✅ Heres the baits im using in the video with everyhing including rod reels and line. ⭐️ shopblat.com/products/zman-drop-kickerz-kit-3-5?_pos=2&_sid=e3153be16&_ss=r 🔔 shopblat.com/products/zman-drop-kickerz-kit-2-75?_pos=4&_sid=e3153be16&_ss=r
So glad you brought this topic up. Most professional anglers seem too scared to talk about the Alabama Bass threat to largemouth and smallmouth fisheries so that they don’t run the risk of pissing off some of their followers, but happy to see you brought it up.
So glad to see you releasing them in frying pan there's a reason there's a size and number limit. Everyone needs to help with the conservation of all species
@@BrianLatimerFishingI usually fish Lanier didn't realize Hartwell didn't have a size limit. I'd rather eat a 1and half to 2 pound spot as any fish that's out there. Love your videos
Moved to Lake Keowee 4 years ago and got really into bass fishing. Even in just 4 years, I have noticed a decline in healthy largemouth. A lot of the largemouth I do catch on Keowee, look emaciated. I wish the lake was actually a managed fishery, but DukeEnergy doesn't care enough to do it. Great video.
Keowee is one of the best lakes in the upstate. It’s largemouth population is the best it’s ever been. It was the first spotted bass fishery in South Carolina. They’ve been in there since the early 80s
@BrianLatimerFishing Well dang, I guess I just suck then 😂😂. I've caught my biggest largemouth out of Keowee this year, several over 23", but none of them broke 5lbs. I've heard from numerous people that Monty McGuffin started bringing alabama spots over from Lanier in the late 70s and early 80s. Thanks for responding.
My favorite video of Brian was when he was fishing with his sons in a river. One of them started to drift downstream in his life jacket and Brian managed to drag him back each time without stopping his own fishing. Cast and retrieve bait and kid without missing a lick.
I'm in NC and I'm not sure about other fisheries, but I know the Roanoke has a no size or creel limit on Alabama bass. I've only caught one out of the river and he ended up being catfish bait.
so idk why lake lanier is so good then, theres probably more 4+ pound spotted bass then any other lake in the southeast. and over the last 8 years the largemouth have also thrived, they are much more prominent than they used to be. So, somehow, both species can coexist and thrive in lanier but you go an hour north to hartwell and the dink spots have made it much tougher.
I live in PA and fished in NJ yesterday since all the PA and NY close to me are iced over. I don’t think there are any Spotted Bass within 250 miles of me and I haven’t caught one in at least 15 years, With the spread of zebra muscles and Goby the Smallmouth have displaced some Largemouth and are often bigger where Goby are present. Goby are usually more abundant in Smallmouth habitat but there recent infestation of the Finger Lakes where Largemouth frequently live deeper the Largemouth are really growing. Cayuga Lake has given up new state records for Largemouth and Smallmouth in the last two years. I don’t know what limits the northern range of the Spotted Bass.
In northern California, they are dominating a lot of lakes. Forward Facing Sonar is very useful to find them. They are the best eating bass. Largemouth fishing has definitely faded.
@@BrianLatimerFishingspotted bass (bama bass) are the future of southern bass fishing sadly or maybe not…they are fun fish, but something about the largemouth is just special to me. The bama bass seem to really wreck the southern smallmouth populations more than anything or at least much faster than the spots seem to impact the largemouth population.
I don't know where you are but I'd bet it's a Cawtaba river lake, Norman maybe? The only way to catch healthy largemouth around here is to fish the Yadkin river lakes. I've never caught a single spot from High Rock to Tillery. There's signs at all the boat ramps now warning about how bad alabama bass are.
I see those sores on a lot of fish now. I've heard it's some type of parasite but in lakes that are used to cool power plants I see a lot of fish with these same type of sores on them.
The Spotted Bass is definitely predominant in a majority of lakes here in Northern California. A couple of lakes have some monster spots and they are fairly active in winter months but the spots are definitely pushing the Smallmouth and Largemouth out. They also cross breed with the large and smallie populations. I think they are fun to fish for but we all know the Largemouth is the holy grail of Black Bass fishing sport.
