Black Sea Bass Fishing near Cape San Blas & Port St. Joe, Florida
Black sea bass are bottom-dwelling fish that inhabit reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure off the coast of Port St. Joe. They are smaller in size but very tasty, making them a favorite for anglers targeting reef species. While not as abundant as further south, they are still caught regularly in deeper offshore areas or natural hard bottom.
Where to Catch Black Sea Bass
Look for black sea bass around:
Offshore reefs and rocky ledges
Artificial reefs in 40–100 feet of water
Bottom structure with high relief
Occasionally caught on nearshore wrecks
Best Time to Fish for Black Sea Bass
Season | Black Sea Bass Activity |
---|---|
Spring | Good action around structure in 40–80 ft depths |
Summer | Peak fishing offshore, especially around reefs |
Fall | Still productive as waters cool slightly |
Winter | Fish move deeper; good for bottom drops |
Peak Season: May through August
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Small vertical jigs or bucktails
Bait: Squid strips, shrimp, or cut bait
Leaders: 20–30 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Technique: Drop baits directly on reef structure — stay close to bottom