Spotted Bass Micropterus punctulatus (Rafinesque 1819) collect. Characteristics: The spotted bass is a slender fish with black blotches along the middle of the body; with age, these join to form an irregular band. How To Identify Spotted Bass Prominent rows of horizontal spots or blotches that form a line below the Tooth patch on the tongue. A rectangular tooth patch on the tongue distinguishes these species from largemouth bass. 0000019068 00000 n The Alabama spotted bass was introduced to the state in 1974. The spotted bass gets its name from the numerous dark spots that cover the lower side of its greenish, slender body, below a dark lateral line. Beautiful fish though. 0000015547 00000 n A spotted bass’ looks can certainly be deceiving. 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The body is generally olive green with black spots along the upper back that do not reach the dorsal fin base. The spotted bass gets its name from the numerous dark spots that cover the lower side of its greenish, slender body, below a dark lateral line. Crayfish and immature insects make up the bulk of their diet. Spotted bass also have a tooth patch on the tongue – it’s a dark, roundish blob in the center that feels like sandpaper. trailer <]/Prev 650948/XRefStm 1088>> startxref 0 %%EOF 89 0 obj <>stream The dorsel fin mentioned above and the jaw not hinging behind the eye like the largemouth also mentioned is the best indicators that it's a spot. Popular lures and baits include jigs, crankbaits, spinners, small plastic worms and crayfish. Often con-fused with the largemouth bass, spotted bass have a sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue that largemouths lack and the rear of the jaw does not extend behind the eye as it does in largemouths. However, a portion of largemouth bass also posses the tooth patch. Hwarang_Khan [S] 2 points 52 minutes ago . Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Often confused with the largemouth bass, spotted bass have a sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue that largemouths lack and the rear of the jaw does not extend behind the eye as it does in largemouths. Dorsal fin is probably the best way to distinguish the two. 0000007903 00000 n Spotted bass also have a shallow notch between the dorsal fins. However, 71 is more common. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. PWD LF T3200-086 (7/10) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. Often confused with the largemouth bass , spotted bass have a sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue that largemouths lack and the rear of the jaw does not extend behind the eye as it does in largemouths. Tooth Patch: Another way to distinguish black bass is the presence or absence of a tooth patch on the tongue. Largemouth bass minimum total length of 14 inches. Alabama bass are considered an invasive species in some areas, including Virginia. Nongame Fish . 0000018622 00000 n • Also called “Kentuckies,” or “redeye bass.” 0 0000001088 00000 n Crappie White Crappie: 6 dorsal fin spines Black Crappie: Checkerboard pattern, 7-8 dorsal fin spines • Dorsal fin with 6-8 spines . The spotted bass is a slender fish with black blotches along the middle of the body; with age, these join to form an irregular band. Grow slower than largemouth bass and do not attain as large a size as other black bass. Yellow Bass. 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