The Whos and Whats on Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass

Along the western waters of the North Atlantic Ocean you’ll find the black sea bass which is also known as the rock bass. They can typically be found as far south as the Gulf of Mexico and as far North as Massachusetts.  The most populous areas for these fish are between New York and South Caroline where they can be found in shoreline waters. While they do tend to stick fairly close to shore, it’s not unusual to find them in as much as 400 feet of water or more.

While the typical bass has two separate dorsal fins, the black sea bass has only one long dorsal fin.  They also have a rounded caudal and pectoral fin as well as a distinctively high anal fin.  While the Black Sea Bass is typically black in color (hence its name), it can change color depending on their environment.  This is a protective measure, designed to protect them when they hunt.

An interesting characteristic of the black sea bass is their ability to change from female to male halfway through their lives.  All black sea bass are hermaphrodites – the larger males are also called “humpbacks” due to the bumps that appear on their heads.  This fish reproduces very quickly, between May and June with tiny eggs – not more than 1/3 of an inch.  The eggs float and only take about a day and a half to hatch.

Black Sea Bass are small, usually around a pound and a half though they have known to be as large as nine pounds.  It’s not unusual to find them in fairly deep water (200-400 feet) except when they are spawning.  Shelter is found in reefs, coral and rocks as well as underwater wrecks.  It is not unusual to see them on the ocean floor appearing to be dead when they are simply resting.

Rock Bass, the more common name for Black Sea Bass are generally small, weighing only about a pound and a half. Occasionally, you may find that they can grow as large as nine pounds.  During breeding cycles, you’ll find Black Sea Bass near the shorelines but once breeding time ends you will find them in depths as much as 400 feet.  Rock Bass are fairly slow and they typically make their homes in sheltered areas like wrecks, reefs and rocks.  If you see a rock bass on the ocean floor you might be surprised to find that they are not dead in spite of the fact they look like they are.

Black Sea Bass bait includes shrimp, squids, crabs, worms and small fish. They are great for anglers who love a fight because in spite of their small size, they are fighters.  While the fish is known for being a bit sluggish, they wake up when hooked and will require a strong line and leader along with patience.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular rods and reels include Okuma Reels, Shimano Spinning Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Rods.

Tags: Black Sea Bass, Coral, Deep Water, Dorsal Fin, Dorsal Fins, Gulf Of Mexico, Hatch, Long Dorsal, Nbsp, North Atlantic Ocean, Ocean Floor, Pectoral Fin, Populous Areas, Protective Measure, Reefs, Rock Bass, Shoreline Waters, Shorelines, South Caroline, Tiny Eggs, Underwater Wrecks, Western Waters