Gear & Tackle

Sea Bass

Calico Bass Fishing in California

Kelp bass of Southern California kelp beds and rocky reefs, aggressive toward swimbaits.

Waters
2
State
California
Water
Saltwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Best Months in California: May to Oct

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Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a California fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Calico Bass

Month

2 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Calico Bass Setup

Fly

9 ft 8 wt rod, sinking line, baitfish flies.

Spin / Cast

7 to 7.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 20 lb line, swimbaits on jigheads.

California

Where to Catch Calico Bass

2 of 2 waters

Saltwater & Coast · California

Catalina Island

About 22 miles off the LA coast. Rockfish, calico bass, and yellowtail from banks and pinnacles.

Rockfish · Calico Bass · Yellowtail

Saltwater & Coast · California

Point Loma Kelp Beds

Kelp beds off Point Loma in San Diego County, which state biologists name as a kelp bass (calico bass) fishing area.

Calico Bass · Yellowtail

California

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