Smallies are just as much fun to catch . Although they aren't getting 15+ lbs like large mouth "tend" too. Either way, protecting the fisheries is important. Not just for pro or amateur anglers and weekend warriors. But in the ok grin for ecology... and potentially food sources if need be
Mr.BLat Bassmaster Brown here I didn't get a chance to go to Lake Martin last Sunday but I did go fishing to the gravel pit and it turn out to be a good day of fishing I caught 12 bass and my biggest one was 2/94 large mouth and I caught them on a chatterbait which was a 1/2 and a crush city pintail.I would love for you to come and go fishing with me and my cousin kennyman when ever you get a chance.
I fish the Catawba chain in NC. Like everywhere else the Alabama Spotted Bass has taken over. Norman and Wylie are eat up with them. We still catch a few large mouth. But nothing like we did 20 years ago. Same with crappies. I had not heard of the spawning that deep part though. I thought it was from the spots eating the fry of the large mouth. Same with white perch. That they were eating the crappie fry. If the spots would get some size to them in these lakes it wouldn’t be that bad. If you catch a 3 pound spot in Norman or Wylie that’s considered a big Spot. We just aren’t seeing any numbers in the truly big Spots. You can go to Norman and catch 150 Spots in a day. But they’ll all be in the half a pound to pound and a half range. It really sucks.
I've pulled a lot of 4lb+ spots out of Norman and Mountain Island, you just have to fish for them. That being said, the WRC recognizes the problem and there are no limits on spots. You could have a healthy garden if you don't want to eat them. That being said, I don't think the white perch have a problem with spots either, unless you want them sizeable to eat. Other predatory fish are probably fine with the size they're at now.
You have described exactly what I have witnessed on my favorite lake here in Colorado over the last 30 years. Spots all over main lake and largemouth pushed into the creeks and less of em. Hasn’t seemed to affect the smallmouth much for some reason.
All black bass belong to the same family and all have been transplanted into your waters in Colorado. Only one lake in County has spotted bass. None are native to CO, having been introduced at various times. As such all of them should be part of the discussion in terms of destruction of habitat and displacement of native species. I find it odd that fishermen often talk about the “destruction” of the fishery of their preferred species while seemingly unaware that that particular species is in fact as destructive to actual native species as any other species. There are many waters throughout the US (including some local to my area) where combinations of black bass species including spotted bass and largemouth bass of either or both strains coexist perfectly fine.
@@coloradoelkhunter7367, why would you consider one introduced species of black bass a problem but not another? It’s not my opinion that all species of black basses present in CO are introduced. It’s a fact. As such why do you consider one as acceptable but not another when both can negatively affect native species? It’s also a fact that several waters local to my area have both species present and both are doing just fine in those waters. One lake close to me that I fish occasionally consistently produces very good catch rates of both largemouth and spotted bass and has for decades.
Lake Allatoona is a spotted bass lake but I have wondered what species they are? KY or AL? While there are largemouth in Allatoona, I haven't caught a largemouth all year. Also BB herring are now in our lake as well (they were not allowed until this year)
That's a fact. I feel like in Northern California that they put spotted bass in. It's rare to even see a large amount there. But you will catch huge spotted bass. They're just so aggressive and fun to catch.... But they are going to overpopulate and take over the largemouth
I would have never thought of spotted bass as threats. I live in Texas where largemouth reign. Let me back up. On clearwater fisheries here, white bass, hybrids, and strippers reign. Those same lakes usually have smallmouth and spotted. I don't think a spot can out eat a hybrid. However, I've only caught small mouth and spots in the clear water. Only once have caught a "trifecta" in clear water (small, spotted, and largemouth).Gives me something to think about now though. Stay out of the clear water for large mouth in those fisheries. Thank you for the incite. (this started as a diss and suddenly learned something.. We just broke down a Texas lake down) lmao - suf subscriber
@@BrianLatimerFishing thanks for replying. So I just researched if Texas had Alabama Bass. TPWD(Texas Parks and Wildlife) stocked 150 adult Alabama Bass in Alan Henry Reservoir in 1996. That to date is the one and only time Texas made that mistake apparently with no plans to repeat. Reports show they are thriving from that one stocking nearly 30 years ago. Record fish recorded in 2016 at 5.98lbs/22.24in and again in 2024 at 6.04lbs/22 inches. After the introduction of the Alabama Bass, TPWD has stocked this reservoir 9 times with largemouth fingerlings (Florida Strain & ShareLunkers). The most interesting part is they stocked this reservoir with baitfish (threadfin shad & sunfish) 7 times since the introduction of Alabama Bass. That's the first lake I've ever seen shad having to be restocked that has no white bass, hybrids, or striped bass. So, with all that said, I agree that Alabama Spotted Bass are a threat to largemouth bass.
