Spotted Bass

Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, offer a fun alternative to largemouth around Columbia, Mississippi. The Pearl River and its tributaries hold healthy populations of spots, often coexisting with largemouth. These fish tend to prefer slightly faster-moving water and rockier bottoms compared to largemouth. Spring and fall are the best times to target them, with pre-spawn and post-spawn periods being particularly productive. A good local tactic is to use crankbaits and spinnerbaits around rocky points and submerged timber. Access to the river is available through several public boat ramps, but be aware of shallow areas and potential obstructions. Spotted bass in this area typically average a few pounds, but they are aggressive fighters and can provide plenty of action. They are also known to school up, so if you catch one, stick around – there are likely more nearby.