Also known as
- White Weakfish US
- King Croaker US
- Seabass US
- Whitey US
Identification
An iconic SoCal and Baja kelp-forest croaker — a heavy bulldog built for sustained runs around offshore reef and kelp structure.
- Metallic silvery-blue to grey back fading to bright silver and pale belly
- Dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin (more prominent in juveniles)
- Long continuous dorsal fin with a sharp-spined first portion and soft-rayed rear
- Slightly protruding lower jaw with no chin barbel
- Females typically grow significantly larger than males
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Sandy Shores
- Rocky Shores
- Kelp Forests
- Estuaries
Behaviour
A SoCal and Baja open-water predator working kelp forests, rocky reefs, offshore banks, and artificial structure in 5-60m. Forms loose groups around kelp edges, structure, and squid spawning aggregations. Mixes mid-water pursuit with bottom and structure ambush. Strong dawn and dusk feeding patterns — peak activity in low light. Adults move offshore to deeper haunts in cool periods and shallow during warmer months. Peak activity 12-18°C (54-64°F).
Diet: Market Squid, Sardines, Anchovies, Pacific Mackerel, Queenfish, Small Rockfish
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Live Lining
The premier SoCal and Baja approach. Free-line a live market squid, sardine, anchovy, or Pacific mackerel on a 2/0-5/0 circle hook with minimal weight, drifting bait into kelp edges, around offshore islands, and over rocky structure in 5-40m. Live squid is the silver bullet during squid spawning runs.
Bottom Fishing
Highly productive over kelp forests, rocky reefs, and artificial structure in 15-60m. Dropper-loop or fishfinder rig with 4/0-7/0 circle hook holds whole live squid or fresh cut squid tight to bottom along kelp edges. Use just enough weight to hold against current — natural drift triggers strikes.
Jigging
Highly productive over deep reef, wrecks, and offshore structure in 20-80m. Drop 60-150g chrome metal jigs (Tady, Salas, Krocodile) and large soft-plastic swimbaits to bottom and work with slow rhythmic lifts. Slow-pitch jigging excels over deep structure where fish hold tight to bottom.
Trolling
A useful search method along kelp edges and over shallow reef in 5-30m. Pull deep-diving plugs, large spoons, and weighted swimbaits at 2-4 knots along kelp lines and reef contours. Locate scattered fish first, then anchor and switch to live bait or jigging.
Spinning
Useful during active surface feeds along kelp edges and around bait schools in 5-20m. Cast 30-80g chrome surface irons (Tady, Salas), large soft-plastic swimbaits, and metal lures to feeding fish marked by diving birds. Slow to moderate retrieves trigger strikes.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A highly regarded SoCal and Baja kelp-forest spearo target in 10-30m. Hunt around kelp stalks, kelp paddies, and rocky reef where fish ambush squid and baitfish. Float-line setup essential for the powerful runs to structure. A challenging stalk — fish are wary and quick to flee.
