Spotted Bass

If you're heading to Statesboro, Georgia, and have spotted bass on your mind, you're in for a treat. While not as famous as some Georgia fisheries, the Ogeechee River and its tributaries around Statesboro offer surprisingly good spotted bass fishing, especially in the cooler months. Fall and early spring are prime times, as the spots become more active, chasing baitfish. Focus on creek mouths and areas with submerged timber or rocky structure. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. After heavy rains, the river can get muddy quickly, pushing the fish deeper or into clearer feeder creeks. Access to the Ogeechee is available at several bridge crossings, but a small boat or kayak will significantly expand your reach. The spotted bass here tend to be scrappy fighters, and while trophy-sized fish are less common than largemouth, you can expect to find good numbers of fish in the 1-3 pound range. Keep moving and cover water to find active schools.