Species Specifics
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species specifics he largest inhabitant of the California near-shore ecosystem, the giant seabass (commonly referred to as “black seabass”) can be found from Humboldt Bay to the tip of Baja California and throughout much of the Sea of Cortez. Giant seabass were Tonce classified among the groupers (Serranidae), but a recent study has re-classified them as members moratorium on the harvest of giant mackerel or squid around rocky reefs, of the wreckfish family (Polyprionidae). seabass in 1981. Also aiding the recov- squid spawning grounds, or outside Although giant seabass are relatively slow- ery of this species was the closure of kelp beds. growing, they may attain sizes of over state waters to inshore gill nets (inside Accurate data on the number of giant seven feet in length, and individuals of three nautical miles) in 1994. seabass caught and released by recre- from the northern Sea of Cortez have Like most fish species, mature giant ational anglers since the 1981 morato- been reported in excess of 600 pounds. seabass broadcast large quantities of rium is not available; however, it seems Critical biological and life history in- gametes (eggs and sperm) into the water apparent to those who regularly fish formation is incomplete for the giant column, where they are fertilized exter- the islands and kelp beds that there has seabass. It has been estimated that their nally. Fertilized embryos hatch after been an increase in the number of giant lifespan may be in excess of 100 years. one to two days and drift within the seabass interactions over the past few Based upon incomprehensive age- plankton for approximately one month years. Thus, it is important that anglers growth studies and the size of individu- before settling out on the bottom as be informed of the appropriate meth- als observed within spawning aggrega- juveniles. They are occasionally encoun- ods to handle and safely release a giant tions, it is believed that females reach tered by divers over sandy or muddy seabass if they do hook one. When the sexual maturity at around 8 to 10 years bottoms in 30 to 90 feet of water, al- fish is brought to the surface, giant of age and a size of approximately 60 though information on juvenile habi- seabass have an enlarged gas bladder to 80 pounds. Like some grouper species, tat utilization is limited. Juvenile giant that becomes easily over-inflated, even giant seabass establish site-specific seabass appear remarkably different than in relatively shallow water. It is unnec- spawning aggregations each summer be- adults, with a reddish-orange colora- essary to deflate the gas bladder with a tween June and September. Spawning tion and large black spots along with needle because these fish generally have aggregations typically occur over shal- disproportionately large pectoral fins. enough strength to swim down under low rocky outcroppings that often sup- Juveniles feed on a variety of small their own power. An exhausted giant port productive kelp forests. Some of fishes and invertebrates, while adults seabass may need a minute to recuper- the well-known giant seabass spawn- have the potential to consume a large ate from the long fight, but you can ing aggregations include La Jolla kelp, range of prey items. Favored prey in- typically assist in this process by mov- Barn kelp, Long Point (Santa Catalina cludes squid, lobsters, skates, rays, small ing the fish back and forth in the water Island), Anacapa Island, and Ensenada sharks, bass, barracuda, whitefish, sheep- to circulate water over the gills. For re- Grande in the Sea of Cortez. head, and mackerel. Because giant lease, first remove the hook, or cut the A formation of spawning aggrega- seabass have a very large, protrusible line at the leader if the hook is embed- tions that are relatively predictable in jaw, this species can literally vacuum- ded deeply. Once the fish begins to re- time and space was likely a key factor up most prey by simply flaring its oper- cover, turn it right side up, and propel in the over-exploitation of this species culum outward. Recreational fisher- it downward with a head-first push. throughout much of its range. Aggrega- men targeting sand bass or halibut over Usually, giant seabass will give a couple tions of mature individuals were a prized soft bottoms incidentally catch juve- of big kicks and disappear out of sight target of big game, spear, and commer- nile giant seabass, while adults are in a hurry, but you may need to try this cial fishers prior to a California-imposed occasionally hooked while fishing live several times if the fish continues to 50 | PCSportfishing.com | THINK CONSERVATION | OCTOBER 2009 GIANT SEABASS FISHERMAN: (STEREOLEPIS GIGAS) AT LAST! Get an E-Z Anchor Puller and pull your BY CHUGEY SEPULVEDA, PhD, anchor at 100’ per minute. Never leave your AND SCOTT AALBERS, M.S. control station, no crawling out on the bow and taking a chance of falling in the water, just sit in your seat and push the button. The rougher the water, the better this anchor pull- er works. Catch more fish with an E-Z Anchor Puller because you can move your boat so easily. The fishermen that have our anchor pullers say they would quit fishing if they did- n’t have an E-Z Anchor system. Anchor pullers and pulpits for 20’ - 60’ boats. We have 5 different models and can hold up to 600’ of line. PHOTO BY SCOTT AALBERS BY SCOTT PHOTO Contact us Today for a float belly up. FREE BROCHURE AND DVD! If the fish seems incapable of swim- 231.845.1838 EZAnchor- ming down under its own power, you Puller.com P.O. Box 608, Ludington, MI 49431 can strap an inverted barbless hook to a heavy weight (a spare dive weight) and E-Z ANCHOR PULLER attach the rig to a heavy line. This in- MANUFACTURING verted barbless hook can be pinned through the corner of the mouth and the fish descended to the bottom. When the rig is retrieved, the inverted hook will pop free, and the fish can swim off at depth with a recompressed gas bladder. Whether you’re a seasoned-pro or an Incidental hooking mortality rate is enthusiastic beginner, unknown for giant seabass, but it has fishing Santa Bar- been suggested that even a negligible bara and the catch-and-release mortality rate (less Channel Islands than five percent) could have a consid- with Capt. David erable impact on the recovery of a long- and his crew of lived species, like the giant seabass. Con- helpful experts will tinued incidental mortality from com- never be more fun mercial and recreational fisheries may and enlightening! explain why California giant sea bass 1/2 Day (5 Hours) populations have still not fully recovered 3/4 Day (7 Hours) from their over-exploited state; howev- All Day (10 Hours) er, this species is clearly showing signs Up to 6 Passengers of recovery in Southern California. Can Enjoy the Time of Their Lives Fishing for… White Seabass, Calicos, PIER is a non-profit 501(c)3 research Capt. David Bacon is a respected Shark, Halibut, Ling Cod, author, sportfishing institute dedicated to scientific research activist and above Sheephead, Bonito, Bar- and the sustainable management of the all, the Santa Bar- racuda and More! bara/Channel Islands marine environment. Special thanks are sportfishing authority. Hook ’Em All, Call Now… offered to Mr. Thomas Pfleger and Family, Darryl Lewis and the Harris Foundation, Tommy Fullam, Billy Seiler, Lorraine Bohnet and Vicki Wintrode. To read more about PIER research projects please visit us at www.pier.org. I OCTOBER 2009 | THINK CONSERVATION | PCSportfishing.com | 51.