SPOTTED BASS

The Spotted Bass (often called “spots” or “Kentucky bass”) is a fierce, underrated fighter found in the warm, flowing waters of the South and lower Midwest. Though smaller than the largemouth, they bring attitude to every strike. Their lean, muscular bodies and strong current tolerance make them some of the hardest-fighting bass per inch.

Spotted Bass are often confused with largemouths at first glance, but look closer — their jaw doesn't extend past the eye, their bodies are sleeker, and they’ve got rows of dark spots along their bellies. They love deeper water, faster currents, and rocky drop-offs, thriving where largemouths might not. Lake specialists and river warriors alike love targeting spots for the challenge they bring.

Record Size: 11 lbs

Where to Find Them: Rocky ledges, deep drop-offs, current seams, points, and offshore structure.

5 Mouth-Watering Bass Recipes – Georgia Wildlife Blog 

1. Spotted Bass often school up in deeper water, unlike their loner cousins.
   
   

2. They hybridize with smallmouth in certain areas, creating "Meanmouth" hybrids.
   
   

3. In some clear lakes (like in California), they grow larger than anyone expected!