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Photo of Kelp Bass (Calico Bass) (Paralabrax clathratus)

Photo: Public domain — Steve Lonhart/MBNMS, Wikimedia Commons

Saltwater

Kelp Bass (Calico Bass)

Paralabrax clathratus

The signature SoCal kelp species — aggressive, structure-oriented, and a favorite target from private boats, kayaks, and the rocks.

Size

12" min · avg 1–4 lb

Season

Year-round, best late spring–fall

Difficulty

Habitat

Kelp beds, rocky reefs, breakwaters, and jetty rock piles from the surface down to 60 ft.

Best lures & bait

3.5–5" plastic swimbait on a 3/8–1/2 oz jig head
Surface iron / walk-the-dog topwater at dawn
Live anchovy or mackerel fished on light leader

How to catch them

Cast tight to the kelp edge, let it sink, then jig upward in short hops
Work jetty rocks vertically, dropping straight down along the structure
Fish first and last light on top water for surface strikes

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