Spotted Sand Bass in California
spotted sand bass: California limits and records.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 6 lbs., 12 oz.record
spotted sand bass, the California picture
On salt water, Spotted sand bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) belongs to the other group in CDFW references. The Statewide row reads 5 a day, size 14 in minimum.
CDFW lists a record of 6 lbs., 12 oz. from Newport Bay, 1994. The south coast holds it, per the portal.
What CDFW writes about spotted sand bass
“Spotted sand bass are considered sub-tropical and range from Monterey, California to Acapulco, Mexico, including the Gulf of California, and are most common from Newport Bay to the Gulf of California.”
“Spotted sand bass primarily reside in nearshore habitats, including bays, estuaries, and eelgrass beds. They can be found from the surface and intertidal zone to 90 meters (295 feet).”
- SizeSpotted sand bass are the smallest of the three species in the genus Paralabrax, reaching up to 22.0 inches (55.9 centimeters) in length.
- SeasonSpotted sand bass can be fished year-round.
- GearSpotted sand bass are caught using hook and line.
- Where fishedWithin California, spotted sand bass are typically targeted in coastal embayments and at harbor mouths spanning from Monterey southward to Mexico at depths to about 200 feet (61 meters); however, they are not commonly caught north of Santa
- Other namesspotted bay bass, bay bass, spotty
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Keeping spotted sand bass in California
| 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.
State record spotted sand bass
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 6 lbs., 12 oz. | Newport Bay | 1994 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
More in the group with spotted sand 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
spotted sand bass questions, answered briefly
What daily bag applies to spotted sand bass in California?
5 a day (Statewide), size 14 in minimum.
How big is the state record spotted sand bass?
6 lbs., 12 oz. from Newport Bay (1994).
Where are spotted sand bass found?
Within California, spotted sand bass are typically targeted in coastal embayments and at harbor mouths spanning from Monterey southward to Mexico at depths to about 200 feet (61 meters); however, they are not commonly ca
Are spotted sand bass planted in California?
The 2026 plan does not include it.
What is spotted sand bass also called?
Spotted sand bass are the smallest of the three species in the genus Paralabrax, reaching up to 22.0 inches (55.9 centimeters) in length.
Can I fish for spotted sand bass all year?
Year round
Is a validation needed for spotted sand bass?
A California sport fishing license ($64.54 resident) from age 16; report cards apply to steelhead, sturgeon, North Coast salmon and lobster.
Who guides for spotted sand bass?
No charter lists it.