If you can get to the near shore reefs and wrecks, now is the time to look for big black seabass - at least for anglers south of Virginia where the season is not closed (yet!). This time of year seabass gather in huge spawning schools, and limits of these tasty bottom fish are common, even in relatively small boats.
The large male seabass will have a big bulge on their head that has a very green hue, hence the term ?green head?.

Although they can reach eight to ten pounds, a five-pound fish is considered a trophy. Three-pounders will draw the attention of other anglers.

From Virginia all the way around to Texas, the artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural live bottom locations should be swarming with seabass. Use a chart to locate the ?public? reefs, pick a good day, and head out for some fun.

These fish are very cooperative feeders, and can be caught on a variety of dead bait. Cut squid is perhaps the easiest and cheapest to use, and in some locations squid will be the bait of choice.

?Chicken rigs? are the best terminal tackle for seabass. The rig consists of a leader with the sinker tied on the end. Up from the sinker will be one ? or more likely two ? drop loops, each with a 3/0 hook. This allows anglers to catch green heads two at a time. And, when the bite is on, catching two at a time is common.

The method is quite simple. Drop your baited hooks to the bottom, reel up the slack, and hold on. In a good bite situation seabass will actually hook themselves.

Anglers often drop their baits down to the bottom and immediately begin reeling up, because one or two fish have already taken their bait.

Seabass are a favorite of party boat captains. They provide non-stop action and even the most inexperienced anglers can catch a limit of fish. If you have never fished for seabass, take a trip on a party boat to see their rigs and bait. Then simply duplicate what they do!

A seabass outing is a good one for youngsters. These cooperative fish can help you tech young people some basics of fishing. Once they begin catching fish, they are hooked ? so to speak!

The mild, flaky, pure white meat of the seabass is great prepared by almost any method. I like a boneless, skinless fillet broiled in butter.

Plan a seabass trip this month while the big green heads are schooling. It?s a fun trip that will allow you to bring home some great table fare!