01 · California coastParalichthys californicus
California Halibut
Both eyes on one side of a flattened body · Large mouth with sharp teeth
April–AugustGENERAL PEAK
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REELID · SPECIES INTELLIGENCE
Read the fish.
Fish the pattern.
Field-ready profiles built around what matters on the water: positive identification, seasonal movement, forage, presentation, and the official rulebook you need to check before every trip.
Coast · Harbor · Island · Offshore
09 PROFILESPacific saltwater
01 · California coast
02 · Southern California baysParalabrax maculatofasciatus
Spotted Bay Bass
Dense dark spots across body and fins · Pale bars on the sides
May–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
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03 · Pacific kelp coastParalabrax clathratus
Calico Bass
Olive-brown body with pale rectangular blotches · Large mouth and stout body
May–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
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04 · Coasts, rivers, reservoirsMorone saxatilis
Striped Bass
Seven or eight horizontal dark stripes · Silver sides and a forked tail
October–DecemberGENERAL PEAK
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05 · Pacific islands and banksSeriola dorsalis
Yellowtail
Bright yellow forked tail · Amber stripe along a silver body
June–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
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06 · California coast and islandsAtractoscion nobilis
White Seabass
Metallic silver body with a slightly arched back · Dark fins and a large mouth
March–JuneGENERAL PEAK
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07 · Offshore PacificThunnus orientalis
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Dark blue-black back and bright silver sides · Short yellow finlets before the tail
June–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
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08 · Warm offshore waterCoryphaena hippurus
Dorado
Tall blunt forehead, especially in mature males · Long continuous dorsal fin
August–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
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09 · Pacific reefsSebastes spp.
Rockfish
Large eye and strong dorsal spines · Deep-bodied profile
Area dependentGENERAL PEAK
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04 PROFILESFreshwater systems
01 · Lakes and reservoirsMicropterus salmoides
Largemouth Bass
Jaw extends behind the eye · Broad dark horizontal side band
March–June · OctoberGENERAL PEAK
Open field profile →02 · Coasts, rivers, reservoirsMorone saxatilis
Striped Bass
Seven or eight horizontal dark stripes · Silver sides and a forked tail
October–DecemberGENERAL PEAK
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03 · Cold-water lakes and streamsOncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow Trout
Pink-to-red side band · Black spots on back and tail
November–AprilGENERAL PEAK
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04 · Warm-water lakes and riversIctalurus punctatus
Channel Catfish
Forked tail and scattered dark spots · Barbels surrounding the mouth
May–SeptemberGENERAL PEAK
Open field profile →REELSAFE · BEFORE YOU KEEP A FISHThe field guide starts the decision.
The field guide starts the decision.
The official rulebook finishes it.
Species, size, season, bag limits, depth, gear, closures, marine protected areas, and emergency changes can all depend on your exact location and date.