Shoal bass

US fish and state coverage

Micropterus cataractae

A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.

Peak months
Typical depth
Typical size
Catch minimum
16 inches or 2 lb
National record

See state records · Browse all fishing records

Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.

Overview

Habitat summary
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.
Diet
eat crustaceans (crayfish) but will also eat a variety of fish and insects.
Aliases
Redeye Bass
Water type
freshwater

When to fish

Good months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Seasonality
Spring and Fall are the best times to fish for shoal bass, but fishing can also be good throughout the summer months.

Where to fish

Habitat summary
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.
Habitat zone
freshwater
Fishing zone
freshwater

How to catch

Techniques
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 & lures

Preferred bait
Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and small crankbaits also work well.
Preferred lures
Soft plastic crawfish imitation lures and grubs are good choices.

Size

Catch minimum (source context, not current legal advice)
16 inches or 2 lb

Records

Recorded catches retain their source scope; state and world catches are not national records.

state record evidence

Source context: Florida

Record type
florida state
Record weight lb
5.95
Record length in
22.4
Record location
Chipola River, Calhoun
Record date
11/18/2017
Record angler
Sheldon Grace
Record catch text
5.95 lb; 22.4 in; by Sheldon Grace; on 11/18/2017; at Chipola River, Calhoun

Browse sourced catches for this species

Related states & places

Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.

Source-linked directories

Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.

Boat ramps — Florida

Selected examples from 357 source-linked directory records.

Browse the Florida boat ramps directory

Bait shops — Florida

Selected examples from 97 source-linked city-context records.

Browse the Florida bait shops directory

Fishing creators — Florida

Selected examples from 21 source-linked directory records.

Browse the Florida fishing creators directory

Related species

Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.

Source evidence by state

Florida

State guide · State species

common name local
Shoal Bass
scientific name local
Micropterus cataractae
water type local
freshwater
enrichment status
enriched
waterbodies
Apalachicola River · Chipola River
geo regions fl
Panhandle
range precision
waterbody
record catch text
5.95 lb; 22.4 in; by Sheldon Grace; on 11/18/2017; at Chipola River, Calhoun

Legacy Florida source profiles

LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.