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Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass in Maryland are temperate reef fish that are seasonally migratory, moving inshore and northward as water temperatures increase in spring, then returning to coastal and ocean waters moving southward and offshore as temperatures drop in fall.

They're predatory bottom dwellers that rely on large mouths and swift movements to capture prey.

Scientific Name: Centropristis striata

Physical Characteristics:

Characterized by their bluish-black coloration with light spots forming longitudinal stripes, large mouths filled with pointed teeth, and continuous dorsal fins with 10 slender spines. They typically grow to 12 inches but can reach up to 24-25 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Prefer complex structured habitats including cold water corals in federal waters, oyster reefs in Chesapeake Bay, natural hard bottom, rocky bottoms near reefs, wrecks, pilings, jetties, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Found as far north as the mouth of the Chester River. The Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Bays serve as important nursery areas for juveniles.

Key Locations

Ocean City inlet area, Chesapeake Bay bridge piers, various Bay reef structures, lower Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Bays, Atlantic Ocean waters, mouth of the Chester River.

Specific Spots

Wrecks, artificial reefs, shipwrecks, oyster bars, bridge piers, jetties, and rocky bottoms in both Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean waters.

Black Sea Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Fresh squid strips, Joe Baggs Flukies in 1-5oz depending on depth and current - lighter weights for shallow inshore areas, heavier for deeper water or strong currents. Add fresh squid strips or GULP baits to jigs for scent. Metal jigs and bucktail jigs.

What flies work for Black Sea Bass in Maryland?

Sand eel patterns (3 inches, hooks size 4-1), Crazy Charlie flies in various colors and weights for shrimp/prawn imitations, baitfish patterns on size 2-2/0 hooks, and surface flies.

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

Maryland's Black Sea Bass season runs May 15-September 30 and October 10-December 31. Juveniles typically move inshore to the lower Chesapeake Bay during April and remain until December. Avoid targeting them during spawning periods in July and August.

How do you catch Black Sea Bass in Maryland?

The most consistent methods include bottom fishing with hi-lo rigs and jigging with metal jigs and bucktail jigs. Black Sea Bass rigs with teasers allow catching multiple fish simultaneously. Target areas where fish concentrate near vertical structure.

What do Black Sea Bass eat?

Feeding primarily on crustaceans like shrimp, amphipods, isopods, crabs, mussels, razor clams, and other fish during daylight hours when they can better see prey.

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