Spotted bass

US fish and state coverage

Micropterus punctulatus

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
They prefer small to medium streams and rivers with clear, slow-moving water, and gravel or rock bottoms. Seldom found in natural lakes, and they do not enter brackish water.
Water type
freshwater

When to fish

Good months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec

Where to fish

Habitat summary
They prefer small to medium streams and rivers with clear, slow-moving water, and gravel or rock bottoms. Seldom found in natural lakes, and they do not enter brackish water.
Habitat zone
freshwater
Fishing zone
freshwater

How to catch

Techniques
Strong fighters when caught on light tackle. Popular lures and baits include jigs, crankbaits, spinners, small plastic worms and crayfish. Image Credit: © Duane Raver, Jr.

Bait & lures

Preferred bait
Popular lures and baits include jigs, crankbaits, spinners, small plastic worms and crayfish.
Preferred lures
Popular lures and baits include jigs, crankbaits, spinners, small plastic worms and crayfish.

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
3.93
Record length in
18.25
Record location
Apalachicola River, Gulf County
Record date
6/28/2025
Record angler
Joe Durden
Record catch text
3.93 lb; 18.25 in; by Joe Durden; on 6/28/2025; at Apalachicola River, Gulf County

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 360 source-linked directory records.

Browse the Florida boat ramps directory

Bait shops — Florida

Selected examples from 112 source-linked city-context records.

Browse the Florida bait shops directory

Fishing creators — Florida

Selected examples from 20 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
Spotted Bass
scientific name local
Micropterus punctulatus
water type local
freshwater
enrichment status
enriched
waterbodies
Choctawhatchee River · Apalachicola River · Yellow River
geo regions fl
Panhandle
range precision
region
record catch text
3.93 lb; 18.25 in; by Joe Durden; on 6/28/2025; at Apalachicola River, Gulf County

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.