The spotted bass-filled north Georgia reservoirs are a sure sign that spring has sprung in Georgia. As spawning continues and spots move into warmer waters, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) suggests anglers target lakes Lanier, Nottely, Chatuge, Burton, Carters and Allatoona for superior spotted bass fishing.

"Fishing for spotted bass is an exciting challenge for anglers because they are such strong fighters for their size," says WRD Fisheries Biologist Reggie Weaver. "Their cooperative nature to aggressively take artificial and natural baits throughout the year attracts many bass anglers to these north Georgia impoundments."

As one of the "black bass" members of the sunfish family, spotted bass are often confused with close cousins, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spots are easily distinguishable though, donning evenly arranged black spots in alternating rows below the dark lateral line and a distinctive patch of teeth on the base of the tongue.

Georgia's life span for spotted bass averages about eight years. Anglers typically expect an average weight of 1-½ lbs. for spots 3 - 4 years of age. However, an abundance of Lake Lanier spots weighing in at more than 2 lbs. is currently at an all-time high. The state record holder, Wayne Holland, caught an 8 lb. 2 oz. spotted bass from Lake Burton in 2005.

Lake Lanier's deep, clear waters and steep rocky shoreline make the 38,000-acre Corps of Engineers (COE) impoundment a prime aquatic habitat for spotted bass spawning and survival. In fact, Lake Lanier spots outnumber Lake Lanier largemouths nine to one. The recommended areas for catching spotted bass on Lanier are the lower and mid lake sections, including the major tributary creeks.

The key angling technique for spotted bass fishing is locating schools of threadfin shad and blueback herring - favorite spotted bass meals. According to WRD biologists, anglers can improve their odds by using artificial baits that imitate shad and herring. Shallow running and topwater lures are also suggested as they are especially productive during the spawning period of March - June. Jigs and plastic worms fished at greater depths (10 to 40 ft) are preferred deepwater bass lures during summer and fall months.

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