I fish the Alabama river every day damn near , all we usually catch is spots or largemouth , the spots deff out number the largies , still fun to catch
Bro I fish hartwell at least twice a week and I believe I caught maybe two large mouths over the summer within a year! The spotted bass has truly taken over every mojor fishery in the upstate
Kentucky bass...one of 3 variants of black bass...is their name if ur a fisheries biologist.....they will displace smallmouth due to spawning depth competition....Lake Burton...hour above Hartwell...doing well with spots/Lmouth 30 yrs out...pot tournaments in April/May will approach and go more than 30 lbs for 1st... always a mix of both...good news is a 7 pound spot will fight like a largemouth at any weight cant match...
This past last month I caught a bass out of a small pond in Mississippi and it had similar parasites on it, ugh. BTW what line are you using on your spinning combo Brian?
Man you are so right about this,100% will take over a lake,Blewes creek/blewes lake,whatever u wanna call it, here in NC has really took a hit from those lil bastards lol,some idiot putvthem in there and they have ruined largemouth fishing big time
I might make a response video to this as someone who lives on Logan Martin I catch largies and spots pretty much 50/50 the lakes just need to balance out and the largies will bounce back
I’ve fished at Logan since the 90s. At one point it was more if a 80/20 largemouth fishery. Logan will support a largemouth population since it has more shoreline habitat and stained water. Other fisheries that are devoid of shoreline structure and more clear have a definite pandemic in the future.
Just eat em. In most Georgia lakes there are no size or bag limits on spots. They are a great tasting fish and personally I think pound for pound they fight harder than large mouth.
They should have put those things in Clark's Hill lake/Lake Thurmond a lot sooner. That place is just full of Needlenose Gar, maybe they would have starved some of the Gar population out by now.
Lots of spots on Clarks hill and they are fun to catch. Still catch a fair amount of largemouths but it has been slowing at least in my experience. I would say for every largemouth I will catch 10 spots in between.
Spots are twice as aggressive feeders, never live a solitary life, and reproduce at a higher rate. That being said, largemouth just don’t like deep clear water CoE lakes. It’s a double edged sword for anglers.
@@BrianLatimerFishingalready happening in TN not as far along as western NC, which had some unbelievable smallmouth fisheries that have been decimated…still great smaller mountain lakes, but smallmouth populations are being crushed. Lots of hybridization occurring with the smallmouth as well. I think these will truly be the future of southern fishing unless someone finds a solution.
@andrewboyce7268 they are horrible lol. In a handful of years a local lake went from big bass heaven (largemouth) to a spotted bass lake. The lmb are just now 15 years later starting to recoup some. At one point it was almost unheard off to find a good lmb bite on that lake thanks to spotted bass taking it over. They had a no keep on largemouth and bigger limit on keep for spotted bass to thin them down and allow the lmb to make a comeback. Still only find good lmb in the upper backwaters of the lake and spotted bass all over the main lake.
