Saltwater · Central
Bass - White Sea Bass
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
BASS
Season
Open year round
Season notes
grey copper silver spots
Depth limit
No depth limit
Daily bag limit
3 fish per person, except that only one fish may be taken in waters south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15.
Minimum size
28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length
Gear restrictions
One line with not more than two hooks may be used
Identification
The white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) has an elongated body, large mouth, and a raised ridge along the length of its belly. It is grey-blue to copper on its back, with dark specks on its sides and a silver belly. It has a black spot on the inner base of its pectoral fins. Young white seabass have dark bars on the side. White seabass may be confused with the shortfin corvina (which has 1 or 2 large canine teeth on each side of the upper jaw) or the queenfish (which has a wider gap between the dorsal fins and more soft rays in its anal fin).