SPOTTED BASS

The spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus, is one of the six black bass species found in Georgia. Spotted bass, commonly called "spots," are second only to largemouth bass in their importance to Georgia bass fishing.

To those unfamiliar with them, at first glance spotted bass are almost indistinguishable from largemouth bass. A closer look at a few telltale characteristics makes identification easy. Spotted bass usually have a sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue that largemouths lack. Also, the rear of the jaw does not extend behind the eye as it does in largemouths, and the spiny and soft dorsal fins are connected with a shallow notch not reaching all the way to the body. Spotted bass are common in central and north Georgia in the Coosa, Chattahoochee, and Savannah river systems. Some northeast Georgia lakes in the Tennessee drainage now harbor spotted bass, likely due to unauthorized stockings. Illegal introduction of spotted bass, probably by well-intentioned but misguided anglers, has resulted in the decline of Georgia's limited smallmouth bass resource. Spotted bass have a competitive edge over smallmouth bass, and when spots are introduced, a precipitous decline in smallmouths usually follows.

The state record spotted bass was 8 pounds, 0.5 ounce, caught from Lake Sidney Lanier in 1985. The average Georgia spotted bass weighs about a pound and anything more than 4 pounds is considered a trophy.

Reservoirs that seem to favor spotted bass can be generally characterized as deep and clear. Spots also do extremely well in rivers. In still water, spots are a more open-water fish than largemouth, and are commonly found in deeper offshore areas as opposed to the shoreline habitats preferred by largemouths. In moving water, spots can be found nearly anywhere, and will tolerate more current than slack-water loving largemouths.

In reservoirs try deep points, humps, and ledges, especially those that offer stumps or other cover. In rivers, immediately below a shoal, outside bends, and creek mouths are always productive.

Spotted bass can be extremely finicky eaters at times. Especially in reservoir situations, anglers after spotted bass will downsize their baits and fish them slowly.

Techniques

Casting: The smaller lures commonly used for spotted bass are better handled with a light- to medium-action spinning outfit, but many anglers feel that baitcasting tackle is stronger and gives better control. Recent advances in baitcasting reels allow them to handle 6- and even 4-pound test line, so the choice is a matter of preference. Line size is again a matter of preference, but the key is to use quality low-diameter line in the lightest weight practical for conditions. Spotted bass can be line-shy, and using heavy line in clear water is not going to produce as many strikes as thinner, less visible line.

Good lures for spotted bass include plastic worms and grubs, jigs, and crankbalts. The finesse worm is probably one of the most popular and effective spotted bass lures around. These diminutive plastic worms are often the bait of choice for anglers specifically targeting spotted bass. Most anglers prefer these lures in natural hues with perhaps just a touch of color on the tail. One of the best places to fish using soft-plastic baits for reservoir spotted bass is woody cover on deep structure. Slowly work the bait along bottom until a brush pile or stump is felt, and then gently shake the worm while keeping it in contact with the brush. This type of fishing requires a soft touch, and the ability to detect almost indiscernible strikes.

River and stream fishing for spots is a little different. The current does not allow fish a long time for examination and an eventual decision. Faster-moving lures like spinners and crankbaits are very effective at covering a lot of water and drawing strikes. Baitcasting tackle is probably best in this situation since once mastered, it is capable of extremely accurate casts, and is strong enough to turn a big fish in fast current.

Bait fishing: Live bait is not commonly used for spotted bass. A few anglers prefer to fish with spring lizards, crayfish, or large minnows in the same manner as artificials. Fish the bait slowly along the bottom over deep structure.

Flycasting: Flyfishing for spotted bass offers some overlooked possibilities. Although fly fishing for reservoir spotted bass is not practical, rivers offer some real possibilities. Most good spotted bass rivers are large enough to allow for easy casting. Working a streamer or popping bug through feeding zones below shoals or along outside bends is a fun way to fish for spotted bass. Although overlooked by most bass anglers, fly tackle offers the opportunity to efficiently make repeated presentations to a good area without wasting time retrieving the lure through unproductive water to make another cast. Spotted bass are strong fighters, and rivers are usually filled with snags, so anglers who choose to go this route need to make sure their equipment is up to the task.

Best bets for Georgia spotted bass: Allatoona Lake, Site 7; Carters Lake, Site 8; Lake Burton, Site 33; Lake Sidney Lanier, Site 40; others.