It seems to me that perhaps the malady affecting the first bass you caught might be the main issue here. Spotted bass are and have been in many waters nationwide including in some local waters in my West Coast state for many years and in most instances coexist just fine with the other black bass species including with the various strains of largemouth bass. They also have not found their way into other nearby waters in my area despite being present for decades close by, unlike several other fish species and two species of turtle that are proliferating in my local waters. That said the vast majority of waters where both strains of largemouth bass and hybridized versions of such are found in the US are because of introduction. In other words they’re just as bad in this discussion to every watershed they’ve been introduced into as the spotted bass is. Incidentally the largemouth bass is in fact native to your area so in this specific instance your assertion that introduced species such as the spotted bass may be harming native species is correct. Back to my waters though, both largemouth and spotted bass are introduced and coexist just fine. In fact the world record spot is from a reservoir not too far from me and healthy populations of both those and largemouth inhabit those waters. A lake even closer to me has both and again, both are introduced species and both are thriving simultaneously. Large examples of both and good numbers of both are caught there. The reservoir I fish most not far from that lake just mentioned has never had spotted bass despite them being present for decades in other area waters nearby. While spotted bass may be a specific problem for your local waters, overall they’re no more problematic than all white and black basses that have been introduced nationwide and even worldwide, especially in reference to largemouth bass, not to mention other introduced species which nationwide frankly are most species present. In the lake closest to me, all species of catfish (3 species), all panfish (crappie, bluegill and green sunfish), common carp, rainbow trout (mixed genetic planters) and largemouth bass are all introduced species. The only native species to the area are the Sacramento Pike minnow and in the higher elevations of the river that runs into the lake, rainbow trout. The Pike Minnow however is often dubbed a trash fish in my area and anglers often ignorantly call for their removal, falsely claiming they harm (non native) species such as LMB despite the fact they’re the true native fish and are outnumbered dozens to hundreds to one by introduced largemouth bass. The spotted bass simply isn’t a big problem overall nationwide and can and does coexist just fine with other black bass species. They also provide just as much sporting qualities as largemouth bass. No, they don’t grow as large as LMB potentially do, but let’s be real here. Most of the bass we’re catching regardless of species are in the three to five pound range or smaller and both species reach that size range in most waters. There are plenty of waters where larger LMB can be found. My point here is that if we’re going to be discussing the negative impacts of introduced species then all introduced species must be treated equally in said discussion. And frankly speaking the beloved largemouth bass is among the most introduced species of all.
If you think they aren’t a problem you most likely don’t have the Alabama bass. Other species aren’t as destructive. Once the Alabama bass are introduced they can completely wipe out smallmouth and other susceptible native bass species like shoal bass, bartram bass, and other sub species if those variants. It’s a major problem that could lead to the extinction of several species in the south east.
@ in waters they’re invasive in yes, they can most certainly be problematic. But so can all introduced fish species. I only know of two bass species referred to as spotted bass; the Kentucky and Alabama, and to the best of my knowledge and research the bass here in CA referred to as spotted bass are the Alabama bass version. They’re said to be reducing populations of (introduced) largemouth bass in some NorCal waters but by and large both LMB and spots (and in some waters smallmouth as well) are coexisting perfectly fine in waters that they’re found in here in Central CA. Not only that but several other species are almost always present and in two area lakes close to me that both are present in also have very healthy populations of crappie. Everything is specific to each body of water. As I stated many waters throughout the US that have black bass in them have more than one species of such and in many instances were introduced. All black bass species present in CA are introduced. They ALL displaced or at minimum compete with and lower numbers of the native fish that were present prior to the introduction of LMB, smallmouth and spotted bass as well as other fish species. Is it really a major problem if one introduced species partially replaces another introduced species? They’re both introduced. Neither really belong there. If you consider Alabama spotted bass as such a severe threat, you need to consider all black basses as such in every body of water they’ve been introduced into, which is a significant portion of the waters all currently inhabit in the US. The same goes for any non native species that’s been introduced. One of the biggest dangers out here on the West Coast is not spotted bass, it’s two species of highly invasive mussels. They may be a detriment to your local waters and in some other waters around the country and I’m not referring to those bodies of water. Much of the time they’re being introduced into waters where other black basses are also introduced as opposed to native. In such cases they often do coexist together just fine. That’s been the case in several waters close to me here in CA where both have been present for many decades and both are doing just fine. One of the two local lakes in my area has had both for decades and anglers continue to enjoy healthy catch rates and sizes of both. I know spotted bass can be a problem but I also generally view all introduced species (which includes the beloved largemouth bass) as such as well.
