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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass in Alabama actually represent two distinct subspecies with different characteristics. These fish are aggressive predators and the Coosa River system is world-famous for its Alabama Bass population.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus punctulatus and Micropterus punctulatus henshalli

Also known as Alabama Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by black blotches along their sides that form horizontal rows of dark spots below the lateral line.
  • They're slender fish with large mouths (upper jaw extending almost to the rear margin of the eye) and a rectangular tooth patch on the tongue.
  • Adults typically measure 12-17 inches with reddish eyes.
  • Micropterus punctulatus punctulatus has 58-71 lateral line scales, while Micropterus punctulatus henshalli has 68-77 lateral line scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native throughout Alabama except possibly the Apalachicola River Basin.
  • Micropterus punctulatus punctulatus occurs in the Tennessee River system while Micropterus punctulatus henshalli is found in the upper Mobile basin.

Key Locations

  • Coosa River system, lakes like Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay Lake, Lake Jordan, and Lake Martin, Smith Lake, Coosa River between Rainbow City and Riverside, Tennessee River system, upper Mobile basin.

Specific Spots

  • Around aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and rock or riprap walls in streams, rivers, and reservoirs, tributary stream mouths, current breaks, rock piles, structure in flowing water sections, shaded areas under docks and overhanging cover, main lake points, ledges, and creek mouths.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Bass in Alabama?

Football-head jigs with Real Deal Craw trailers, 1-ounce spinnerbaits with double willow-leaf blades, Spro Fat Papa crankbaits, Suicide Shad swimbaits, Scott Canterbury Pro Buzz Baits paired with black Zoom Horny Toads, Texas-rigged Zoom Z Craw Jr., crawfish-pattern jigs, bladed jigs.

What flies work for Spotted Bass in Alabama?

Clouser minnows in various colors, poppers and bass bugs in shallow water, streamers with rabbit strips for realistic movement.

When is the best time to fish for Spotted Bass in Alabama?

Spotted Bass fishing in Alabama is excellent from late spring through fall, with February and March being prime months for the largest fish. They spawn from April to May when water temperatures reach 63-78°F. During fall feeding periods, focus on main lake points, ledges, and creek mouths.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Alabama?

Cast swimbaits into current seams and whitewater riffles, work intermediate-depth crankbaits behind boulders in deep sections, start early mornings with buzz baits then transition to Texas-rigged soft plastics in shaded areas, target current breaks in 8-12 feet of water.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Feed on small fishes, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Juveniles start with zooplankton and add insects and crawfish as they grow. Adults primarily target shad, minnows, and other forage fish using both ambush and hunting techniques.

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