Shoal bass in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Micropterus cataractae
Overview
Although historically found in the apalachicola river, habitat degradation has all but eliminated shoal bass from the river proper. Very limited numbers of shoal bass can be found just downstream from jim woodruff dam, where a few "shoal" type habitats still remain. The best destination to catch shoal bass in Florida is the chipola river.
Typical size
Big catch minimum: 16 inches or 2 lbs
At a glance
- Regions
- Panhandle
- Water
- Freshwater
- Bait
- Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits & and small crankbaits also work well.
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 5 lb 15 oz
- Length
- 22.4 in (1.87 ft)
- Location
- Chipola river, calhoun
- Date
- Nov 18, 2017
- Angler
- Sheldon grace
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
5.95 lb; 22.4 in; by sheldon grace; on 11/18/2017; at chipola river, calhoun
When to fish
Good months
January–december
Season notes
Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Panhandle
Water
Freshwater
Habitat
Although historically found in the apalachicola river, habitat degradation has all but eliminated shoal bass from the river proper. Very limited numbers of shoal bass can be found just downstream from jim woodruff dam, where a few "shoal" type habitats still remain. The best destination to catch shoal bass in Florida is the chipola river.
How to catch
To catch shoal bass, fish near the "shoal" areas using medium action tackle with 8 to 12 pound test line. Soft plastic crawfish imitation lures and grubs are good choices. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and small crankbaits also work well. Spring and fall are the best times to fish for shoal bass, but fishing can also be good throughout the summer months. Although not as popular as its largemouth cousin, shoal bass are pound-for-pound one of the top fighters in the black bass family. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.
Bait
Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits & and small crankbaits also work well.
Lures
Soft plastic crawfish imitation lures and grubs are good choices.
Videos
- How to LOSE your PB shoal BASS · Open original
- Restoring florida’s shoal bass population: Post-Hurricane michael · Open original
- Chasing world record shoal BASS (world class fishing) - presented by realtree fishing · Open original
- Flint river shoal bass - july · Open original
- Peppa's real life adventure into space! 🚀 watch the moment peppa blas... · Open original
- You say it one way, peppa and elmo say it another 😂 it’s the cutest p... · Open original
- Video from tiktok.com (source title unavailable) · Open original
- Video from tiktok.com (source title unavailable) · Open original
Sources
- Myfwc.com (3 pages)
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.