How To Catch Black Sea Bass

Are you interested in learning how to catch black sea bass? Do you want to catch black sea bass for some sumptuous dinners? Black sea bass is a favorite among anglers as it is not difficult to catch and it is a delicious fish. You can find it on the Atlantic Coast from Florida to Massachusetts.

In this article, we will discuss how to catch black sea bass, the fishing tackle, baits, and lures, as well as the best fishing rig setup for black sea bass.

How To Catch Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are bottom feeders and are found at the bottom around reefs, wrecks, jetties, and rock pilings. At the bottom, they prey on clams, crabs, squid, mollusks, worms, and small baitfish. Black sea bass is not reluctant to take the bait and that makes it a favorite for anglers in addition to the fact that they are delicious.

1. Baitcasting

Baitcasting is one of the methods used by anglers when fishing for black sea bass. They will set the bait on the hook and drop the line into the water and wait for a bite.

Black sea bass is often found in large numbers and being an aggressive fish, it is not difficult to get bites. Baits and lures can be used for casting in shallow water. Casting up current when in shallow waters is one of the best ways to catch black sea bass.

2. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is another fishing method often used by anglers when fishing for black sea bass in shallow or deep waters. Drifting allows you to cover a lot of water as the boat moves at the speed of the current. If you are on to a school of black sea bass, the bites will come hard and fast.

3. Bottom Fishing

Fishing for black sea bass at the bottom using high-low rigs as well as jigging with metals and bucktail jigs. Most anglers drop the rigs or jigs at the bottom and continue to bounce them off the bottom to get the attention of black sea bass.

4. Trolling

Trolling can also be used when fishing for black sea bass. Anglers will troll and have the lure move along the bottom at different depths. When trolling, the boat moves slowly and you attach the lure at the back of the boat. With the help of fish finders, you can see where there are schools of black sea bass closer to the bottom and troll over that area to catch some fish.

Black Sea Bass Bait

1. Squid

Squid is one of the best baits for black sea bass fishing. When you are learning how to catch black sea bass, pieces of squid can be very effective as bait.

2. Mollusks

Black sea bass are bottom feeders where they prey on crustaceans and small baitfish. Mollusks are also good bait when fishing for black sea bass.

3. Small Baitfish

Small baitfish work well when you are learning how to catch black sea bass. They prey on small baitfish at the bottom, so it will be a familiar sight to get a bite.

4. Clams

Clams are effective as bait when fishing for black sea bass as they prey on crustaceans at the bottom.

5. Crabs

Crabs also work well as bait when you are learning how to catch black sea bass.

6. Bloodworms

Bloodworms are very effective as bait for black sea bass. They respond well to worms and will go for the bite most of the time.

7. Sandworms

Sandworms are also good baits to use when you are learning how to catch black sea bass.

Best Lures For Black Sea Bass

1. Jigs

Jigs are one of the best lures to use when fishing for black sea bass at the bottom. Jigs are often used in a vertical presentation when you are fishing for black sea bass over structures in deep water.

2. Spoons

Spoons are also very effective as a lure when learning how to catch black sea bass. They work well for bottom fishing. Jigging spoons work well over structures such as wrecks, jetties, rock pilings, and reefs.

Black Sea Bass Fishing Tackle

A 7 ft medium-weight rod and a reel with a 20 to 30-pound test line will work when learning how to catch black sea bass. This is just a general example of the fishing tackle that works for black sea bass fishing. Other anglers will have their preferred choice of tackle that works for the fishing methods they implement.

Black Sea Bass Rigs

The high-low rig is the most popular black sea bass rig. Use a 40-pound leader and cut a 30-inch piece with scissors. Then tie two dropper loops about 6 inches wide in the center of the leader. Create a sinker loop on one end of the leader by tying a Surgeons Loop Knot.

Then at the other end, tie the 75-pound barrel swivel using a clinch knot. Then attach the bank sinker by pinching the Surgeons Loop and thread it through the bank sinker hole. Then pull the loop over the entire sinker and cinch it tightly. The weight will then be secured on the rig.

However, you can change it without cutting or retying. Finally, attach the two hooks. Pinch the Drooper Loop, then thread it through the eye of the hook, then pull the loop over the hook, and cinch it tightly over the eye of the hook. You will then have completed the high-low rig.

How To Catch Black Sea Bass From Shore

Black sea bass is usually found in deep water; however, in spring they migrate inshore to spawn in shallow waters. Look for jetties and areas with steep drop-offs. Baits like squid, clams, and seaworms can be used when fishing for black sea bass from the shore.

Black Sea Bass Fishing Tips

1. Black sea bass is often found around structures like piers, jetties, shoals, reefs, rockpiles, and wrecks.

2. Black sea bass will fight hard when it is hooked.

3. Black sea bass can be found on the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts to Florida.

4. Black sea bass move to shallow waters in spring to spawn. This represents a good opportunity for anglers to fish for black sea bass from the shore.

5. Black sea bass can be found all year round.

6. Black sea bass are bottom feeders and are often found close to the bottom around structures where they prey on squid, shrimps, crabs, baitfish, and other crustaceans.

7. Trolling, drift fishing, baitcasting, bottom fishing, and jigging are some of the fishing methods anglers use when fishing for black sea bass.

8. When bottom fishing, use the minimum amount of weight to get your bait or lure to the bottom.

9. If your bait bounces and moves a little at the bottom, that is just fine as it increases the effectiveness of the presentation.

The Bottom Line

Black sea bass is a bottom feeder that preys on crustaceans and other small baitfish. They are aggressive and fight hard when caught. Additionally, black sea bass are a favorite of anglers as they are delicious fish.

In this article, we discussed how to catch black sea bass, the fishing tackle, the fishing rig setup, as well as the baits and lures that are used to catch black sea bass. If you fish for white bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass, you can read how to catch white bass, how to catch spotted bass, how to catch smallmouth bass, how to catch yellow bass, and how to catch largemouth bass.