Black sea bass off Myrtle Beach

Where they live

Black sea bass are reef fish. They gather on SCDNR's artificial reefs a few miles off the beach, on natural live bottom and ledges in 50 to 120 feet of water, and on offshore wrecks. Fish on near reefs tend to be small; bigger fish come from deeper, less-fished bottom.

Like many reef fish, black sea bass change sex: most start as females and some become males as they grow. Big males develop a blue-black color and a hump on the head, and anglers call them "knotheads."

How to catch them

1. Rig: a standard two-hook bottom rig (dropper loops) with 2/0 to 4/0 circle hooks and enough lead to hold bottom, usually 4 to 16 ounces depending on depth and current.
2. Bait: squid strips or cut fish. Headboats supply both.
3. Technique: drop to the bottom, reel up a turn, and wait for the rapid tap-tap bite. With circle hooks, do not jerk: reel steadily and the hook sets itself.
4. Upgrade: small vertical jigs and soft plastics often catch larger fish.

Rules and release

Black sea bass are part of the snapper-grouper fishery. Federal rules from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council set a minimum size and a bag limit, and seasons and limits have changed over the years. Check the current SAFMC regulations before you keep fish. Because many sea bass are released, the required descending device, circle hooks, and quick handling help more of them survive. See bottom fishing and reefs.

On a trip

Half-day headboats catch lots of sea bass, many of them short. Full-day and Gulf Stream headboats and private bottom trips run to deeper water with bigger fish. See headboats and the directory.