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DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



STRIPED BASS 

 Roccus saxatilis 



Relationship: A member of the sea bass family, Serranidae, which includes the 

 black sea bass and the kelp, sand, and spotted sand basses. Introduced from the Atlantic 

 coast in 1879. 



Distinguishing Characters: The two dorsal fins; the three spines in front of 

 the anal fin ; the presence of vomerine teeth ; the series of seven or eight horizontal 

 blackish stripes along the sides; the pectoral fins not reaching back beyond the tips 

 of the ventrals ; the relatively small eye which is much less than one-third as Iohr as 

 the head. (The latter two characters separate the striped bass from the big-eye bass 

 with which it is sometimes confused in Southern California). Weight to over 60 

 pounds in California, but averages 10 pounds or less. Color: Striped as described 

 above ; steel blue to olive-green above becoming silvery on the sides and belly ; every- 

 where with brassy reflections. 



Distribution: Southern California to the Columbia River; uncommon south of 

 Monterey Bay. In the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of 

 Mexico. Ascends streams to spawn. 



Fishing Season: Sport, throughout the year, subject to bag and size limits. 

 Closed to commercial fishing since 1935. Consult fish and game regulations. 



Importance: An extremely popular sport fish in Contral California, 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line. 



