Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
Often overshadowed by its largemouth cousin, the spotted bass is a fierce fighter found throughout the Southeast, Ozarks, and into the lower Midwest. Spots thrive in clear, rocky reservoirs and flowing rivers where they occupy deeper structure than largemouth bass. Tournament anglers increasingly target spots for their willingness to bite in tough conditions and their pound-for-pound fighting ability.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- drop-shotting
- shaky head jigs
- jerkbait fishing
- small crankbaits
- ned rigs
Top Baits
- finesse worms
- small crankbaits
- jerkbaits
- crawfish imitations
- grubs
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Spotted Bass, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Alabama 1 zone
Combined 10 black bass daily limit. Spotted bass are very common in Alabama reservoirs and streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: outdooralabama.com
Arkansas 1 zone
Minimum length 14 inches. Combined with other black bass for daily bag of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: agfc.com
California 1 zone
Same regulations as largemouth and smallmouth bass. Combined daily bag limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.ca.gov
Florida 1 zone
Minimum size 12 inches. Included in black bass aggregate limit of 5 per day.
Effective 2025 · Source: myfwc.com
Georgia 1 zone
Minimum size 12 inches. Included in black bass aggregate daily limit of 10.
Effective 2025 · Source: georgiawildlife.com
Kansas 1 zone
Minimum length 15 inches. Combined black bass daily bag of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: ksoutdoors.com
Kentucky 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: fw.ky.gov
Louisiana 1 zone
Combined with largemouth bass for daily bag limit of 10. Minimum 14 inches.
Effective 2025 · Source: wlf.louisiana.gov
Mississippi 1 zone
Combined 10 bass daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdwfp.com
Missouri 1 zone
Minimum length 15 inches. Combined black bass daily bag of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdc.mo.gov
North Carolina 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: ncwildlife.org
Oklahoma 1 zone
Combined 6 black bass daily limit. Spotted bass common in eastern Oklahoma streams and reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlifedepartment.com
South Carolina 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.sc.gov
Tennessee 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: tn.gov
Texas 1 zone
Combined daily bag of 5 with other black bass species. Minimum 14 inches.
Effective 2025 · Source: tpwd.texas.gov
Virginia 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov
West Virginia 1 zone
Included in black bass aggregate limit of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: wvdnr.gov
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