How To Catch Spotted Bass

Spotted bass is an excellent fighter and moves from one area to another depending on the spawning season and the regular weather seasons. Anglers use different methods depending on where spotted bass are in the water column to catch them. Some of the fishing methods used by anglers are explained below.

1. Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging is a productive technique for catching spotted bass, particularly in deeper waters or areas with vertical structures such as drop-offs or submerged ledges. Anglers use heavy jigs or spoons that can be dropped straight down to the desired depth where spotted bass are holding.

By jigging the bait up and down vertically, anglers can entice strikes from spotted bass by mimicking the movements of prey fish or crayfish. Vertical jigging requires precise boat control and depth monitoring to effectively target spotted bass in their preferred habitat.

Anglers can vary the jigging action and speed until finding what triggers the most strikes from spotted bass. For more information on vertical jigging techniques for catching spotted bass, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Link to GADNR Spotted Bass Fishing Tips.

2. Drop-Shotting

Drop shotting is a finesse technique that can be highly effective for catching spotted bass, particularly in clear water or when fish are holding in deeper areas with sparse cover. Anglers rig a soft plastic bait, such as a finesse worm or minnow imitator, on a specialized drop shot rig with the hook positioned above a sinker.

The bait is presented vertically below the boat, with the sinker resting on the bottom and the bait suspended above. Anglers use subtle rod movements to impart action to the bait, enticing strikes from spotted bass. Drop shotting allows anglers to present the bait at a precise depth and keep it in the strike zone for extended periods, making it an excellent choice for targeting finicky or deep-holding spotted bass.

For more information on drop-shotting techniques for catching spotted bass, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Link to CDFW Spotted Bass Fishing Techniques.

3. Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is a reliable and effective method for catching spotted bass, particularly when targeting these fish in deeper waters or around submerged structures such as rocks, ledges, or drop-offs. Anglers typically use natural baits such as live minnows, nightcrawlers, or crayfish rigged on a hook and presented near the bottom of the water column where spotted bass frequently forage for food.

To bottom fish for spotted bass, anglers should locate areas with promising structures using fishfinders or by studying underwater topography maps. Once in the targeted area, anglers can anchor their boat or drift slowly while keeping the bait in contact with the bottom. Using a sensitive rod and paying close attention to subtle bites are crucial for detecting strikes from spotted bass, as they may feed with a light tap or take the bait without much fanfare.

Patience and persistence are key when bottom fishing for spotted bass, as these fish can be selective and may require some experimentation with bait presentation and location to find what triggers the most strikes. For more tips on how to catch spotted bass using bottom fishing techniques, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Link to ADCNR Spotted Bass Fishing Tips.

4. Casting

Casting is a widely used method for catching spotted bass, especially in shallow waters near structures like rocks, docks, or fallen trees where these fish often lurk. Anglers typically use a variety of lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics to mimic the movements of prey and entice strikes from spotted bass.

To cast effectively for spotted bass, anglers should focus on accurate casting near cover and structure and vary their retrieve speed to find what triggers the most strikes. The key to success when casting for spotted bass is to present the lure in areas where these fish are likely to be holding and to experiment with different lure types and presentations until finding what works best.

For more information on casting techniques for catching spotted bass, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Link to TWRA Spotted Bass Fishing Guide.

Best Baits For Spotted Bass

Crayfish

Crayfish serve as an excellent bait choice for anglers targeting spotted bass, as these freshwater crustaceans are a natural part of the bass’s diet. To effectively use crayfish as bait for catching spotted bass, anglers should rig them on a hook using methods such as threading the hook through the tail or clipping off the claws to prevent the crayfish from burying itself in cover.

Once rigged, anglers can present the crayfish near rocky structures, submerged logs, or drop-offs where spotted bass are likely to be holding. When fishing with crayfish, it’s essential to use light tackle and finesse techniques, as spotted bass may be sensitive to overly aggressive presentations. Anglers can employ methods such as slow retrieves or subtle rod movements to mimic the natural movements of crayfish and entice strikes from spotted bass.

Additionally, varying the size and color of the crayfish bait can help match the hatch and increase the likelihood of success. For more tips on how to catch spotted bass using crayfish as bait, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Link to TPWD Spotted Bass Fishing Techniques.

