Both the largemouth bass and spotted bass call North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia home. They were introduced to the lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in these three states. The spotted bass and largemouth bass are excellent sportfish, and as a result, they are highly targeted by anglers. What is the difference between a spotted bass vs. largemouth bass.

Fishing for Largemouth vs. Spotted Bass

Fortunately, the largemouth bass and the spotted bass are caught using the same rods, reels, baits, and lures. Therefore, you won’t find much difference between spotted bass and largemouth fishing. For the most part, both types of bass prefer to spend time around structure, so anglers should look for grassy areas, docks, submerged trees, rocks, and any other underwater habitat.

When it comes to a rod and reel combination targeting largemouth bass vs spotted bass, a seven-foot setup is ideal. Utilize medium-weight rods that are firm enough for solid hooksets. Using a thirty-pound braid is perfect for pulling bass away from structures without worry about breaking the fish off. This setup will be effective for both spotted bass and largemouth bass.

Eating Spotted Bass versus Largemouth Bass

Some members of the bass family make for excellent table fare. When It comes to spotted bass and largemouth bass, each has its own unique taste and texture. Here is the difference in eating quality between spotted bass vs largemouth bass.

Largemouth Bass Fillets

The largemouth bass can grow large and yield substantial amounts of meat in each fillet. Despite the size of the fillets, they are not considered suitable to eat by most. When cooked and served, the flesh is firm in texture but often takes on a muddy flavor. The largemouth bass is best to release to enjoy fighting another day.

Spotted Bass Fillets

Unlike the largemouth bass, the spotted bass makes excellent table fare. The fillets are much higher in quality because they prefer clear waters, so they do not take on a muddy taste. Spotted bass flesh is white and mild; therefore, it can be cooked in various ways. Some of the most popular cooking methods include frying and grilling.

When grilling spotted bass, we recommend placing the fish in foil so it does not flake apart and fall into the grill. The top of the foil can remain open during the cooking process to more easily determine when it is ready.

When ever you are preparing fish, avoid overcooking the fillets. Overcooked fish fillets become dry compared to moist and flavorful.

Difference Between Largemouth And Spotted Bass Fishing Techniques

When it comes to fishing for spotted bass vs. largemouth, the two fish have unique preferences in baits and habitat. Read the tips when targeting largemouth vs spotted to better improve the chances of catching both types of bass.

Four Tips for Catching Spotted Bass

  1. Spotted bass prefers clear water. Fish in areas with the highest water clarity
  2. Unlike largemouth bass, spotted bass have higher populations in areas with flowing water
  3. Target areas with rocky bottoms
  4. The spotted bass does not feed as aggressively, so continue to cast in areas where one has been caught.

Four Tips For Catching Largemouth Bass

  1. Largemouth vs spotted bass the largemouth tends to live in areas with weeds, use weedless hooks
  2. When using soft plastics, watch the line. When a fish is on the line will move sideways in the water
  3. Set the hook hard. Largemouth bass may hold the bait in their mouth, but the hook needs to be set firmly
  4. Cast topwater lures. It is hard to beat a largemouth bass hitting a bait at the surface of the water

 

Spotted Bass versus Largemouth Bass: Which Should I Try And Catch?

When choosing between targeting spotted vs largemouth bass, you are more likely to encounter largemouth bass because they are more abundant.

The difference between spotted and largemouth bass beyond the population sizes is that both types of bass are caught similarly, so you may have a mixed bag of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Keep in mind that spotted bass is more common in areas with clear moving water. If you’re only looking for spotted bass, keep an eye out for clear moving water as this is the preferred habitat.

In regards to the size of spotted bass vs largemouth the largemouth bass typically grows larger than the spotted bass. Because of the size, you should try to catch largemouth bass for a better fight and because largemouth are more aggressive feeders. Head out bass fishing in your area or while on vacation.