Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Dana Wharf Blog

Sand Bass vs. Calico Bass: How to Tell Them Apart and Catch Both

a person holding a fish

Sand bass and calico bass are two of the most sought-after coastal game fish in Southern California. While they share similarities in behavior and habitat, each species has unique traits — and knowing how to target them specifically can lead to much better results on your next Dana Wharf trip.

Two people holding a fish on a boat with water and coastline in the background.

Spot the Difference

  • Calico Bass (Kelp Bass): Recognizable by their dark, mottled camouflage and preference for rocky areas and kelp forests.

  • Sand Bass: More muted in coloration with lighter bodies and vertical stripes. Found over sandy bottoms and artificial reefs.

a person holding a fish

Where & How to Catch Them

Recent catches from October and November 2025 show sand bass and calico bass are both active, especially in mixed-bag trips. Notably:

  • Sand bass showed consistent catches on 11/4, 11/3, and 10/31.

  • Calico bass remained steady, with 36 caught on 11/7 and 54 on 11/8, plus hundreds released.

Best Techniques:

  • For Calico Bass, try swimbaits or plastic jerkbaits near kelp or rocky structure.

  • For Sand Bass, dropper loop rigs with squid or live anchovy work well, especially during the colder months.

Previous Post Next Post