About the Calico bass
A true California Native, the Calico Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), technically known as the Kelp Bass, are one of the most common sea basses inhabiting Southern California coastal waters along with two other species of bass, Barred Sand Bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) and Spotted Sand Bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus). They are the largest of the three species in the genus Paralabrax, growing up to 28.4 inches. Commonly referred to as “Checkboards,” they are olive to brown in color with angular white blotches and spots dorsally.
While Calico Bass range as far north as the Columbia River in Washington and as far south as Southern Baja California, most are found south of Point Conception. They are prevalent around all Channel Islands, Rocky Point, and areas along the coast with heavy kelp coverage. Although Calico Bass have been caught in depths of 200 feet (ft), they are most abundant in waters of 9 to 70 feet.
While Calico Bass range as far north as the Columbia River in Washington and as far south as Southern Baja California, most are found south of Point Conception. They are prevalent around all Channel Islands, Rocky Point, and areas along the coast with heavy kelp coverage. Although Calico Bass have been caught in depths of 200 feet (ft), they are most abundant in waters of 9 to 70 feet.
While the Calico Bass is not officially endangered or at risk of being endangered, recent analyses have indicated that the bass populations are depressed, in part due to heavy fishing pressure and cooler than average sea surface temperatures. Fortunately, new size limits (a “keeper” is now 14 inches versus 12 inches) and bag limits (an angler can only keep a maximum of 5 fish per day versus the prior bag limit of 10) have been adopted. These regulations combined with heightened angler awareness have helped the species recuperate from heaving fishing pressure that the Calico Bass has experience, and continues to experience, ever since there has been sportfishing in Southern California. The prior approach of filling your bag with 10, 12 inch fish, was not sustainable and is no longer legal.
Continued conservation efforts for the Calico Bass are necessary to preserve the continued vitality of this very important fish. Factoring heavily in the need for conservation of the Calico Bass, is its extremely slow rate of growth. The expression “Slow to Grow so Let Them Go” is not just a catchy slogan, it is scientific proof. Calico Bass do not reach sexual maturity until 2-5 years of age. A 14 inch Calico Bass is about 5 years old; the average 10 year-old Calico Bass is about 18 inches total length.
Contrast this with the Dorado (aka Mahi-Mahi) which reaches sexual maturity at 4-5 months (not years) and can grow as fast as 1.3 to 2.7 inches in a week. That means that in about 1 year, the fish can grow to four feet long and could be as heavy as 40 pounds.
The lure of catching a Calico Bass has been filling sportfishing boats for decades. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reports 1.5 million people fish California’s marine waters. NMFS reports these anglers spend over $3.0 billion annually in the state. Over two-thirds of California’s marine fishing occurs in the southern region (San Diego county up through Santa Barbara county). Thus, the economic impacts from all recreational fishing trips in Southern California’s marine waters are substantial, and benefit a wide range of coastal businesses from marinas and boat dealers to restaurants and hotels: Retail sales = $2.1 billion ($455 per fishing trip) Jobs = 15,995 (every 172 fishing trips supports one new California job) State and local tax revenues = $257.4 million ($57 per trip) Total sales stimulated throughout California’s economy as a result of marine sportfishing = $2.5 billion ($916 per trip). As such, California’s economy will continue to benefit if this vital resource is protected.
The reason for Calico Conservation should be clear. This feisty fish has been a staple of sportfisherman for decades. Continued conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices will will ensure that it thrives in our waters, benefitting generations of fishermen and our State’s economy for generations to come.
Continued conservation efforts for the Calico Bass are necessary to preserve the continued vitality of this very important fish. Factoring heavily in the need for conservation of the Calico Bass, is its extremely slow rate of growth. The expression “Slow to Grow so Let Them Go” is not just a catchy slogan, it is scientific proof. Calico Bass do not reach sexual maturity until 2-5 years of age. A 14 inch Calico Bass is about 5 years old; the average 10 year-old Calico Bass is about 18 inches total length.
Contrast this with the Dorado (aka Mahi-Mahi) which reaches sexual maturity at 4-5 months (not years) and can grow as fast as 1.3 to 2.7 inches in a week. That means that in about 1 year, the fish can grow to four feet long and could be as heavy as 40 pounds.
The lure of catching a Calico Bass has been filling sportfishing boats for decades. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reports 1.5 million people fish California’s marine waters. NMFS reports these anglers spend over $3.0 billion annually in the state. Over two-thirds of California’s marine fishing occurs in the southern region (San Diego county up through Santa Barbara county). Thus, the economic impacts from all recreational fishing trips in Southern California’s marine waters are substantial, and benefit a wide range of coastal businesses from marinas and boat dealers to restaurants and hotels: Retail sales = $2.1 billion ($455 per fishing trip) Jobs = 15,995 (every 172 fishing trips supports one new California job) State and local tax revenues = $257.4 million ($57 per trip) Total sales stimulated throughout California’s economy as a result of marine sportfishing = $2.5 billion ($916 per trip). As such, California’s economy will continue to benefit if this vital resource is protected.
The reason for Calico Conservation should be clear. This feisty fish has been a staple of sportfisherman for decades. Continued conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices will will ensure that it thrives in our waters, benefitting generations of fishermen and our State’s economy for generations to come.