Black Sea Bass Fishing in Stuart, Florida
Black sea bass are bottom dwellers that show up around offshore reefs and wrecks near Stuart. Though not as commonly targeted as snapper or grouper, they’re prized for their firm meat and are often caught while bottom fishing with squid or cut bait in deeper waters.
Where to Catch Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are typically caught:
Over natural reefs and hard bottom
Around offshore wrecks and ledges
On drop-offs in 80–200 ft of water
Mixed in with snapper and porgies
Best Time to Fish for Black Sea Bass
| Season | Sea Bass Activity |
|---|---|
| Winter | Most active on deeper reefs |
| Spring | Still consistent near structure |
| Fall | Occasional catches while bottom fishing |
Peak Season: January through April
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Vertical jigs or small bucktails
Bait: Squid strips, cut bait, or shrimp
Leaders: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon
Gear: Medium spinning or bottom gear with sensitive rods
