The Beast of Bass: Meet the Giant Black Sea Bass

Jeffery Bozanic

For all our California and Baja divers, this monster needs no introduction. Meet the Giant Black Sea Bass! Known as the largest sea bass in the world, the Black Sea Bass can grow as large as 7 feet and weigh over 700 pounds! These gentle giants serve as apex predators in these cool waters, and primarily feed off of benthic species such as rays, skates, crustaceans, and small fish. Though not built for speed, they can occasionally be seen ambushing prey in kelp forests, too.

Due to their critically low population levels, California Department of Fish and Game banned fishing of these species in the 1970s, and their levels have been slow to recover. Fun Fact: during the spawning season, females can release as many as 60 MILLION eggs!

Have you ever dove with black sea bass?