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Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are marine fish found in Georgia's Atlantic coastal waters, ranging from the Gulf of Maine to the Florida Keys with most abundance from Cape Cod to Cape Canaveral.

Scientific Name: Centropristis striata

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by a stout body with large mouth and fins, background color varying from smokey gray to dusky brown or bluish black with a lighter belly, and light blue to white scale centers forming stripes along the sides.
  • They grow to a maximum of 24-25 inches and weigh up to 8 pounds, though most catches are 1-2 pounds.
  • Males develop a distinctive dark blue nuchal hump.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Bottom dwellers that aggregate around structure including artificial reefs, wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottoms.
  • Georgia maintains over three dozen artificial reefs that provide habitat for Black Sea Bass.

Key Locations

  • Navy Tower R2, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Tybee Island's artificial reefs.

Specific Spots

  • Artificial reefs, wrecks, jetties, rocky bottoms, structured bottom areas in 20-120 feet of water.
  • Focus on structure in 45+ feet where larger fish concentrate.
  • Spawning occurs at depths of 19.8 to 48.8 feet on the continental shelf.

Black Sea Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Sea Bass in Georgia?

Effective jigs include motor oil colored patterns, though switch colors if bite slows - green may reduce catch rates compared to motor oil. Squid strips, clams, or cut bait work well with high-low rigs.

When is the best time to fish for Black Sea Bass in Georgia?

Prime fishing occurs from late fall through early winter. Spawning occurs from March to May when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s - avoid targeting these fish during spawning periods to protect the reproductive cycle.

How do you catch Black Sea Bass in Georgia?

Position boat above structure and drift with jigs held just off bottom rather than aggressive jigging, as boat movement provides natural action. Best fishing occurs during moderate tidal flows rather than extreme full or new moon periods when current runs too fast.

What do Black Sea Bass eat?

Feed opportunistically on shrimp, crabs, amphipods, isopods, worms, mussels, razor clams, and various fish.

Where do Black Sea Bass live in Georgia?

Bottom dwellers that aggregate around structure including artificial reefs, wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottoms. Georgia maintains over three dozen artificial reefs that provide habitat for Black Sea Bass.

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