Barred Sand Bass Fishing Charters

Barred Sand Bass is a popular target on Southern California party boats, especially during the summer and fall when they move into shallow waters to spawn. These bronze-colored bass with distinctive dark vertical bars are cooperative biters that school up in large numbers.

Party boats find Barred Sand Bass over sandy bottoms adjacent to rocky reefs and structure in depths of 15 to 80 feet. Live anchovies and sardines are the most effective baits, though squid and soft plastics also produce. When the sand bass are schooled up, the action can be wide-open with multiple hookups happening simultaneously.

Sand Bass fight well for their size, making strong pulls and diving for the bottom. They use their broad body to resist being hauled up and can give a surprising account of themselves. Most fish run 1 to 3 pounds, with larger fish reaching 5 to 6 pounds.

The eating quality is good, with white, mild flesh that is similar to other bass species. Like Kelp Bass, California regulations include strict size and bag limits to protect the population. During spawning aggregations, many anglers choose to practice catch and release.