Sea bass is best fished from May to November, from the shore or boat. Use lures such as shads or plugs, or bait like ragworms and lugworms. Best times are rising water and gently flowing tides. Note the minimum size (42 cm) and a maximum of two sea bass per day.
Sea bass fishing is a challenging and active form of sea fishing. The fish is strong, fast, and smart, so good preparation really makes a difference. This guide helps beginners with the right spots, techniques, and equipment.
Best time to fish for sea bass
Sea bass is active from May to November. The peak months are August, September, and October. The fish mainly feeds around sunrise and sunset, with peak times two hours before and after low tide. Water temperatures above 12°C activate the behavior.
Where to fish for sea bass?
Choose spots with current, structure, and bait fish, such as:
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Harbor heads and piers
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Breakwaters and groynes
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Rocky or stony areas
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Sandbanks at the edge of channels
From the shore, spots with obstacles like stones or current breakers are ideal because sea bass hunts there.
Bait for sea bass
Natural bait
Ragworms and lugworms are classics. Use them on a single hook paternoster or under a float rig in calm water.
Lures
Active fishing with lures is very popular:
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Shads: perfect for all water layers, fish them with jig heads of 10–30 g depending on current
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Plugs: hard artificial bait, especially with little wind and calm waves
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Poppers: spectacular surface bait, ideal in warm water and actively hunting fish
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Spoons or swimbaits: good in strong wind or to quickly fish water
Varying color, size, and speed increases your chance of success. Change regularly.
Equipment for sea bass fishing
Use a sturdy, sensitive rod of 3.00 to 3.60 meters. This gives you enough casting distance and control.
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Line: braided line of 0.14 to 0.20 mm
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Leader: fluorocarbon (at least 0.45 mm) against abrasion on stones
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Reel: size 3000–4000, smooth drag
Ensure a sturdy rod holder, waders, and possibly floats with lights for evening sessions.
Techniques to catch sea bass
Active fishing with lures
Cast towards current edges or structures, let your lure sink and retrieve it with short twitches or a steady speed. With shads, you can tap the bottom; with poppers, fish just at the surface.
Fishing with natural bait
Use a sliding sinker or paternoster rig. Keep tension on the line and use bite indicators. Cast towards stones or groynes and give the bait time.
Float fishing
In calm water or at harbor heads, fishing with a ragworm under a float is very effective. Use a clear float for minimal visibility.
Helpful tips for beginner sea bass anglers
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Watch the tide: fish around low or rising water
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Adjust lure weight to the current
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Use a fluorocarbon leader against abrasion
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Watch wind direction: avoid crosswind for better contact
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Try calm water zones during strong currents
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Choose varied lures to prevent conditioning
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Go along on a charter boat for new insights
Rules & regulations
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the following applies:
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Minimum size: 42 cm
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Maximum 2 sea bass per angler per day
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Some periods (e.g., winter) are closed for fishing
Always check local regulations for current restrictions. Sometimes only catch & release is allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Is sea bass hard to catch?
Yes, it is a smart and cautious fish. Timing, spot choice, and the right presentation make the difference.
What is the best bait for sea bass?
Shads, ragworms, and poppers are proven effective. In clear water, natural colors often work better.
Which rod is best for sea bass fishing?
A sturdy spinning rod of 3.00–3.60 m with a casting weight of 10–50 g is ideal from the shore.