2. Small fish

Small fish, such as shad, minnows, or sunfish, are highly effective bait options for anglers targeting spotted bass. These baitfish closely resemble the natural prey of spotted bass and can entice aggressive strikes when presented properly. To catch spotted bass using small fish as bait, anglers can rig them on a hook through the lips, back, or tail, depending on the size and species of the baitfish.

Anglers should aim to present the baitfish near structure-rich areas, such as rocky outcrops, fallen trees, or submerged vegetation, where spotted bass often lurk in search of food. When fishing with small fish, it’s essential to use tackle and rigs appropriate for the size of the baitfish and the targeted fish species.

Anglers can employ techniques such as slow retrieves, jerking motions, or trolling to mimic the natural movements of injured or fleeing baitfish and trigger strikes from spotted bass. Additionally, anglers should pay attention to the water temperature and time of day, as spotted bass may be more active during certain periods.

For more tips on how to catch spotted bass using small fish as bait, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Link to CDFW Spotted Bass Fishing Tips.

3. Aquatic Insects

Aquatic insects serve as a natural and effective bait choice for anglers targeting spotted bass in freshwater environments. These insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, or damselflies, are abundant in many bodies of water and represent a primary food source for spotted bass. To catch spotted bass using aquatic insects as bait, anglers can employ various techniques such as fly fishing, nymphing, or using small imitation insect lures.

Fly fishing with lightweight tackle and delicate presentations allows anglers to mimic the natural movements of aquatic insects and entice strikes from spotted bass. Nymphing involves presenting artificial insect imitations below the water’s surface using specialized rigs and techniques, effectively targeting spotted bass holding near the bottom.

Using small insect lures, such as nymphs, dry flies, or emergers, anglers can cast near vegetation, overhangs, or other areas where aquatic insects are likely to be abundant. It’s essential to match the hatch by selecting bait that closely resembles the insects present in the waterbody and adjusting presentation techniques based on fish behavior and feeding patterns.

For more tips on how to catch spotted bass using aquatic insects as bait, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Link to TWRA Spotted Bass Fishing Guide.

4. Herring

Herring can be an effective bait option for anglers targeting spotted bass in freshwater environments. These baitfish closely resemble the natural prey of spotted bass and can entice strikes when presented properly. To catch spotted bass using herring as bait, anglers typically rig them on a hook through the lips, back, or tail, depending on the size of the herring and the desired presentation.

When fishing with herring, it’s essential to use tackle and rigs appropriate for the size of the baitfish and the targeted fish species. Anglers often present herring near structure-rich areas, such as submerged logs, rocky outcrops, or drop-offs, where spotted bass are likely to be held in search of food. Employing techniques such as slow retrieves, jerking motions, or trolling can mimic the natural movements of injured or fleeing baitfish and trigger strikes from spotted bass.

Additionally, anglers should pay attention to the water temperature and time of day, as spotted bass may be more active during certain periods. It’s also crucial to handle herring properly to maintain their freshness and appeal to fish. For more tips on how to catch spotted bass using herring as bait, anglers can consult resources provided by state fish and wildlife agencies, such as this guide from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Link to GADNR Spotted Bass Fishing Tips.

Best Lures For Spotted Bass

Jigs

Jigs are versatile and effective lures for targeting spotted bass in a variety of freshwater environments. These compact, weighted lures can be rigged with soft plastic trailers or natural bait to mimic the appearance and movement of prey fish, crayfish, or aquatic insects. Anglers can use jigs to target spotted bass in shallow waters near structures like rocks, docks, or fallen trees, as well as in deeper areas with submerged cover such as ledges or drop-offs.

When fishing with jigs for spotted bass, anglers should vary their presentation by adjusting the retrieve speed, jigging action, and depth to find what triggers the most strikes. Slow, subtle movements are often effective, especially when targeting finicky or inactive fish.

Additionally, anglers can experiment with different jig colors, sizes, and trailer combinations to match the prevailing conditions and fish preferences. It’s essential to maintain contact with the bottom and pay attention to subtle bites, as spotted bass may strike jigs with a light tap or pick them up without much fanfare. Overall, jigs offer anglers a versatile and reliable option for catching spotted bass in a wide range of situations.

2. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are highly effective lures for targeting spotted bass in various freshwater environments. These hard-bodied lures feature a diving lip that allows them to dive to specific depths, making them ideal for exploring different parts of the water column where spotted bass may be holding. Anglers can choose from a wide range of crankbait designs, including shallow-diving, medium-diving, and deep-diving models, to match the depth and structure of the fishing area.

When fishing with crankbaits for spotted bass, anglers can employ a steady retrieve or use a stop-and-go technique to mimic the erratic movements of injured baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from spotted bass. It’s essential to vary the speed and cadence of the retrieve to find what the fish are responding to best.

Additionally, anglers should experiment with different crankbait colors and patterns to match the prevailing conditions and the natural forage in the area. Crankbaits are particularly effective when targeting active, aggressive fish or covering large areas of water to locate schools of spotted bass. Overall, crankbaits offer anglers a versatile and efficient option for catching spotted bass in a variety of situations.

3. Spinners

Spinners are popular and effective lures for targeting spotted bass in freshwater environments. These lures consist of a metal blade or blades that spin around a wire shaft, creating vibration and flash that mimics the appearance and movement of baitfish or other prey. Anglers can choose from a variety of spinner designs, including inline spinners, spinnerbaits, and spinner spoons, each offering unique advantages in different fishing situations.

When fishing with spinners for spotted bass, anglers can cast them out and retrieve them at a steady pace, varying the speed and depth to find what triggers strikes from the fish. Additionally, anglers can experiment with different spinner blade sizes, shapes, and colors to match the prevailing conditions and the natural forage in the area.

Spinners are particularly effective when fishing in shallow waters near cover such as rocks, docks, or vegetation, where spotted bass often feed aggressively. It’s essential to use light to medium spinning tackle when fishing with spinners and to maintain tension on the line to detect subtle strikes from spotted bass. Overall, spinners offer anglers a versatile and reliable option for catching spotted bass in a variety of fishing situations.

4. Small Plastic Worms

Small plastic worms are highly effective lures for targeting spotted bass in freshwater environments. These soft plastic baits closely resemble the natural prey of spotted bass, such as worms, leeches, or small baitfish, and can be rigged in various ways to imitate different types of forage. Anglers typically rig small plastic worms on a jig head, Texas rig, Carolina rig, or drop shot rig, depending on the fishing conditions and the desired presentation.

When fishing with small plastic worms for spotted bass, anglers can employ a variety of techniques, including casting, pitching, flipping, or dragging the bait along the bottom. Slow, subtle movements are often effective, especially when targeting finicky or inactive fish. Additionally, anglers can experiment with different worm colors, sizes, and tail designs to match the prevailing conditions and fish preferences.

Small plastic worms are particularly effective when fishing in areas with submerged cover such as rocks, logs, or vegetation, where spotted bass are likely to be held in search of food. It’s essential to use light to medium spinning or baitcasting tackle when fishing with small plastic worms and to pay close attention to line tension and bites to detect strikes from spotted bass. Overall, small plastic worms offer anglers a versatile and reliable option for catching spotted bass in a wide range of fishing situations.

5. Swimbaits

Swimbaits are highly effective lures for targeting spotted bass in freshwater environments. These soft plastic lures mimic the appearance and swimming action of baitfish, making them irresistible to predatory fish like spotted bass. Swimbaits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing anglers to match the prevailing conditions and the natural forage in the area.

When fishing with swimbaits for spotted bass, anglers can employ a steady retrieve or a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic the erratic movements of injured or fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from spotted bass. Additionally, anglers can experiment with different swimbait styles, including paddle tails, boot tails, or jointed bodies, to find what the fish are responding to best.

Swimbaits are particularly effective when fishing in open water or along the edges of submerged structures such as weed beds, drop-offs, or points, where spotted bass are likely to be actively feeding. It’s essential to use light to medium spinning or baitcasting tackle when fishing with swimbaits and to vary the retrieve speed and depth to find where the fish are holding. Overall, swimbaits offer anglers a versatile and lifelike option for catching spotted bass in a variety of fishing situations.

How To Catch Spotted Bass In Summer

When fishing for spotted bass in the summer, anglers target deep water around humps, points, and underwater islands where you will find herring. Spotted bass will be in that area hunting down herring. Additionally, using a flashy lure near the surface of the water will get the attention of big spotted bass.

