fish fry,,, coming soon

[Lawnmowerman]

Gonna hit the River this weekend every chance I get and see how many spotted bass I can take outta there!
I know a stretch that always produces some decent spots, and I've figured out (2) baits that they will absolutely crush!
Can't wait for the weekend!!!

pics by Sunday evenin,,,,

[Lawnmowerman]

I asked about keeping fish, over on GON forum and was told to keep every spotted bass you catch, unless she's a MAMA,! (my avatar was released to fight another day)

So, what do yall think?
Is there a certain species one should keep more over any other?
Same as keeping the small bass out of a pond and letting the big one's grow.

[jjjbluray]

The general consensus is release everything but spotted bass, which are basically taking over our rivers and lakes. Most ppl say to release the big fish and keep the one pounders but I don't know how they feel about big spots. If you're gonna eat them soon, then keep them. Personally, I don't think we'll ever get rid of the spots in Ga so keep every and eat everyone you come across. I Can see some folks wanting the big spots released. It's an age old debate.

[Lawnmowerman]

Thanks jjj,
That's the general consensus I came to believe as well.
I'm gonna keep me some spots this weekend, and they will be in the grease before the weekend's over.
ALL shoal bass are photo'd and released asap.

[Lawnmowerman]

gotta make another post to move past "666"

[Lawnmowerman]

whew,,!! that was close,,!!

[LowHybred09]

I have no problem with people eating all the bass they want as long as they follow the law. Now when it comes to the spotted bass debate, I honestly let them go when they are big like any other species because even if they do mix and interbreed....the result is just a super bad bass that has some attributes from both speicies and this is usually a plus in my book, I mean as far as strength and size...spots can get bigger than shoal bass so then in theory a shoal/spot mix could get bigger than a straight shoal bass. I have no problem with a future breed of super bass that pulls and dogs like a spot but then comes to the surface and jumps and shakes like a shoalie. They both love to eat, so the fish would be crazy easy to catch because it has both species' urge to smash fast moving baits. So if a spoalie is the future of the river, is a 10lb, mean as heck, strong as a bull, bass that is easy to catch really be a bad thing? Please don't rip me a new one for this, I do love our beloved shoal bass and don't like the crossbreeding...these are just thoughts.

[Double Haul]

I haven't seen many spots over 5 pounds caught out of rivers. I've only heard of one this year. I do see quite a few 5 pound plus shoalies and some 6's. There was also this funny little guy that caught a 7.5 pound shoalie last year.

[FERAL ONE]

i love to eat spots, but usually only the smaller ones go home with me. them and redbreast make many a meal for us through the year. occasionally i will keep a largmeouth but only if it is under 2 pounds and only if i am short on fish. the rest of the time largemouth get released and i always release shoalies. i don't say sorry about a fine plate of fried fish !!!

[LowHybred09]

I haven't seen many spots over 5 pounds caught out of rivers. I've only heard of one this year. I do see quite a few 5 pound plus shoalies and some 6's. There was also this funny little guy that caught a 7.5 pound shoalie last year.

Yeah but spots have the potential to get bigger. The world record spot is over 10lbs. This river just hasn't had time to grow one that big yet. They are getting bigger....I predict a 5 or 6 from the OC this year(by me of course)

And as for the funny little guy who caught that shoalie, I may be funny but I'm not that little!

[Lawnmowerman]

Yeah but spots have the potential to get bigger. The world record spot is over 10lbs. This river just hasn't had time to grow one that big yet. They are getting bigger....I predict a 5 or 6 from the OC this year(by me of course)

And as for the funny little guy who caught that shoalie, I may be funny but I'm not that little!

Sorry, Low, but that 5+ is gonna be on the end of MY rod,,
And yes, you ARE that little,,,, you weigh in about as much as I do,, around a buck50,, wet!

[patrick reif]

Spots are awesome fish. I enjoy every one I catch. You couldn't pay me to eat anything out of the Yadkin though. Sometimes I wonder if wet wading is such a good idea.

The spots and smallies and largemouth have found an equalibrium here that has remained constant for many years. If there is an influx of spots in your river, it should level out and be self-managing over a few years time.

If the spots are there, no amount of catch and keep is going to completely eradicate them.
The good news is that a trophy spotted bass is still a trophy bass and should be looked at as such.

Spots are more active in colder water, are very aggressive, fight for a long time, and are pretty to look at.

#1 fish; smallies
#2 fish; spotted bass
#3 fish; largemouth

[kfischerman]

They are all good and they are all a challenge. Little or big each fish is a unique creation and should be enjoyed as such. I get real tired of TV stars bragging about a fish being a good tournament fish or being just a dink. Spots are tough and yes they will compeat with other fish, keep a few to eat, but enjoy the fish.