Spotted Bass

Body Type & Identification: Resembles Largemouth but distinguished by a rougher, spiny tongue patch and rows of spots below the lateral line. The mouth does not extend past the eye as far as Largemouth. More streamlined than Largemouth, preferring clearer, faster water. Often confused with Largemouth — check for the rows of spots below the lateral band.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–80°F. Prefers slightly cooler, clearer water than Largemouth. Spawn when water reaches 63°F–68°F on rocky or gravel bottom in 2–8 feet.

Habitat: Clear reservoirs, highland streams, and rocky rivers throughout the South and Midwest. Prefer rocky points, ledges, bluff walls, and main-lake structure over the weedy, vegetated habitat preferred by Largemouth. Common in Southern Appalachian rivers and clear Oklahoma and Alabama reservoirs.

Best Lures: Shaky head jigs with finesse worms are the top producer — Spotted Bass are particularly responsive to finesse techniques. Drop shot rigs work well in clear water. Small crankbaits along rocky ledges and bluff walls produce excellent catches. Tube jigs are very effective. Small swimbaits work well in current seams. Hair jigs in rivers.

Best Baits: Live crawfish are the premier natural bait. Live nightcrawlers produce consistent results. Live small shiners work well. Live hellgrammites are excellent in river systems.

Top 5 Destinations: Lake Guntersville AL, Smith Lake AL, Lake Martin AL, Kerr Lake NC/VA, Chattahoochee River GA.