How to Catch Saltwater White Bass Fish

The largest and most prized member of the drum family, white sea bass predominantly inhabit the warmer waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, off the California and Mexican coasts. The fish average between 15 and 30 pounds in weight, with records topping the 80-pound mark. When cooked the meat has a fine texture and mild flavor. White sea bass are actually a metallic blue in color, but take their name from their pale belly. While white sea bass can frequently be found in large schools, getting the fish to bite can often prove frustrating.

Things You'll Need

  • Deep-sea fishing pole
  • Fishing line
  • Large fishhooks
  • Double snap-swivels
  • Live squid
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose deep-sea fishing tackle in the medium-weight class. As white sea bass can put up a fight, a shorter fishing rod with a fairly stiff action is warranted.

    • 2

      Rig your pole with a minimum 40-pound test fishing line. Tie a double swivel to the end of line and tie a hook to the swivel. As white sea bass have large mouths and are not typically hook shy, hooks in the 2/0 to 4/0 range are the best choices.

    • 3

      Use a semi-active bait. While white sea bass can be caught on faster swimming baits, such as sardines and mackerel, the fish tend to prefer slower moving food. Small squid, in the 24-inch size, are a favorite and will get you the most strikes when the fish are feeling fussy.

    • 4

      Hook the squid though the mantle, the skin on the outside of the squid's shell. Do not hook the squid through the head, as it will kill the squid. Run the hook into the mantle from the outside of the skin and then back out through the mantle, from the inside, a second time. This will help prevent smaller fish that will pick at the bait from pulling the squid from the hook. Do not add weight to the line as extra weight will prevent the squid from moving naturally through the water and along the bottom of the ocean.

    • 5

      Concentrate your fishing efforts in ocean areas that would normally attract squid. Sizable underwater structures, such as natural or artificial reefs or underwater cliffs, are good choices.