Calico Bass Fishing in Southern CaliforniaIn the past 20 years the fish landings have averaged about 9,000 pounds annually with 39,000 pounds in the peak year of 1944. The chief species have been lobster, albacore, barracuda, and swordfish. In 1951 the leading species were albacore and lobster. Two or three skiff fishermen operate a few lobster traps out of Laguna and a couple of small boats fish for abalone one or two days a week during the season. There is very little sport fishing at Laguna.
|
Heads up: Spirit Sportfishing is relaunching as a fishing charter concierge — we're not booking trips yet. Join the Plan a Trip waitlist or call (310) 622-2830 and we'll match you with a vetted partner boat and captain when trips resume.
If there's one fish that defines Southern California inshore fishing, it's the calico bass. They live where the kelp grows — tight to the stringers, under the canopy, around boiler rocks — and they hit like a fish twice their size. A 5-pounder peeling line off a bass rod in 20 feet of water is as fun as fishing gets, and you don't need to run 40 miles to find it.
Where calicos live
Kelp, kelp, kelp. The mainland coast from Palos Verdes to San Diego, the front side of Catalina, and the Channel Islands — anywhere kelp beds meet rocky structure. Captains position the boat just outside the kelp line and work baits back into the strike zone. The islands grow the true giants; a 7-plus-pound calico is a legitimate trophy.
How to catch them
- Fly-lined live bait: a lively sardine on light line, cast into the kelp and let it swim. The most natural presentation — and the most exciting bite.
- Plastics: 5–7 inch swimbaits on 1/2 to 1 oz leadheads, slow-rolled along the kelp edge. Cover water until you find the school.
- Surface iron: when bass are up chasing bait, a Tady 45 or similar jig burned across the surface draws violent strikes.
- Dropper loop: for deeper structure and bigger fish holding tight to the rocks.
Seasons and size
Calicos bite all year, but late spring through fall is prime — warmer water pushes bait shallow and the bass follow. Spawning aggregations in summer concentrate the biggest fish, which is also why many anglers release the big females. Keep an eye on the fish counts for bass-heavy trips, and check our seasonal calendar to time it right.
Want to chase calicos? Plan a Trip — tell us whether you want island giants or a quick local bass trip, and we'll match you with the right boat when booking opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a calico bass?
Calico bass is the local name for kelp bass (Paralabrax clathratus) — the signature inshore gamefish of Southern California. They live in and around kelp beds and rocky structure, fight hard for their size, and are beautiful fish: mottled green-brown with checkerboard markings.
What's the best bait for calico bass?
Live sardines and anchovies fished tight to the kelp are the classic approach. Plastics — swimbaits and jerkbaits on leadheads — are deadly and let you cover water. Iron (surface jigs) works when bass are boiling on bait.
When is calico bass season?
They bite year-round, but the best fishing is typically late spring through early fall when water warms and bass move shallow to spawn. Big 'bull' calicos show best around the islands.
Are calico bass good to eat? Can I keep them?
They're decent eating, but most SoCal anglers release calicos — especially the big breeding females. California has minimum size and bag limits for bass; check current DFW regulations and ask your captain before keeping fish.
Ready to get on the water? Plan your trip — we match you with the best boat and captain for it.
