Kelp Bass
Paralabrax clathratus
Also called calico bass, calico
A popular marine gamefish found along the Pacific coast, known for its bronze coloration and excellent fighting ability. They are structure-oriented fish that inhabit kelp forests and rocky reefs.
Kelp Bass at a glance
- Scientific name
- Paralabrax clathratus
- Typical size
- 10-16 inches
- IGFA world record
- 14 lbs 7 oz
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Reef
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Uncommon
Habitat
Kelp forests and rocky reefs. Most popular nearshore gamefish in southern California.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a kelp bass through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksWhat to throw for kelp bass
The lure classes that produce for kelp bass, drawn from the same species map Cobia reasons about. Each one opens a full page on what it is, when it works and how to fish it.
Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the water in front of you today. That part is the app.
Kelp Bass questions people ask
Kelp Bass is Paralabrax clathratus. Anglers also call it calico bass, calico.
A typical kelp bass runs 10-16 inches. The IGFA all tackle world record stands at 14 lbs 7 oz. Cobia records the length and weight of every kelp bass you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Kelp forests and rocky reefs. Most popular nearshore gamefish in southern California. It is a salt water species, filed under reef in the Fishdex.
The IGFA all tackle world record kelp bass weighed 14 lbs 7 oz.
Soft swimbaits and paddletails, hard swimbaits and glide baits and flukes and soft jerkbaits all produce. Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the season, the water temperature and the tide on the day, which is the part Cobia works out against the lures you already own.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.