Lee Bailey Jr / Baby Buzzbait

Lee is a retired Bassmaster Elite Series Pro.

Features and behaviors of Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Identifier

Spotted Bass Identifier Ultimate Bass shows that there are probably lots of opportunities nearby for bass fishing as spotted bass are one of the most prevalent species in the country. Deep lakes, rivers, natural lakes, man-made reservoirs all offer good spotted bass fishing. If the body of water had lots shad forage and good water clarity, then you have a recipe for great spot fishing..

Though native to the central and southern United States, spotted bass have been introduced to other areas within the country and in other parts of the world. They can adapt to a wide range of habitats, which has contributed to their successful establishment in non-native areas.

Spotted Bass Identifier
Lees Warmwater Gamefish Identification Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Identifier Ultimate Bass is most similar to the Largemouth Bass. It is distinguished from Largemouth Bass by having horizontal rows of small black spots on the lower side (vs. plain) in adults, a shallow (vs. deep) notch between the spiny and soft dorsal fins, and circular patch of teeth present (vs. absent) on the tongue.

Diet:

These fish are opportunistic feeders and their diet can include insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. Larger spotted bass will also eat larger prey, including smaller fish of other species. Blueback herring in Lake Lanier is the preferred prey of spots.

Habitat:

Rocky banks are vital to finding spotted bass in most locations. Spotted bass often congregate along bluff ends, cedars, and timber on main lake points during winter. A practical method is to drag a heavy jig and craw trailer about 15 to 30 feet deep to land bottom-hugging fish. Another option is to jerk a suspending jerk bait in shad hues to catch suspended fish.

Angling:

Spotted bass are fairly easy to catch. They are aggressive and will often strike even when they aren’t hungry. The biggest challenge is knowing where to fish in order to get your bait in front of them.

Topwater poppers, walking plugs, and prop baits are most effective for catching spotted bass and stripers during the post-spawn or early summer. In late summer, fishing deeper water by drop-shotting finesse worms or jerking a spoon along with the long tapering points or bluff ends is best.

The Importance of Spotted Bass

Fishing is one of the most popular sport for participation. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 43 percent of freshwater anglers fish for bass. Spotted bass play a big role in bringing in a good chunk of the $60 billion the bass industry generates each year.