How To Catch Spotted Bass In the Winter

When fishing for spotted bass in the winter, they are often found in deep waters and anglers use different fishing methods like vertical jigging a 3/4-ounce spoon or drop-shooting a finesse worm.

How To Catch Spotted Bass In the Fall

Spotted bass don’t like cold extremes and as the temperature starts to change, they will move into deeper water. When fishing for spotted bass in the fall, look for them in water depths ranging from 20 to 30 feet.

Look for rock slides along bluff banks, transitions from bluffs to shorelines and cover like fallen trees or boulders. Jigging spoons, worms, and grubs are used by anglers to target spotted bass in the fall.

How To Catch Spotted Bass In Spring

During the spring, spotted bass will be found in water with depths ranging from 2 feet to 10 feet. They will be in areas with rock and gravel points, manmade brush piles, and along creek channels. Spotted bass will move from the main river and go into sloughs and side channels. Anglers usually target them with artificial lures such as ringworms, straight-tail worms, and drop-shot rigs.

How To Catch Spotted Bass On Lake Lanier

When fishing for spotted bass on Lake Lanier during the winter, they will be found 25 to 40 feet in the water along creek channels that are lined with timber. Vertical jigging can be used to target them with a 3/4-ounce slab spoon or drop-shooting a finesse worm.

Additionally, you can also target spotted bass at night on Lake Lanier. They roam the lake in search of food and drop their guard as the fishing pressure is reduced.

Spotted Bass vs Largemouth Bass

Characteristic	Spotted Bass	Largemouth Bass
Size	Smaller then largemouth bass	Larger than spotted bass
Population	Smaller than largemouth bass	Larger than spotted bass
Scales	Has scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin	No scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin
Mouth	Smaller mouth	Larger mouth than spotted bass
Habitat	Found in areas with more current than where largemouth bass is found	Found in areas with less current than where spotted bass is found
Growth	Grows slower than largemouth bass	Grows faster than spotted bass
Schooling	More of a schooling fish than largemouth bass	Less of a schooling fish than spotted bass

Spotted Bass Fishing Tips

Spotted bass spawn during the spring when the water temperature is in the range of 60 to 65 degrees.

2. Spotted bass is a strong fighter when caught.

3. You can use topwater poppers, walking plugs, and prop baits to catch spotted bass during the post-spawn or early summer.

4. When learning how to catch spotted bass, look for rocky banks in most areas. They often can be found along bluff ends, cedars, and timber on main lake points during the winter months.

5. Spotted bass like small to medium streams and rivers that have clear, slow-moving water with gravel or rock bottoms, or clear lakes.

6. Spotted bass also likes to be close to cover like logs, submerged structures, and stumps for protection from predators.

7. Drop-shot finesse worms or swim a plastic grub along bluff ends or long tapering points when spotted bass go deeper into the water.

8. Before spawning begins, you can target spotted bass that is under docks close to deep water using shaky head worms.

9. Use crawfish-color crankbaits 3 to 6 feet deep when they move to rocky points.

10. Drop-shot rigs work well for spotted bass that are in deep waters.

11. Night fishing for spotted bass during the summer also works well. Spotted bass are less cautious at night and easily leave their cover during the night to feed.

12. Worms, grubs, and small jigs work well around structures.

13. The best time of the year to target big spotted bass is the beginning months when they are at their heaviest weight.

14. As a schooling fish, spotted bass will usually be in a school when they feed. And the competition to get the bait first will work to your advantage.

15. Vertical jigging, drop-shotting, bottom bouncing, and bottom fishing are some of the methods used by anglers to catch spotted bass.

The Bottom Line

Spotted bass are not as numerous as largemouth bass but will fight hard when caught. They tend to move into shallow waters for spawning and into deeper waters as the temperature drops. Anglers use baits and lures when fishing for spotted bass by implementing fishing methods such as vertical jigging, drop-shotting, bottom bouncing, and bottom fishing.

In this article, we shared information about how to catch spotted bass to help you improve your chances of catching this hard-fighting member of the sunfish family. If you fish for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, you can read how to catch largemouth bass, how to catch yellow bass, and how to catch smallmouth bass.