasing a small Spotted Bass or a giant Black Bass.
The ocean is a large place and there’s an endless list of Bass species, depending on your region. Do your homework and study the large number of species that may be present where you are before hitting the water. You might be surprised by the number of species and unique characteristics available!
The following sections should help you out, though. In this article, I’ll run through some of the more common saltwater Bass species people love to fish for. I’ll also cover different techniques and run through the most popular locations I think you should check out. Are you ready? Here goes…
Saltwater Bass Species
The number of Bass species grows quickly when you loop in Groupers. Some anglers also classify Drums as a Bass category, and you’ll even see Snapper in the same casual grouping on occasion. But they’re all uniquely classified and are not technically Bass. While the taxonomy can become confusing, I’ll stick to those that sport the Bass name, with a look at some of the most popular saltwater Bass species below:
Striped Bass
One of the most publicized and pursued species in saltwater is the incredible Striped Bass. “Stripers” can also live in freshwater and they can move between salt, brackish, and freshwater. Many fisheries along the Atlantic coast have an obsession with these fish – where they’re often called “Rockfish”. Here, anglers chase bait fish nearshore, cast into the surf, and sight fish the bays and jetties where the big boys roam. They’ve also been transplanted to the Pacific Coast, and you can find some of the largest fish in the California Delta.
White Seabass
This species lives along the Pacific coast, from Baja up to Alaska, via California. While local anglers swear by them, I’ve found them to be pretty elusive as I’ve pursued them but never caught one… Yet! Technically, White Seabass are Croakers but they also share characteristics with Corvina in their southern range. They’re really neat-looking and anglers are always excited when they land one.
Black Seabass
Across the country and Black Seabass are really cool-looking, fun-to-catch, and highly-valued targets on the East Coast. You’ll find them all the way from Florida to Maine, and up into Canada along the Atlantic coastline. Like most saltwater Bass, you’ll find them along structure where they tend to hold tight to the bottom.
Calico Bass
Unique-looking and tricky to catch, Calico Bass love vegetation and kelp beds. They use these to take cover, so I like to work the edges to entice them out. Calicos are common in California and Mexico’s nearshore waters, and are truly beautiful. Oh, and their meat is also delicious with a mild flavor and firm flesh.
Spotted Bay Bass
Often smaller and easy to catch in some places, Spotted Bay Bass are another fun species to pursue. I love catching them on the fly when fishing for other species is slow. Found in estuaries, nearshore, and around kelp beds, they strike fast and hard before retreating to cover. Set the hook and use hard pressure to land them before they dive into rocky holes. They’re common in Southern California and Baja.
Sand Bass
While you’ll find Spotted Bass and Calicos in shallow and moderate depths that are easily accessible, Sand Bass tend to utilize slightly deeper waters and drop-offs. Unlike the Spotted Bay Bass, they fight harder in open water. Look for sandy shorelines with steep drop-offs. I’ve had most success when I find them sitting on the edges of those drop-offs. It’s not uncommon to think you’ve hooked the sandy ledge, only to feel a fish move shortly after!
How to Go Fishing for Saltwater Bass
There are two types of saltwater Bass fishing. The first involves accessible fish in bays and kelp beds, where anglers can patrol shorelines on foot or in kayaks. I’ve caught a ton of Bass in this manner and it’s super fun. The approach is simple, as light to medium fly or casting rods with simple lures will get the job done. You can also catch Striped Bass like this along shorelines and in the surf.
The second type of Bass fishing requires a vessel capable of running deep, heavy rigs over deep structure. Trolling and bouncing the bottom for bigger Bass species in this manner is unique and feels a bit like Halibut fishing in Alaska! It tends to start out slowly but when a fish is on, you quickly realize that a difficult battle is ahead.
If you want to catch saltwater Bass, start with inshore fishing and expand to the nearshore and farther offshore options. Booking a charter with specialized equipment is a good way to pursue the monsters that patrol the rocky depths.
When to Fish for Saltwater Bass
Seasonality isn’t a major concern for saltwater Bass fishing. Striped Bass are the exception as they migrate to spawn and follow the bait. Stripers on the Atlantic Coast are very active and closer to shorelines in the spring and fall months. Traditionally, May is the time for the “Striper Blitz” in places like Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Most other Bass are stationary and lie in ambush positions, waiting for prey to come within range. In the Pacific Ocean specifically, they’re caught year-round and sometimes timing is a matter of choosing days with calmer seas to manage vessels. Overall, saltwater Bass have a constant presence, making them a great option for anglers looking to fish between the seasonality of pelagic species.
Top Saltwater Bass Fishing Locations
Saltwater Bass have an incredible range and this list just highlights a few great regions in North America where you can find some. I have to stress, though, the possibilities are endless and you can find Bass along shorelines throughout the world!
Baja California
Magdalena Bay is a unique spot south of the border because Bass congregate along mangroves, in kelp beds, and out in the open. Most anglers are focused on Striped Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish, and pelagics, so the Bass fishery is somewhat under-exploited. That means more action for you!
The ecosystem as a whole is rich with marine life and the remote nature makes it a bucket-list destination. Bass are present throughout the long Pacific coastlines of Baja and I’ve caught plenty in the Sea of Cortez as well. There’s no shortage of opportunity here.
Gulf of Mexico
A great saltwater Bass destination, the Gulf has a strong Black Bass population in the brackish estuaries spilling into it. From Texas to Florida, the whole coastline is literally geared up for fishing! Take advantage of jetties, beaches, breaks, backwaters, and offshore areas to test the waters.
Atlantic Coast
Striped Bass steal the show here but there are also Black Seabass up and down the Atlantic range. Anyone fishing the eastern shores of the US and Canada will likely focus heavily on Striper runs, however. The aggressive and hard-fighting nature of these fish is unique and too much fun to ignore.
San Diego and SoCal
If you’re looking for White Seabass, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, and Spotted Bay Bass, look no further than Southenrn California. The kelp beds here are full of most of these creatures, while inshore and nearshore areas even without kelp can provide happy hunting grounds. With so much on the menu, it may be one of the best saltwater Bass fishing destinations around!
California Delta
I had to add this location just for the unique Striped Bass situations. The California Delta (also known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta) is a huge estuary with brackish water. Offshoots of the delta will actually hold freshwater species as well, so it’s really a big mixing zone. Striped Bass migrate into the delta from the Bay Area’s ocean waters and are largely present in spring and fall. Some truly massive fish are caught here and it’s a must-visit fishery!
Can you resist the pull of saltwater Bass fishing?
The initial strike of a saltwater Bass is sometimes so powerful, it’ll nearly pull the angler overboard. These fish have amazing jaw strength and the moments following a strike are intense. If you can’t elevate them from the retreat into their holes and hiding places, landing the fish becomes nearly impossible! But once in open water, your odds improve significantly.
Whatever your approach, get ready for tons of fun and plenty of rewards. Buckle up and hold on tight the next time you go saltwater Bass fishing!
Do you have a favorite saltwater Bass species? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