Eat spotted bass 100% they are similar to crappie as in they will over take any body of water they live in. Thankfully we only have a few lakes with Spots in MO
I noticed that parasite or whatever here in New Orleans on lake pontchatrain the summer before last. It was a year when it didn’t rain all summer and it was the hottest summer here ever. Figured it was from hot stagnant water but don’t know?! Lake pontchatrain is a brackish estuary and I noticed it on mullet, catching them in a castnet for bait. It smells awful too. Literally smells like rotten fish. Didn’t notice it on any other species. When I first saw one swimming in the water I thought it was one of those big goldfish or coy with the different colors
I been telling youns for 10 year now. Watauga is full of the little turds. I like big largemouth. Not packs of half pound bass. Almost hate them. I want quality, not quantity. Caught my pb 7lber at watauga and lately its only spots and smallmouth. The smallmouth dont seem to care. Really deep highland res. Damiki them out in winter. I always heard them called kentucky bass though here in TN.
Kentucky bass is a complete different bass than the Alabama spotted bass. I’ve heard the dnr from Tennessee mention that they are in stretches of your river. The Alabama bass is NOT A KENTUCKY BASS.
@BrianLatimerFishing great to hear. All I knew was spotted and largemouth. Can keep all the spots. They're in watauga but not bad in boone or holston. Thanks for the lesson though. 👍. Won't sound so ignorant from here out. Mainly smallmouth in our tailwaters from Watauga lake. Monsters in there as well. Its deep and cold.
I'm from Alabama and grew up on Logan martin, you know what makes spots so dangerous? They are efficient in every facade of life, feeding, reproduction, and adaptable. That's dangerous
I live 5 minutes away from the 72 ramp and train bridge. From the bridge take that right up Beaverdam creek and you can find some great largies around Pearl Mill and Middelton. Water is a lot more stained especially when you get back towards Middleton.
There are 3 reasons fisheries are being destroyed. 1. Pollution. Our lakes, rivers, and ponds are so polluted that it is greatly impacting the size and species that can survive in our bodies of water. 2. The increase in tournaments and the prevalence of better imaging equipment. It is so easy now to find fish and it is easier than ever to catch them. 3. People do not handle fish properly. I've seen it at my own fisheries and on youtube of poor fisherpeople ragdolling fish. They will not survive that kind of abuse.
You missed the cause. Imagine if you will....the contamination from those rail cars. Many drip or leak chemicals that will eliminate the protective layer on those fish.
That "Alabama bass" is a spotted bass and was known as a spotted bass in Alabama for a century lol. They are a spotted bass and they are horrible on a largemouth population. I hate the things they've destroyed some great lmb fisheries here around me in Alabama. They fight hard but I prefer a largemouth bass. Btw I live in Alabama where "they say" we have Alabama bass, Coosa bass and Tallapoosa bass and they are all spotted bass 😂. They are actually listed now as spotted Alabama bass or spotted Coosa bass. When a so called biologist calls a bass a spotted Coosa bass when it's nit in the Coosa river system but in the Tallapoosa river system or creek system that does not connect with the Coosa river system I laugh at them 😂. That's the guys trying to change fish species names in the last few yrs lol.
@BrianLatimerFishing no actually they are all spotted bass period and more than half the biologist across the country agree. Newer younger biologist have been trying to make names for themselves. Every species has variations within its DNA but that doesn't change the fact of the species all have the same DNA strands as well. They have variations of familiar strains just like the f1 tiger, hybrid tiger and Northern strains of lmb. They are all still largemouth bass not a different species lol smh. I worked with a biologist for just over 4 years btw. And he had over 30 years within the freshwater fisheries. He worked in Alabama. Georgia. Florida and the Carolinas. His partner (researcher) had worked in TN, AL and GA. They both came to the same conclusion when i worked with them. These are not different species but different strands within a species.
