The Kelp Bass is considered one of the most important nearshore recreational species for the recreational fishing industry.

Features

Kelp bass have a single dorsal fin notched between the sections and the third and fourth spines are of about equal length and taller than the soft-rayed section. Their colouring is brownish or olive on the back, brownish white blotches on the uppersides, tinged with yellow on the underside, and yellow fins.

Size

Kelp Bass take about six years to reach adulthood at which point they are able to spawn. They weigh between eight to ten pounds and may live as long as 15 to 20 years. The largest bass are reported to be larger than 15 pounds/6.8 Kg and was 28.5 inches/72.3 cm long.

Kelp Bass fry can reach four inches/10 cm by the end of their first year, which makes them about 12 inches (30 cm) long and growth of the fish is slow reaching little more than 12 inches/30 cm after six years.

The largest Kelp Bass caught weighed 14.5 pounds/6.6 Kg and measured 28.5 inches/72.3 long.

Water Depth

The Kelp Bass prefer water depths anywhere down to 150 feet/46 metres. A good fish finder can help you determine at which depth they are at.

Fishery

Kelp bass are commonly known as Calico Bass. It is the most popular off shore fish along the coast of North America from northern California down the the Mexican Peninsula.

The Kelp Bass is considered one of the most important nearshore recreational species for the recreational fishing industry.

A recent report calculated the number of Kelp Bass taken from their habitat each year being around one million fish. The report was released by the California Department of Fish and Game. This is amazing considering that the fish are taken not by commercial boats but by private boats and commercial passenger fishing vessels.

Diet

The Kelp Bass’s diet is made up of various sea food including, but not limited to, anchovies, sardines, surfperch, queenfish, shrimp, crab, octopus and the every popular squid.

Lures that replicate these baits will prove well especially when coloured brown or olive. For those practicing catch and release, it is recommended that you use lures to minimize damage to the fish.