Calico Bass
Scientific Name: Paralabrax clathratus | Category: saltwater
The Calico Bass, with its robust, laterally compressed body built for ambush, is an immediately recognizable presence along the Pacific coast. Mature adults typically measure 12 to 18 inches and weigh 1 to 3 pounds, though specimens pushing 7 pounds are the trophy benchmarks. Its coloration is a striking, mottled camouflage pattern of dark olive, brown, and bronze across the back, transitioning to a lighter, pearlescent belly. The most defining field marks are the three to five distinct, dark vertical bars on its sides (giving rise to one of its many nicknames) and the large, conspicuous dark spot on the rear edge of its gill cover. Its mouth is wide and equipped for crushing, a feature quickly appreciated by anglers.
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"commonName": "Calico Bass",
"scientificName": "Paralabrax clathratus",
"slug": "calico-bass",
"category": "saltwater",
"aliases": [
"Kelp Bass",
"Rock Bass",
"Sand Bass",
"Johnny Bass",
"Bull Bass",
"Barred Bass"
],
"description": "The Calico Bass, with its robust, laterally compressed body built for ambush, is an immediately recognizable presence along the Pacific coast. Mature adults typically measure 12 to 18 inches and weigh 1 to 3 pounds, though specimens pushing 7 pounds are the trophy benchmarks. Its coloration is a striking, mottled camouflage pattern of dark olive, brown, and bronze across the back, transitioning to a lighter, pearlescent belly. The most defining field marks are the three to five distinct, dark vertical bars on its sides (giving rise to one of its many nicknames) and the large, conspicuous dark spot on the rear edge of its gill cover. Its mouth is wide and equipped for crushing, a feature quickly appreciated by anglers.",
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"description": "The adult Calico Bass is a master of ambush, spending its life prowling rocky reefs, kelp beds, and structure-rich coastlines. Its life revolves around finding prey like crabs, shrimp, and small fish, using its camouflage to strike with explosive power.",
"appearance": "A robust, laterally compressed perch-like body. Base coloration is a mottled camouflage of dark olive, brown, and bronze across the back and sides, transitioning sharply to a pearly white or pale yellow belly. The most defining features are the three to five broad, irregular, dark chocolate to black vertical bars on the flanks, and a large, conspicuous black spot on the rear edge of the gill cover (operculum). Fins are generally dusky, and the large mouth is equipped for crushing. Typical size is 12-18 inches, with larger trophies reaching up to 24 inches. Body shape is consistent, without dramatic seasonal or sexual dimorphism.",
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"habitat": "Shallow to moderately deep (up to 150 feet) rocky reefs, kelp forests, piers, jetties, and artificial structures along the Pacific Coast from Southern Oregon to Baja California.",
"anglersNote": "This is the primary phase encountered by anglers—a hard-fighting, structure-oriented species highly prized for both sport and the table. The large gill spot and vertical bars are key identification markers.",
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"contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:31:56.783Z"
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