48 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



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KELP BASS 

 Paralabrax clathratus 



Relationship: A member of the sea bass family, Serranidae, together with the 

 ))hiok sea bass, striped bass, sand bass ami spotted sand bass. 



Distinguishing Characters: The deep notch between the spiny and soft portions 

 of the dorsal fin ; the longest dorsal spines being longer than the soft rays ; the third 

 and fourth dorsal spines of about the same length (separating it from the sand and 

 spotted sand bass) ; the three spines at the front of the anal fin; the presence of 

 vomerine teeth. Length to about 20 inches. Color: Dark gray, brownish, or greenish 

 gray above, the upper part of the side mottled and barred with broad blotches of 

 brownish or dark gray ; lower part of the sides and underparts silvery tinged with 

 yellow ; fins tinged with yellow. 



Distribution: Central California to Cape San Lucas, most abundant around 

 kelp beds. Uncommon north of Pt. Conception. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year with heaviest landings usually in the 

 summer. Part of the catch is made in Mexican waters. 



Importance: A minor commercial species, it forms the bulk of the "rock bass" 

 catch. Landed chiefly at Los Angeles, followed by San Diego and Santa Barbara. One 

 of the more important market fishes in Southern California. It is a very desirable game 

 species, and is taken in large numbers by sportsmen. The sport catch of "rock bass" 

 was more than double the commercial in 1946 and only the barracuda sport catch 

 equalled it in number of fish caught. 



Fishing Gear: Chiefly hook and line; also entangling nets, round haul nets. 

 Most of the sport catch is made using live bait. 



Unauthorized Names: Rock bass, sand 



cabrilla. 



