The Spotted Bass a Worthy Opponent on Any Tackle

I thought I would use today’s post to give you guys some information about the hard fighting Spotted Bass. To me, this fish is on the same level as the smallmouth when it comes to an aggressive fighter. Probably the major difference in the two is the aerobic action the smallmouth has over the spot. I seldom land a spot that goes airborne. This is not to say they want to go airborne, but most of the time they go deep with some awesome strong runs.

I thought I knew this fish fairly well until I read the following article.

 

The Spotted Bass

The Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) is also called Alabama Spotted Bass, Black Bass, Kentucky Bass, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Linside, Northern Spotted Bass and Redeye. It has been known as the Kentucky bass for many years, which was further reinforced in 1956 when Kentucky's General Assembly as they passed a senate resolution establishing the spotted bass as Kentucky's official game fish.

The Spotted Bass is often mistaken for the largemouth bass, though it does not grow nearly as big. It is a lesser known member of the black bass group, but this is a spunky and distinguished looking species that most anglers enjoy catching. While they jump less often as the smallmouth bass, they fight just as well.

Maturity

The Spotted Bass reaches maturity by the end of year one, but will not spawn until year four. The spotted bass can be caught with all traditional baits and lures that work with largemouth bass, though the size of the lures and hooks should be smaller as the record Kentucky bass is no more than about seven pounds. Also smaller hooks will cause less damage, which is key for catch and release in reducing the mortality rate. However, if the fish is going to be lunch, this is likely not a big concern.

The spotted bass is broken down into three subspecies and named the northern spotted bass, the Alabama spotted bass and the Wichita spotted bass. For more details on the differences between these sub species, see our description section above on the right.

Feeding Habits

Juvenile Spotted Bass adults prefer crayfish, midgee larvae while the fry feed on insects and insect larvae The adult spotted bass feed on the same food that other bass eat including worms, leeches, crayfish, fathead minnows, gizzard shad and golden shiners.

As mentioned above, use the same tackle used for catching largemouth bass, just be sure to right-size your lures for the smaller size. We recommend using smaller lures and stepping them up if required.

Spawning

Like all freshwater fish, the Spotted Bass spawn in spring when the water temperature reaches 63°F/19°C. This can happen as early as February in the southern United States. The male clears a gravel bed where the female spotted bass comes to lay its eggs. Once she lays her eggs, she is chased off by the male who looks after the nest and then looks after the fry for a few weeks after they hatch.

Fishing Methods

The spotted bass can be caught with casting, trolling and fly fishing methods. Fly fishing is recommended for more experienced anger and requires a different set of tackle. For beginners, keep in mind that even a basic set of tackle including wadding gear will cost at the minimum $300.

I landed these four keepers today to add to my quest, I am now 65 away

 Betts Popper

 Olive Boogle Bug

The Seal Leech

Another fell prey to the Leech--all four taken on Smith Lake

A Nice Surprise While Bluegill Fishing

Fog and more fog was what met me and my buddy at the launch yesterday morning at Smith Lake. I hate to try to even get on the water when the fog is that dense. After waiting for a half-hour at the launch it was time to make my first cast. I could barely see my popper near the bank, and the only evidence of a hit would have been the sound on the surface of the water.

Notice how thick the fog is right at the water's edge

Nice largemouth to get things going

I only get to count one here, which was taken on the Betts Popper--still fishing with the 4 wt. here

The surprise of the morning was this nice Spot on my favorite popper of all time the Boogle Bug. I landed this male using my 5 wt.  9 ft. with an olive green Boogle. It was a blast landing this fish because of the runs he continued to make to try to break off. The 4X tippet withstood the runs he made mainly because I was able to get the fish on the reel soon after the fight begin. This is why I love fly fishing so much because landing a fighter like this Spotted Bass will certainly test your skills as a fly fisherman.