Tallapoosa , Coosa, Kentucky, Alabama, and spotted are all different strains in subspecies. There are different strains of large mouth bass and smallmouth bass. There are different strains of walleye too.
@@BrianLatimerFishingBrian is right, everything you mentioned is a species that has been separated using modern genetics techniques. Alabama and Georgia have a lot of different species of bass between the two states, just go look on their websites like the Georgia Bass Slam.
Why I like fishing lake Murray, & other smaller lakes. In Clark's Hill & Russel all I catch is spots. I'm not a fan spots. Their all pretty small. Savannah River chain lakes is basically ruined for largemouth. Only gonna get worse!
Spots shouldn't be planted at all IMO. The LMB just can't compete and are decimated in time. I've caught them over 100' deep while trolling for trout... ridiculous.
If you call yourself a teacher but are not using your kill switch or life jacket…. You are a bad teacher. Period. You could be the best fisherman in the world… but if you aren’t reaching safety first and foremost…. You aren’t a teacher. You are a liability and a danger. Kids gonna look to you to see what is acceptable. Teaching life threatening practices is an unacceptable behavior for a teacher. If the big motor is on. The kill switch is attached. The life jacket is on. “Oh well im safe and not going far.” You don’t know…. You could have a freaking stroke or an aneurysm and gun the throttle while seizure rocks your body. Everyone get thrown out as the boat circles the water at full speed with nobody on it and no way to stop it. Even if you have a hot foot… things can happen. Throttle get stuck wide open because of mechanical failure. If you are a teacher… you don’t just talk about safety. You practice safety. 👍 Make that change my friend. It’s not too late.
I mean, I would have fell it off my chair if you had said... he got that shit or damn he's fucked up. Ecco my French, but that's how it is when cameras aren't rolling. Lol Fun times
If you call yourself a teacher but are not using your kill switch or life jacket…. You are a bad teacher. Period. You could be the best fisherman in the world… but if you aren’t reaching safety first and foremost…. You aren’t a teacher. You are a liability and a danger. Kids gonna look to you to see what is acceptable. Teaching life threatening practices is an unacceptable behavior for a teacher. If the big motor is on. The kill switch is attached. The life jacket is on. “Oh well im safe and not going far.” You don’t know…. You could have a freaking stroke or an aneurysm and gun the throttle while seizure rocks your body. Everyone get thrown out as the boat circles the water at full speed with nobody on it and no way to stop it. Even if you have a hot foot… things can happen. Throttle get stuck wide open because of mechanical failure. If you are a teacher… you don’t just talk about safety. You practice safety. 👍 Make that change my friend. It’s not too late.
✅ Heres the baits im using in the video with everyhing including rod reels and line.
⭐️ shopblat.com/products/zman-drop-kickerz-kit-3-5?_pos=2&_sid=e3153be16&_ss=r
🔔 shopblat.com/products/zman-drop-kickerz-kit-2-75?_pos=4&_sid=e3153be16&_ss=r
So glad you brought this topic up. Most professional anglers seem too scared to talk about the Alabama Bass threat to largemouth and smallmouth fisheries so that they don’t run the risk of pissing off some of their followers, but happy to see you brought it up.
So glad to see you releasing them in frying pan there's a reason there's a size and number limit. Everyone needs to help with the conservation of all species
@@brianjustus7915 we actually don’t have a size limit on spotted bass
@@BrianLatimerFishingI usually fish Lanier didn't realize Hartwell didn't have a size limit. I'd rather eat a 1and half to 2 pound spot as any fish that's out there. Love your videos
Moved to Lake Keowee 4 years ago and got really into bass fishing. Even in just 4 years, I have noticed a decline in healthy largemouth. A lot of the largemouth I do catch on Keowee, look emaciated. I wish the lake was actually a managed fishery, but DukeEnergy doesn't care enough to do it.
Great video.
Keowee is one of the best lakes in the upstate. It’s largemouth population is the best it’s ever been. It was the first spotted bass fishery in South Carolina. They’ve been in there since the early 80s
@BrianLatimerFishing Well dang, I guess I just suck then 😂😂. I've caught my biggest largemouth out of Keowee this year, several over 23", but none of them broke 5lbs.
