Kelp Bass in California
Where kelp bass live in California, with limits.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 14 lbs., 7 oz.record
Angling for kelp bass across the state
Kelp bass (Paralabrax clathratus) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its other group. Bag and size (Statewide): 5 a day, 14 in minimum.
The California record is 14 lbs., 7 oz. from San Clemente Island (1958). CDFW maps it along the central and south coast.
kelp bass in CDFW words
“Kelp bass range from the Columbia River in Washington south to southern Baja California, Mexico, but are rare north of Point Conception in California.”
“Kelp bass primarily reside in nearshore habitats, including kelp forests, bays, and estuaries.”
- SizeKelp bass can grow up to 72.1 centimeters (28.4 inches) in total length and 6.6 kilograms (14.5 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
- SeasonKelp bass can be fished year-round.
- GearKelp bass are primarily caught using hook and line , though spears are also used.
- Where fishedKelp bass are typically targeted over shallow reefs and kelp beds in coastal waters at depths up to 70.0 feet (21.3 meters).
- Other namescalico bass, bull bass, checkerboard bass
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for kelp bass
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Record kelp bass from California
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 14 lbs., 7 oz. | San Clemente Island | 1958 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 12 lbs., 6 oz. | San Clemente | 2012 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Who brings in kelp bass
- Santa Barbara Landingsportfishing landing / party boat, Santa Barbara, (805) 963-3564
Top species in sportfishingreport.com dock totals, October 2025 to October 2026.
Related to kelp bass
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
Short answers on kelp bass
Does California set a size limit on kelp bass?
5 a day (Statewide), size 14 in minimum.
Is there a state record for kelp bass?
14 lbs., 7 oz. from San Clemente Island (1958).
Where in California should I fish for kelp bass?
Kelp bass are typically targeted over shallow reefs and kelp beds in coastal waters at depths up to 70.0 feet (21.3 meters).
Will CDFW plant kelp bass this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do kelp bass get?
Kelp bass can grow up to 72.1 centimeters (28.4 inches) in total length and 6.6 kilograms (14.5 pounds). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
When can I target kelp bass?
Year round
Do I need a license for kelp bass?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for kelp bass?
1 operator list it in their counts, including Santa Barbara Landing.
Chase kelp bass statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.