LA JOLLA: An endangered giant black sea bass was found impaled with a spear off the coast of Windansea Beach yesterday, officials said.
Authorities are looking for a spear fisherman who may have shot the 150-pound fish, San Diego Lifeguard Service Lt. Andy Lerum said.
Lifeguards found the fish floating about 75 yards offshore about 2:30 p.m., Lerum said, and contacted state officials for advice on how to keep the fish alive. The bass died and the spear was removed for evidence, Lerum said.
Officials estimated that the sea bass, which is a protected species, was about 15 to 20 years old. It is illegal to take the fish, punishable by a $2,000 fine.
In 2005, authorities charged three men with illegally fishing in La Jolla's underwater preserve after one shot a 171-pound sea bass.
– L.P. 
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