Black Sea Bass
Centropristis striata
FR Bar noir · ES Serrano negro
Also known as: Serrano EstriadoPerchia StriataFanfre NoirSerrano negroBar noir
BenthicBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round in season; daylight
Depth
3–40m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
3–40mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering85%
Jigging70%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Structure-loving bulldog — drop a jig on the wreck and I'll thump it like I own the place, because down there, I do.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Wreck reefPier harborShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidSoft plastics
Diet
CrabShrimpSmall fishClamPolychaete worms
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DayDawnDusk
I start life as a female — by my prime, odds are good I've switched over to male.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE US and mid-Atlantic hard bottom, wrecks
Where they hang out
Hard bottom and wrecks, moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round in season; daylight
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Squid, cut bait, small jigs near structure
Temperature vibe
Broadly tolerant, moves offshore in winter
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable for structure fishing
Fun fact about me
I start life as a lady and some of us switch teams later — reef flexibility.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits and seasons — check state rulesState fisheries agency / ASMFC (US Atlantic)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Black Sea Bass