Spotted Bass
The Spotted Bass has extremely limited distribution in Florida, restricted to streams in the panhandle from the Perdido River to the Apalachicola River, with primary populations occurring in and west of the Choctawhatchee River.
Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus
- Spotted bass are similar in appearance to largemouth bass but distinguishable by their smaller mouth (upper jaw doesn't extend past the eye), scales on the base of the second dorsal fin, clearly connected dorsal fins, and characteristic rows of dark spots below the lateral line.
- Spotted bass grow slower and don't attain the size of largemouth bass, typically reaching 12-17 inches with a maximum around 25 inches.
Fishing in Florida
Lake Parker
Peace River
Tampa Bay
Lake Kissimmee
Lake Tohopekaliga
Hillsborough Bay
Alafia River
Little Manatee River
McKay Bay
Kissimmee River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer small to medium streams and rivers with clear, slow-moving water and gravel or rock bottoms, seldom entering brackish water or natural lakes.
Key Locations
- Florida's panhandle streams from the Perdido River to the Apalachicola River, with primary populations occurring in and west of the Choctawhatchee River.
- Apalachicola River system.
Specific Spots
- Look for areas with more current than typical largemouth bass habitat, around aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and rock walls.
- Rocky banks are vital for locating spotted bass.
Spotted Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Bass in Florida?
Popular lures include jigs tipped with crayfish trailers, crankbaits, spinners, and small plastic worms. Suspending jerkbaits in shad colors work well for suspended fish. For topwater action during post-spawn and early summer, use poppers, walking plugs, and prop baits.
When is the best time to fish for Spotted Bass in Florida?
Spring and fall provide the best fishing opportunities, with spring being prime time before spawning begins. Avoid fishing during spawning period from March-April in Florida.
How do you catch Spotted Bass in Florida?
Work heavy jigs with craw trailers 15-30 feet deep along bluff ends, cedar trees, and timber on main points during winter months. In late summer, drop-shot finesse worms along tapering points and bluff ends in deeper water.
What do Spotted Bass eat?
These bass are less piscivorous than other black bass species, feeding primarily on crayfish, small fish, and aquatic insects, with juveniles starting on zooplankton before transitioning to insects, then fish and crayfish as they mature.
Where do Spotted Bass live in Florida?
They prefer small to medium streams and rivers with clear, slow-moving water and gravel or rock bottoms, seldom entering brackish water or natural lakes.
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