Spotted Bass(Micropterus punctulatus)

Quick Facts

  • Other Names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass
  • Size Range: Can grow to a length of 22 inches, but around 12 inches is most common.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Has a firm, white flesh, and often small sizes are preferred for eating.

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 4.88lbs
  • State Record Date: 8/1/1976
  • State Record Holder Vernon Johnson, Jr.

The spotted bass and many of its close relatives are some of the most sought after fish in the world. They live in many types of freshwater lakes, rivers and streams.

They feed on a wide variety of prey including fish, crawfish, frogs, insects and more. They are ambush predators and prefer structures where they lay and wait for prey items to pass within range.

Spotted bass prefer flowing waters and are usually found near cut banks and deep holes in streams and rivers. They are found throughout eastern and central North America and have been introduced in western states to create fishing opportunities.

An extremely diverse array of tackle has been designed to catch bass. Live bait is also popular is some regions, but hard lures, soft baits and spinnerbaits are endless in their variety and methods of use. Topwater lures are hugely popular as the visual aspect of the explosive bite is thrilling. Each fisherman has his own arsenal of favorites, and that is part of the fun.

Louisiana enjoys excellent spotted bass fishing and works hard to manage populations for anglers to enjoy. Many of our states scenic rivers offer quality spotted bass fishing opportunities to kayak and canoe-equipped anglers. Fishery managers want to emphasize that it is okay to keep and eat your limit of bass according to the size and bag limits put in place. Total catch and release is not required to be a conservation-minded angler, as some harvest of certain sizes is good for the fishery and is used as a management tool by the LDWF.

Spotted Bass Rules and Regulations

Size Limit : None
Bag and Possession Limit : 10 daily
Seasons : Finfish
Special Rules : Reference Freshwater Creel & Size Limits for restrictions.
General Info:
Related Habitats:
Other Fin Fish Species: Mahogany Snapper Warmouth Longear Sunfish Flathead Catfish Bonnethead Shark Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Banded Rudderfish Wenchman Snapper
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Related Fishing Methods

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.

Topwater fishing refers to the working of lures that are designed to float on the surface and twitch, splash and swim like a wounded prey. The visual aspect of the bite makes this a very popular way to fish. Most predatory fish will crash a topwater plug at one time or another. Early morning, evening times are traditionally better in freshwater and inshore saltwater fisheries. Offshore for pelagics like tuna, it is more about getting in range of feeding fish and working the lure in the zone. Hang on!