I've heard from numerous people that Monty McGuffin started bringing alabama spots over from Lanier in the late 70s and early 80s.
Thanks for responding.
My favorite video of Brian was when he was fishing with his sons in a river. One of them started to drift downstream in his life jacket and Brian managed to drag him back each time without stopping his own fishing. Cast and retrieve bait and kid without missing a lick.
😂
I'm in NC and I'm not sure about other fisheries, but I know the Roanoke has a no size or creel limit on Alabama bass. I've only caught one out of the river and he ended up being catfish bait.
so idk why lake lanier is so good then, theres probably more 4+ pound spotted bass then any other lake in the southeast. and over the last 8 years the largemouth have also thrived, they are much more prominent than they used to be. So, somehow, both species can coexist and thrive in lanier but you go an hour north to hartwell and the dink spots have made it much tougher.
Truth…I’ve caught some around 5lbs.
I live in PA and fished in NJ yesterday since all the PA and NY close to me are iced over. I don’t think there are any Spotted Bass within 250 miles of me and I haven’t caught one in at least 15 years, With the spread of zebra muscles and Goby the Smallmouth have displaced some Largemouth and are often bigger where Goby are present. Goby are usually more abundant in Smallmouth habitat but there recent infestation of the Finger Lakes where Largemouth frequently live deeper the Largemouth are really growing. Cayuga Lake has given up new state records for Largemouth and Smallmouth in the last two years. I don’t know what limits the northern range of the Spotted Bass.
In northern California, they are dominating a lot of lakes. Forward Facing Sonar is very useful to find them. They are the best eating bass. Largemouth fishing has definitely faded.
I think it’s just a matter of time before that happens everywhere.
@@BrianLatimerFishingspotted bass (bama bass) are the future of southern bass fishing sadly or maybe not…they are fun fish, but something about the largemouth is just special to me. The bama bass seem to really wreck the southern smallmouth populations more than anything or at least much faster than the spots seem to impact the largemouth population.
Same thing happened here in Jersey our striped bass population also went through a parasitic outbreak and fish had a flesh eating disease
I don't know where you are but I'd bet it's a Cawtaba river lake, Norman maybe? The only way to catch healthy largemouth around here is to fish the Yadkin river lakes. I've never caught a single spot from High Rock to Tillery. There's signs at all the boat ramps now warning about how bad alabama bass are.
My home lake (Sinclair) is all largemouth to my knowledge. Learning to fish for spots was tough and learning Lanier/hartwell has been a big challenge.
Sam Rayburn in Texas has the same problem with the sores and stuff on them
I see those sores on a lot of fish now. I've heard it's some type of parasite but in lakes that are used to cool power plants I see a lot of fish with these same type of sores on them.
The Spotted Bass is definitely predominant in a majority of lakes here in Northern California. A couple of lakes have some monster spots and they are fairly active in winter months but the spots are definitely pushing the Smallmouth and Largemouth out. They also cross breed with the large and smallie populations.
I think they are fun to fish for but we all know the Largemouth is the holy grail of Black Bass fishing sport.
Smallies are just as much fun to catch . Although they aren't getting 15+ lbs like large mouth "tend" too. Either way, protecting the fisheries is important. Not just for pro or amateur anglers and weekend warriors. But in the ok grin for ecology... and potentially food sources if need be
Mr.BLat Bassmaster Brown here I didn't get a chance to go to Lake Martin last Sunday but I did go fishing to the gravel pit and it turn out to be a good day of fishing I caught 12 bass and my biggest one was 2/94 large mouth and I caught them on a chatterbait which was a 1/2 and a crush city pintail.I would love for you to come and go fishing with me and my cousin kennyman when ever you get a chance.
I’ve caught several largemouth bass like that this year in one of my home lakes.
