The taste is said to resemble that of scallops. Sargo are the most likely fish to bite from now to early spring. Most sargo taken are in the two pound class, up to 14 inches. The silver perch-like fish can be recognized by one or two black bars running down its sides. Sargo are usually taken from jettys and boats.
Canned corn is the usual bait.
Chumming with corn is permitted at the Salton Sea, unlike other lakes in the state. The fish is a good fighter on light tackle, and is good for eating. Gulf croaker, or bairdiella, is a major food source for the corvina and is sometimes used as bait for that fish. However, the silvery fish, which rarely exceeds 15 inches in length, has become a popular catch because of its abundance and readiness to bite. Small pieces of cut mackerel or bonito, as well as flyrod lures, work well.