BASS, SPOTTED

B, S -

BASS, SPOTTED

Scientific Name: 
Micropterus punctulatus
Salt/Fresh: 
Fresh
Also Known As: 
Spotted Bass; Kentucky Bass; Kentucky Spotted Bass; Northern Spotted Bass; Alabama Spotted Bass; Kichita Spotted Bass; Black Bass; BASS, SPOTTED; Spotty; Spots; Wichita Spotted Bass
Rating: 
Countries: 
United States
Description: 

The Spotted Bass is a species of freshwater fish of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. It is often mistaken for the similar and more common Largemouth Bass. Preferring cool and warm mountain streams and reservoirs with rocky bottoms, the Spotted Bass feeds on insects, crustaceans, frogs, annelid worms, and smaller fish.

How To Identify: 

Spotted Bass are similar to Largemouth Bass, but unlike the Largemouth Bass, the Spotted Bass has scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin; their first and second dorsal fins are clearly connected, and its upper jaw does not extend past the eye. A rectangular tooth patch on the tongue also helps distinguish the Spotted Bass from other black bass species such as the Largemouth Bass, Shoal Bass, and Suwannee Bass.

How To Catch: 

The biggest Spotted Bass are always the most aggressive, even in the middle of the winter. You should use a big jerkbait and spinnerbait as often as you can. Jerkbait of choice is a fairly large model, a Lucky Craft Pointer in the 128 size. Try to match the color based on the forage base, but typically it will be a trout or shad color. The spinnerbait prefered is also on the larger size and heavy as you can fish deeper than usual. A white 3/4 oz model is ideal bait for active Spotted Bass in the morning hours. You can fish both of these baits on either 12 or 15lb(6-7.5kg) Seaguar AbrazX line. Fluorocarbon is a must and you should have the abrasion resistance if you fish around rocks. You can use the baits on a Powell 684 casting rod.  You can also switch to lighter line and a more finesse approach. You can spool spinning rods with 6 lb(3kg) Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon. The darter head is really an old California trick, but it will work anywhere you have Spotted Bass and deep clear water. A variety of soft plastics will work for this finesse jighead, but the 6” Fat Roboworm is best. Spotted Bass seem to be picky about colors. You shoudl try different colours and see the results.

Where Found: 

International

The Spotted Bass is native to the Mississippi River basin and across the Gulf states, from central Texas through the Florida panhandle. Its native range extends into the western Mid-Atlantic states and it has been introduced into western North Carolina and Virginia. It has also been introduced to southern Africa, where it has become established in some isolated waters.

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