Spotted bass

[Adam Grace]

Wow, I am really starting to appreciate spotted bass. After two trips to Lake Oroville and catching a few I have gained more respect for these bass.

I used a conventional rod due to wrist problems. I will try the spots with a fly once I learn how to properly find the fish with my conventional rod, blind casting for hours is very tough on my wrist right now.

I believe that they fight way better than largemouths, but not as hard as smallmouth!

Do any of you guys have experience catching spots?

[sculpin]

Great report Adam. It will be interesting to read the responses to your questions. I don't even know what a Spotted Bass looks like but I hear rumors the bass guys are hauling them north.

Mark

[Ed Wahl]

Adam, I'll second that. Caught my first Spotteds this year and was very impressed with them. ED

[Rich Owings]

Adam, Spots do fight harder no doubt. You can catch them on most any bass fly. My favorite for all bass are clones of Jay's Sea Habits, I actually tie some to look like juvenile bass.
We fish some of the reserviors in Amador and Calaveras counties, the Spots tend to like rocky structure in our area.
Have fun!!!
RICH

[Adam Grace]

Sculpin, they look like largemouths but their lateral lines are more spotted/blotchy, and they are spotted above the lateral line - hence the name.

Characteristics - slender, streamlined shape, large mouth that extends slightly past rear margin of eye when closed; greenish sides with dark mottlings and golden-shaded reflections; broad dark stripe along side, but more broken and uneven than on largemouth bass

[Hairstacker]

I think they are at times a very striking looking fish -- here's a couple David Lee caught that are particularly well-marked:

[MSP]

Adam, I know they eat black buggers!



But I usually throw Sticko's at em. My dark side is really starting to emerge!

[Hairstacker]

Whoa, nice bass Mike!

[SullyTM]

MSP with a fish in his hand?

[sculpin]

Adam
Thanks for the pictures and descriptions of Spotted Bass. Like I posted before, Jonny Bass Seed is spreading Spots around our area. It shouldn't be long before I get to see one.

Mark