The black sea bass is an exclusively marine fish, also known as sea basses and blackfish. It is a type of
Grouper (Serranidae) found more commonly in northern than in southern ranges. It inhabits the coasts from
Maine to NE Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. They are most abundant off the waters of New York.
They can be found in inshore waters (bays and sounds) and offshore in waters up to a depth of 425 feet.
They spend most of their time close to the sea floor and are often congregated around bottom formations
such as rocks, man-made reefs, wrecks, jetties, piers, and bridge pilings.
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Sea Bass, they are more commonly called, are a mainstay of the charter headboat fishing industry. For years charter captains along the east coast have taken their clients fishing offshore for these great eating fish. Most fish caught are in the 1 to 3 pound range but occasionally a big fish like the 7 pound 4 ounce sea bass in the photo on the left (Steve Kendall), more big sea bass - Matt Burr (on the right). Joe Mizelle Jr. has the current IGFA world record - 9 pounds, 8 ounces, caught off Virginia Beach, Virginia on January 9, 1987.
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Wikipedia - Black Sea Bass Information