One of the most popular fisheries in the southeastern United States is bass. There are many bass varieties that anglers like to target, and they are nearly all in abundance.  Fishermen enjoy bass fishing for a multitude of reasons. In South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, the spotted bass and white bass are commonly found, but what is the difference between the two. Let’s take a look at spotted bass vs white bass.

Why Do Anglers Target Spotted Bass and White Bass

Anglers target spotted bass and white bass because of their game qualities. They both aggressively strike baits and are tough fighters when hooked. Either bass will also eat a wide variety of lure options and live bait presentations. 

Are White Bass And Spotted Bass Good To Eat

When looking at the difference between spotted bass vs. white bass, one of the main questions is whether or not the fish are good to eat. The second major reason that anglers target spotted bass and white bass are because they make excellent table fare.

White bass fillets are mild and firm, which is why the answer is yes to are white bass good to eat? While spotted bass fillets are mild and have more fine flakes when cooked. Each bass species is highly versatile and can be cooked in many different ways. 

What Is a Spotted Bass

The spotted bass is very similar to largemouth bass and can often be confused. However, they are much different when comparing white bass vs largemouth bass. This variety can be found in many different bodies of water throughout the southeast.

How To Identify a Spotted Bass

The closest species to differentiate from will be the largemouth vs spotted bass but look for these specific markings on spotted bass. The first and second dorsal fin are not separated but instead attached. Where the second dorsal fin and the body meet, scales will be present. Lastly, they have a rectangular tooth patch.

You will have no issue distinguishing a spotted bass vs striped bass if you catch one versus the other.

What Is The Range Of A Spotted Bass

The Spotted bass is primarily found in the southeast and through the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Some spotted bass venture as far north as Ohio and Indiana. Recently, spotted bass has been stocked in western states. 

Spotted Bass Habitat

Surprisingly, spotted bass does not prefer lake waters like many bass species. Instead, the spotted bass prefers rivers of all sizes that are clear and have minimal flow. Spotted bass tends to spend most of their time around rock and gravel bottoms or structures like docks. When comparing the spotted bass vs largemouth bass, the habitat is significantly different.

What Do Spotted Bass Eat

The diet of a spotted bass consists of insects, crayfish, and bait-sized fish. 

How Do You Catch Spotted Bass

When fishing for spotted bass, they can be caught in similar ways to largemouth bass. The techniques for spotted bass vs largemouth fishing are nearly identical except for the habitat in which you find them Bring along light tackle and cast lures such as spinners, plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Mix them up until you find what’s workings.

Another option is live bait. Tip the hook with a crawfish, baitfish, or worm and send it to the bottom or beneath a float. 

What Is a White Bass

White bass is very similar to that of a hybrid striped bass or a striped bass. Key markings can help differentiate between white bass vs. striped bass.

How To Identify a White Bass

The white bass is silver-like in appearance except for the black lines that run horizontally. Take a close look at the eyes. The eyes of white bass are yellow in color. Behind the head and before the dorsal fins is a raised area on the top, which some consider being a hunch back. Look for the hunched back of white bass along with a single tooth patch. 

To avoid confusion of the striped bass vs white bass, the white bass does not grow nearly as large in size. Striped bass is skinnier, longer, and heavier.

What Is The Range Of A White Bass

If you’re in search of white bass in the United States, they can be found almost anywhere except the West. White bass are out west but extend as far as Texas and New Mexico. East of Texas, many lakes, ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water will hold white bass. Moving north, they are common through the great lakes and many portions of Canada. 

White Bass Habitat

When it comes to finding white bass, they are common in almost any body of water except for muddy water and weeds. White bass is caught in rivers with slow currents, ponds, and lakes.  Look for trees, rocky areas, or any other structure to find white bass. 

What Do White Bass Eat

The diet of white bass is primarily fish. They consume shad, silversides, and sunfish.

How Do You Catch White Bass

The white bass will eat the same type of lures and baits as the spotted bass. Again, use light tackle and cast jigs, crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinners. 

Floating live bait or sinking it to the bottom is a second option, such as nightcrawlers or minnows. Salted minnows can also do the trick. 

So You’re Ready To Fish For White and Spotted Bass

Fortunately, It won’t be hard to tell the difference between a white bass vs. spotted bass if caught during the same fishing trip. However, remember to avoid confusing white bass vs striped bass. Both the white and spotted bass will readily strike the same baits, so you won’t have to adjust to catch one or the other. If you plan to keep white bass or spotted bass, check local regulations and licensing requirements.