Spotted bass, a popular freshwater fish species, are widely recognized by anglers. These fish are appreciated for their fighting ability and are often targeted in various fishing environments. Understanding their specific features helps distinguish them from other similar species.
Spotted Bass Eye Color
Spotted bass do not typically have red eyes. Their eyes are usually golden, brownish, or dark. While some may show a reddish tint, especially under certain lighting or water conditions, this is not a consistent identification mark. Other black bass, like smallmouth and redeye bass, are more commonly associated with red eyes. Relying on eye color alone can lead to misidentification.
Key Identification Marks
Several physical characteristics distinguish spotted bass from similar species. A prominent feature is distinct rows of dark spots or blotches along their lower sides, beneath the lateral line, which gives them their common name. These spots often form horizontal streaks or diamond-shaped patterns.
Their dorsal fin is clearly connected with only a shallow notch between its spiny and soft portions. This contrasts with largemouth bass, which typically have a more deeply notched or nearly separated dorsal fin. Their upper jaw does not extend past the rear margin of the eye when closed. This differs from largemouth bass, whose jaw extends noticeably beyond the eye.
A distinctive feature is a rough, sandpaper-like tooth patch on their tongue. While some largemouth bass can occasionally have a small tooth patch, it is a consistent and more pronounced feature in spotted bass. Scales on their cheeks are also noticeably smaller than those on the rest of the body. Their overall body coloration is typically olive-green with darker mottling and a white underside, though coloration can vary based on water conditions and geographic location.
Where Spotted Bass Are Found
Spotted bass are native to a significant portion of North America, inhabiting the Mississippi River basin and extending across the Gulf states, from central Texas to the Florida panhandle. Their native range also includes the Ohio River basin.
They are commonly found in areas with moderate water current, unlike largemouth bass that prefer stiller waters. Spotted bass typically inhabit small to large flowing streams, rivers, and reservoirs. They congregate around submerged structures like aquatic vegetation, logs, rocks, or riprap walls. While they can tolerate clear to moderately turbid waters, they are often found in deeper sections of reservoirs.