The prize croaker of the kelp. Most LA limits (when they happen) still come on spring squid after dark, not on a random Saturday jig.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Deep kelp edges and squid spawning grounds at night — Palos Verdes, Catalina, and the outer Malibu kelp.
Twenty-eight inches total length, three fish — except only one fish south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15. LA County is south of Conception, so that spring one-fish rule applies here. Live squid along the Palos Verdes and Catalina kelp is the honest local play. Giant sea bass is prohibited.
White seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) are the largest croaker in California. Adults are bluish-grey to bronze on top and silvery below, with a slightly underslung lower jaw and a raised ridge along the belly between the pelvic fins and the vent. Small juveniles carry dark vertical bars and are often mistaken for other croakers. Despite the name, white seabass are not related to giant sea bass, which are closed to take.
They roam kelp beds, rocky points and sand next to structure. Around Los Angeles that includes the kelp off Palos Verdes and Point Dume, Santa Monica Bay structure, and the waters around Catalina Island. They often follow market squid, which spawn in schools near the bottom.
Open year-round, but the bag drops in spring (see below). Many anglers target them during spring and early-summer squid activity and at dawn, dusk or night.
White seabass are highly regarded table fare with mild, firm, white flesh. They are not named separately in OEHHA's LA coastal advisories; follow OEHHA's general guidance about portion size and eating skinless fillets.
The minimum size is 28 inches total length. The daily bag is 3 fish, except that only 1 fish may be taken south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15. Boat fillets must be at least 19 inches long with a patch of silver skin attached. Giant sea bass may not be taken or possessed. The CDFW booklet also lists an alternate-length measurement; check the current booklet if you fillet at sea.
Giant (black) sea bass may not be taken. Boat fillets must be at least 19 inches with a silver-skin patch.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — white seabass →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3 fish at 28 inches minimum, except only 1 fish per day south of Point Conception from March 15 through June 15.
White seabass are silvery croakers that may be kept with limits. Giant sea bass are huge, dark, heavy-bodied fish that are closed to take in California.
Squid is the classic bait, fished live or fresh near kelp. Live sardines and large swimbaits also work.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
