Saltwater · Southern
Bass - Spotted Sand
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
Depth limit
No depth limit
Daily bag limit
5 in any combination of species (kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass) per person
Minimum size
14 inches total length or ten inches alternate length
Gear restrictions
Fin fish may be taken only on hook-and-line or by hand
Identification
The body of the spotted sand bass is moderately elongate and compressed. The mouth is large and the jaw protruding only slightly. The color is olive brown with round black spots on the body, head and fins. Spotted sand bass can be easily distinguished from kelp bass by the height of the third dorsal spine. In spotted sand bass and barred sand bass it is the longest of the dorsal spines, while in the kelp bass the third, fourth and fifth spines are of about equal length. Spotted sand bass differ from barred sand bass by the presence of spots that cover the entire body.