Spotted Bass

Shellman, Georgia, while perhaps not the first place that comes to mind for trophy spotted bass, offers a surprisingly good fishery for them. The Chattahoochee River system, particularly the stretches with rocky shoals and current breaks, holds a healthy population of spots. These fish thrive in the moving water and often relate to structure like boulders, submerged timber, and bridge pilings. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods being particularly productive. During the warmer months, focus on fishing early mornings and late evenings. For bank access, try areas along the Highway 82 bridge. Boat access is available, but be cautious of shallow areas and submerged hazards. Spotted bass in this region tend to be aggressive, so lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs are all effective. Don't be afraid to experiment with different retrieves to find what the fish are hitting best on any given day.