Table of Contents
When was the spotted bass discovered?
Spotted bass, caught and released in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta near Walnut Grove, CA, in September 2009.
Where did spotted bass originate?
The spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) also called the Kentucky Bass, is a freshwater game fish in the sunfish family. It is a species of black bass native to the lower and central Mississippi River basin in North America. It has been introduced into other U.S. states as far west as California.
Are spotted bass rare?
Although they don’t reach the epic size of largemouth bass—spotted bass over 4-5 pounds are rare most places—they are often easier to catch, in large part because they can be numerous and strike voraciously on a wide variety of lures. Many California lakes offer perfect habitat for spotted bass.
Are spotted bass native to Texas?
Spotted bass are native to portions of East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River, exclusive of the Edwards Plateau region. Spotted bass are very popular in east Texas, particularly in the Sabine, Neches, and Cypress Rivers. Known maximum size in Texas exceeds 5.5 pounds.
Can largemouth and spotted bass breed?
The meanmouth bass is most commonly a hybrid species that occurs when a spotted or largemouth bass mates with a smallmouth bass. Smallmouth and spotted bass frequent the same habitat and often come into contact with one another leading to offspring when smallmouth and spotted bass interact.
What is the world record spotted bass?
The International Game Fish Association world record is 10.38 lbs, and has been standing since 2015. California, however, has an 11.2 lb spotted bass listed as as its state record. This fish was originally weighed at 11.2, then when weighed on a certified scale it came out to just under 11 lbs.
What is the difference between a spotted bass and Alabama Bass?
Sammons added that it is much easier to differentiate between the two fish in person as opposed to a photo. The biologist said Alabama Bass are more brassy, leaner, and have a more pointed head; whereas, spotted bass are greener, fatter, and a blunter head. “But the surest way is size,” Sammons said.
What states have spotted bass?
Spotted bass can be found throughout the central and lower Mississippi basin to the Gulf of Mexico (from Texas to the Florida panhandle), including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and other nearby states where it occurs naturally or has been introduced.
Is spotted bass good to eat?
Finding spotted bass can be the biggest challenge to catching them. “Other than crappie (spotted bass) are the best-eating fish swimming in the lake,” Bacon said. The sweet, flaky white filets are firmer than crappie, and don’t tend to fall apart on a grill – grilling is a great way to cook spots.
Where can I find spotted bass?
They like to hold in and near brush piles and sunken tree tops. Spotted bass like to suspend more than largemouth bass do. You can often locate spotted bass in 40-70 feet deep, especially when the water is clear. My go-to bait under those conditions will be a drop-shot rig.
How can you tell the difference between a largemouth and a spotted bass?
The dorsal fin on a Spotted Bass is clearly connected, with a gentle slope. On a Largemouth, the dorsal fin is separate, or nearly separate. This is probably the most significant distinction between the two species. The side of a Spotted Bass usually has a dark, spotted lateral line.
What is the biggest spotted bass ever caught?
11 pounds, 4 ounces
Dulleck, who caught the record Feb. 12 on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Northern California, is now recognized as the all-tackle world record-holder by the International Game Fish Association. His catch weighed 11 pounds, 4 ounces and beat the previous record (10-6, Timothy R.
What kind of fish is a spotted bass?
The Spotted Bass is a slender fish, streamlined and shaped sunfish much like a Largemouth with the upper jaw extending slightly past the rear margin of the red eye when the mouth is closed. The sides are greenish in color with darker mottling and golden-shaded reflections.
What was the impact of the introduction of the spotted bass?
Impact of Introduction: The Spotted Bass hybridizes with the smallmouth bass when stocked in the smallmouth bass’s native range or when both species are stocked in the same area. Spotted Bass introduced into central Missouri have hybridized with the native smallmouth bass M. dolomieu (Pflieger and Fajen 1970; Pflieger 1975, 1997; Whitmore 1983).
When do spotted bass spawn?
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.
How did they get rid of the spotted bass?
Gill and hand nets were used to remove the majority of the stock, while individuals were caught by spearguns, seine nets and back‐pack electrofishing. The spotted bass was held responsible for a decline in abundance of native fiery redfin ( Pseudobarbus phlegethon (Barnard, 1938)) and Cape galaxias ( Galaxias zebratus Castelnau, 1861).