Black sea bass in Florida

Meet the species

Black sea bass
Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Scientific name

Centropristis striata

Overview

Coastal waters near structure and rocky bottoms. Smaller specimens are often found inshore in finger channels.

Typical size

Up to 24 inches (8 pounds); common to 12 inches (1.5 pounds)

Typical weight (lb)

8.0

At a glance

Regions
Statewide gulf, statewide atlantic
Water
Saltwater
Bait
Squid and cut bait on chicken/dropper rigs & scented gulp/fishbites on jigs

Florida fishing record

Weight
5 lb 1 oz
Location
Panama city
Date
Jul 21, 1956
Angler
Mrs. R.H. Martin
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

5.06 lb; by mrs. R.H. Martin; on 07/21/1956; at panama city

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Months mentioned in profile narrative (not a fishing calendar): jan, mar, may intentional year round display: FL saltwater game species without a narrower FWC peak calendar & not an invented peak.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide gulf & statewide atlantic

Water

Saltwater

Habitat

Coastal waters near structure and rocky bottoms. Smaller specimens are often found inshore in finger channels.

More locations and access

How to catch

Two-hook chicken rig or scent-tipped jig, drift don’t over-anchor & braid for feel

Bait

Squid and cut bait on chicken/dropper rigs & scented gulp/fishbites on jigs

Lures

3–4 oz arrow jigs tipped with scented strips

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.