In Reply to: black sea bass posted by Gene Phillips on February 23, 2006 at 16:35:11:

Based on studies off Anacapa Island by Kathy deWet-Oleson and scientists from PIER, the giant sea bass largely leave the shallow areas in late fall. About a third of them stick around that island but at deeper depths, the rest go to some as of yet unknown place.

I have heard reports of sightings even in Catalina's dive park this winter, but have not seen any myself at any of the sites I've dived since November.