California · Central Coast
WHITE SEABASS FISHING
IN MONTEREY
Monterey is a solid destination for white seabass fishing, with peak season in June and good catches in May, July. Book a charter and target white seabass with local experts.
About White Seabass Fishing in Monterey
The white seabass is a prized croaker species found along the California coast from Point Conception south. These powerful, elusive fish frequent kelp forests and sandy bottom near structure, often feeding in the predawn hours. Landing a quality white seabass is considered one of SoCal's greatest saltwater achievements.
White Seabass are the largest member of the croaker family on the Pacific coast and one of the most coveted catches in Southern California. These powerful, elusive fish frequent kelp forests, sandy bottom near structure, and offshore islands, often feeding in the predawn hours and at night. Their silvery-gray body with a dark blue-steel back and copper-tinted flanks is beautiful, and their firm, mild flesh is considered premium table fare. Landing a quality white seabass over 30 lbs is considered one of SoCal saltwater fishing's greatest achievements.
Scientific name: Atractoscion nobilis
White Seabass Seasonal Calendar — Monterey
Month-by-month availability for white seabass in Monterey, CA.
How to Catch White Seabass in Monterey
Techniques & Bait
Live squid is the #1 bait when available — fished on a sliding sinker rig near the bottom along kelp edges and rocky structure at night or dawn. Live sardines on a flyline or lightly weighted hook also produce. Trolling large Rapala CD-18 plugs through kelp channels and along offshore islands is effective for covering water. Artificial lure fishing with large swimbaits (6-8 inch) and white or glow-colored soft plastics retrieved slowly along the bottom works well. Patience is key — white seabass are notoriously fickle feeders.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy rod (7-8 ft), conventional or spinning reel, 20-30 lb mono or 40-50 lb braid, 25-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, 2/0-4/0 circle hooks for live bait. Fish with a light drag — white seabass have soft mouths that can tear easily with heavy pressure.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Monterey
Top spots where local captains target white seabass and other nearshore species.
Point Lobos Reefs
Point Lobos just south of Monterey features spectacular rocky reefs where lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish concentrate in kelp-covered structure along the dramatic granite coastline. Boat anglers fish the waters adjacent to the state reserve for quality nearshore catches over some of Monterey Bay's most productive rocky habitat.
Monterey Bay Kelp Forests
The massive kelp forests along Monterey's coastline support one of the richest nearshore ecosystems in the Pacific, holding blue rockfish, olive rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling in dense canopy structure. Small boats work the kelp edges with jigs and live bait for consistent multi-species catches.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point in Pacific Grove extends into Monterey Bay with rocky reef structure that holds rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in kelp beds accessible to shore-casters and kayak anglers. The point's position catches currents that push baitfish along the rocks, attracting feeding fish throughout the day.
McAbee Beach Reef
McAbee Beach along Cannery Row provides kayak launch access to rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon hold in 20 to 60 feet of water. The reef's proximity to Monterey's marina district makes it one of the most accessible nearshore fishing grounds in the area.
Other Species in Monterey
More fish you can target while visiting Monterey.
White Seabass Fishing in Monterey — FAQ
The peak months for White Seabass fishing in Monterey are June. During these months, White Seabass are most active and abundant in the Monterey area.
White Seabass fishing charters in Monterey are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live squid is the #1 bait when available — fished on a sliding sinker rig near the bottom along kelp edges and rocky structure at night or dawn. Live sardines on a flyline or lightly weighted hook also produce. Trolling large Rapala CD-18 plugs through kelp channels and along offshore islands is effective for covering water. Artificial lure fishing with large swimbaits (6-8 inch) and white or glow-colored soft plastics retrieved slowly along the bottom works well. Patience is key — white seabass are notoriously fickle feeders.
No — when you book a charter in Monterey, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
White Seabass regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting White Seabass in Monterey, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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