Wondering how to catch the sea bass? This fish is one of the easiest fish to catch and one of the best fishes to catch for human consumption. Learn more about the sea bass by reading below!
Sea Bass: What Are They?
The sea bass is a fish found in the waters of the U.S. East Coast reaching all the way to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They are characterized by their long elongated bodies with small scales as well as a largemouth and a rounded or straight tail. The defining feature of the sea bass is its dorsal fin which consists of spiny and soft sections which are often conjoined together.
The sea bass is usually black and has a pale belly. Its fins have dusky spots while its dorsal fin has white spots and bands. This fish grows gradually and reaches a weight of up to 9 pounds and can grow to a length of 2 feet. The sea bass reaches its reproductive age at 1-3 years old and can lay between 30,000 to 500,000 eggs. One of their unique features is that most sea bass live as females and some change sex as they mature.
Sea bass feeds on whatever prey becomes available, but they favor clams, worms, shrimps, crabs, and small fishes.
Where and When to Catch Sea Bass
Sea bass, just like many of its neighbors in Virginia, favors structures such as reefs and wrecks. You can see many juvenile sea bass inshore but you may certainly need to move towards offshore if you want to catch mature sea bass. You can catch the sea bass in areas like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, The Tower, Ocean Venture, and the 44-Fathom Wreck.
Since the sea bass is available all-year-round, you can certainly catch one whatever date you decide to fish. The sea bass is scattered throughout the waters through the year but you can go to wrecks and reefs as sea bass like staying in those waters. However, if you would like to catch the biggest sea bass, the dead of the winter will be the best season for you to start fishing.
How to Catch Sea Bass
As mentioned earlier, the sea bass is one of the easiest fishes to catch in Virginia waters simply because of its aggressiveness towards almost any prey; its presence towards sea structures; its massive population, and its slow maneuverability and small stature. You can catch sea bass by conventional rigging and baiting with their favorite food such as crabs, clams, shrimps, other small fishes, and cut bait such as squid. You can also catch the sea bass without baits as this fish will aggressively attack jigs as well, making the catching experience easier.
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Enjoying your Sea Bass Catch
Since the sea bass is primarily caught for human consumption, your fishing experience would be boring and monotonous if you do not eat your catch. You will be doing yourself a disservice too if you choose not to eat your catch afterward. So prepare your knife, your cutting board, and start your sea bass cooking journey!
The sea bass has a mild and delicate flavor like the tautog, while its meat is tender but firm, making it a perfect choice for baking and frying. You can enjoy your catch by frying, baking, and searing, but you can experiment with it and see the best cooking method for yourself. Eating the sea bass is perfect for those who want a low-fat protein diet combined with magnesium.
The sea bass is a pretty versatile fish to use with many dishes. The fish is also considered a smart seafood choice by the NOAA because it is well-regulated by U.S. authorities. So rest assured you can fully enjoy your catch without minding environmental impacts. Enjoy!
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