Barred Sand Bass in California
California rules, records and waters for barred sand bass.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 13 lbs., 3 oz.record
California barred sand bass at a glance
CDFW covers Barred sand bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) among its other species, found on salt water. CDFW sets a Statewide bag of 5 a day and a size rule of 14 in minimum.
Huntington Flats produced the state record of 13 lbs., 3 oz. in 1988. The Marine Species Portal lists the south regions.
How CDFW describes barred sand bass
“Barred sand bass range from Santa Cruz, California, to southern Baja California, Mexico, but are rare north of Point Conception.”
“Barred sand bass inhabit the ecotone , wh ich is the transitional habitat where sand or mud bottom meets coastal rocky reefs. They also utilize deep sandy and muddy areas with intermittent patch reef at depths ranging from 10.0 to 30.0 meters (32.8 to 98.4 feet) for spawning aggregations. Juveniles are abundant over shallow sandy bottoms in bays and estuaries at depths of 1.5 to 6.0 meters (4.9 to 19.7 feet).”
- SizeBarred sand bass can measure up to 67.0 centimeters (26.4 inches) total length and 6.0 kilograms (13.2 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
- SeasonBarred sand bass are fished on coastal reefs year-round, but they are most commonly targeted in July and August when they form large annual spawning aggregations.
- GearBarred sand bass are primarily caught using hook and line, though spears are also used.
- Where fishedPopular fishing grounds for barred sand bass in California have historically included spawning aggregation sites, including Silver Strand, Del Mar and San Onofre in San Diego County; Huntington Flats in Orange County; Santa Monica in Los An
- Other namessand bass, sandy, rock bass, grumpy
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
How many barred sand bass you may keep
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Year round |
| Statewide | 4 a day | 14 in minimum | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Biggest barred sand bass on record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 13 lbs., 3 oz. | Huntington Flats | 1988 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 12 lbs., 12 oz. | Long Beach | 2004 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Landings with barred sand bass in the count
- Point Loma Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, San Diego, (619) 223-1627
Top species in sportfishingreport.com dock totals, October 2025 to October 2026.
If you like barred sand bass
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
- GaribaldiOther
Things to know about barred sand bass
What is the California bag limit on barred sand bass?
5 a day (Statewide), size 14 in minimum.
Where was the record barred sand bass caught?
13 lbs., 3 oz. from Huntington Flats (1988).
Which California waters hold barred sand bass?
Popular fishing grounds for barred sand bass in California have historically included spawning aggregation sites, including Silver Strand, Del Mar and San Onofre in San Diego County; Huntington Flats in Orange County; Sa
Is barred sand bass part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify barred sand bass?
Barred sand bass can measure up to 67.0 centimeters (26.4 inches) total length and 6.0 kilograms (13.2 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
Does California close the season on barred sand bass?
Year round
Which California license covers barred sand bass?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report barred sand bass?
1 operator list it in their counts, including Point Loma Sportfishing.
Plan a barred sand bass trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.