About Calico Bass
Calico Bass, also called Kelp Bass, are one of Southern California’s most popular inshore gamefish. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs through structure, Calicos demand accurate casting, stealthy presentations, and tackle tough enough to handle the kelp. This section sets the stage for the seasonal tactics and product recommendations that follow.
Spring
Calicos stack on rocky points and kelp edges—weedless swimbaits and plastics are the go-to.
Summer
Peak season in thick kelp beds—surface irons and stickbaits trigger explosive topwater bites.
Fall
Fish shift deeper to reefs—heavy swimbaits and weighted plastics keep you in the zone.
Winter
Cold water slows the bite—live bait and slow-rolled plastics tempt stubborn bass near structure.
RECOMMENDED REELS
Calico bass (also known as kelp bass) are a popular inshore gamefish found in Southern California kelp beds and rocky structures, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. While "Calico Bass Reels Collection" could refer to a curated set of fishing reels optimized for targeting them, it aligns closely with Tackle Express's dedicated product category for these reels. These reels are typically baitcasting models designed for saltwater use, emphasizing high gear ratios for fast retrieves, strong drags to handle dives into kelp, and compatibility with braided lines (50–80 lb test) to cut through structure.
RECOMMENDED RODS
RECOMMENDED LINE
HOOKS & TERMINAL TACKLE
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