How to Hunt Calico Bass in Open Water Off San Diego
Calico bass—kelp bass to the technical crowd—are among the most aggressive and rewarding targets for San Diego spearfishers. They’re abundant in our kelp forests and rocky reefs, intelligent enough to keep you honest, and hard-fighting enough to earn your respect. Open water hunting requires precision, patience, and a solid understanding of their behavior. Here’s how to put fish on your shaft.
Where to Find Them
Calico bass congregate around specific structure. The kelp forests near Point Loma hold consistent populations, especially in the deeper canopy edges where light filters through. Coronado Islands offer excellent open water opportunities—the rocky outcrops and kelp beds off the north and south islands are calico factories during the right conditions.
La Jolla Shores and the Torrey Pines area work well for shallower hunting (20–35 feet), while Mission Bay’s outer reefs produce solid numbers when visibility tops 40 feet. Don’t overlook the kelp forests near Ocean Beach Pier—locals know them, but most spearfishers miss the deeper pockets beyond the main canopy where larger fish hide.
Calico bass prefer structure with current. They position themselves on the uptide side of rocks and kelp, using the flow to deliver baitfish. Scout these zones and you’ll find them.
Seasonal Timing
Summer and early fall (June through September) are peak months. Water clarity improves, water temps stay stable in the low 60s, and bass are actively feeding. October and November can be excellent too—the water’s still warm, and fall swells push fresh baitfish into the open water.
Winter (December–February) is harder. Visibility drops, water temps dip into the upper 50s, and bass become lethargic. Spring (March–May) is inconsistent; kelp growth is strong, but water clarity fluctuates. Track Element’s conditions forecast to nail the windows when visibility and surge align.
Technique and Approach
Gliding vs. anchored hunting: Open water calico bass respond well to slow, deliberate gliding. Fin gently along the kelp edge at neutral buoyancy, scanning the canopy and rock faces. Move with the current when possible—you’ll cover ground efficiently and present a natural profile.
Shaft placement: Calico bass have a blind spot directly above their heads. Approach from behind and slightly above, aiming for the brain or just behind the gills. A clean brain shot drops them instantly; a marginal shot means a lost fish. Use a 3.5–4.5mm shaft with a slip-tip head. Barbs catch on kelp and cost fish.
Timing your shot: Wait for the bass to settle. They’re curious but skittish. If you see one, don’t commit immediately. Circle wide, let it lose interest, then move in. Most misses happen because spearfishers rush. Patience rewards precision.
Gear Setup
Speargun: A 100–120cm pneumatic or band-powered gun is ideal for open water. You need enough power to penetrate cleanly without being so heavy that you tire. The Omer Stoker Pro and Cressi Apnea are popular locally.
Wetsuit and weight: A 5mm suit is standard for San Diego summer conditions. You’ll need 4–6 kg of lead depending on your body comp and tank usage. Achieve neutral buoyancy at 5 meters—this lets you glide efficiently and control depth.
Fins and mask: Long, efficient fins (length 70–75cm) reduce effort and noise. A low-volume mask reduces equalization effort and keeps your vision sharp.
Float and line: Use a 7–8mm polypropylene float line. Attach a small float with 5–10kg buoyancy. It marks your position, assists with recovery, and lets other divers and boats know you’re down.
Reading Behavior
Calico bass flash when they’re startled—a quick side-to-side movement that signals alarm. If you see it, stay still. The flash often precedes a dash toward deeper cover. Instead, watch for subtle movements: slight body tilts, fin adjustments, and slow cruising. These indicate feeding mode.
Larger bass (3+ pounds) hunt alone or in pairs. Smaller fish school loosely. If you spot one decent fish, there’s often another nearby. Hunt the area methodically before moving on.
Safety and Ethics
Always dive with a buddy. Use a dive flag and float line—visibility is good for spearfishing but not always good for boat traffic. Check Element for conditions, surge forecasts, and visibility reports before committing.
Take only what you’ll eat. Calico bass are delicious and make excellent ceviche, grilled whole, or filleted. Respect size limits—California requires a minimum of 10 inches; most hunters target 12+ inches for better eating.
Final Notes
Calico bass hunting teaches discipline. Rushing costs fish. Moving too fast costs fish. Overthinking costs fish. Find the structure, move with intent, and take your shot when conditions align. San Diego’s open water holds plenty of them—you just need to earn them.
Track water conditions, visibility forecasts, and surge patterns with Element. Better conditions mean more fish and cleaner shots.