I fish the Catawba chain in NC. Like everywhere else the Alabama Spotted Bass has taken over. Norman and Wylie are eat up with them. We still catch a few large mouth. But nothing like we did 20 years ago. Same with crappies. I had not heard of the spawning that deep part though. I thought it was from the spots eating the fry of the large mouth. Same with white perch. That they were eating the crappie fry. If the spots would get some size to them in these lakes it wouldn’t be that bad. If you catch a 3 pound spot in Norman or Wylie that’s considered a big Spot. We just aren’t seeing any numbers in the truly big Spots. You can go to Norman and catch 150 Spots in a day. But they’ll all be in the half a pound to pound and a half range. It really sucks.
I've pulled a lot of 4lb+ spots out of Norman and Mountain Island, you just have to fish for them. That being said, the WRC recognizes the problem and there are no limits on spots. You could have a healthy garden if you don't want to eat them. That being said, I don't think the white perch have a problem with spots either, unless you want them sizeable to eat. Other predatory fish are probably fine with the size they're at now.
Spots took over my local lake here in CA.
You have described exactly what I have witnessed on my favorite lake here in Colorado over the last 30 years. Spots all over main lake and largemouth pushed into the creeks and less of em. Hasn’t seemed to affect the smallmouth much for some reason.
All black bass belong to the same family and all have been transplanted into your waters in Colorado. Only one lake in County has spotted bass. None are native to CO, having been introduced at various times. As such all of them should be part of the discussion in terms of destruction of habitat and displacement of native species.
I find it odd that fishermen often talk about the “destruction” of the fishery of their preferred species while seemingly unaware that that particular species is in fact as destructive to actual native species as any other species.
There are many waters throughout the US (including some local to my area) where combinations of black bass species including spotted bass and largemouth bass of either or both strains coexist perfectly fine.
@ that’s your opinion.
@@coloradoelkhunter7367, why would you consider one introduced species of black bass a problem but not another?
It’s not my opinion that all species of black basses present in CO are introduced. It’s a fact. As such why do you consider one as acceptable but not another when both can negatively affect native species?
It’s also a fact that several waters local to my area have both species present and both are doing just fine in those waters. One lake close to me that I fish occasionally consistently produces very good catch rates of both largemouth and spotted bass and has for decades.
@@chipyeahoo that’s your opinion too. No mine.
🤡@@coloradoelkhunter7367
Lake Allatoona is a spotted bass lake but I have wondered what species they are? KY or AL? While there are largemouth in Allatoona, I haven't caught a largemouth all year. Also BB herring are now in our lake as well (they were not allowed until this year)
That crazy bass would have gone on the grass
That's a fact. I feel like in Northern California that they put spotted bass in. It's rare to even see a large amount there. But you will catch huge spotted bass. They're just so aggressive and fun to catch.... But they are going to overpopulate and take over the largemouth
I would have never thought of spotted bass as threats. I live in Texas where largemouth reign. Let me back up. On clearwater fisheries here, white bass, hybrids, and strippers reign. Those same lakes usually have smallmouth and spotted. I don't think a spot can out eat a hybrid. However, I've only caught small mouth and spots in the clear water. Only once have caught a "trifecta" in clear water (small, spotted, and largemouth).Gives me something to think about now though. Stay out of the clear water for large mouth in those fisheries. Thank you for the incite. (this started as a diss and suddenly learned something.. We just broke down a Texas lake down) lmao - suf subscriber
I don’t know if anywhere in Texas that has Alabama bass yet. But it’s probably coming.
@@BrianLatimerFishing thanks for replying. So I just researched if Texas had Alabama Bass. TPWD(Texas Parks and Wildlife) stocked 150 adult Alabama Bass in Alan Henry Reservoir in 1996. That to date is the one and only time Texas made that mistake apparently with no plans to repeat. Reports show they are thriving from that one stocking nearly 30 years ago. Record fish recorded in 2016 at 5.98lbs/22.24in and again in 2024 at 6.04lbs/22 inches. After the introduction of the Alabama Bass, TPWD has stocked this reservoir 9 times with largemouth fingerlings (Florida Strain & ShareLunkers). The most interesting part is they stocked this reservoir with baitfish (threadfin shad & sunfish) 7 times since the introduction of Alabama Bass. That's the first lake I've ever seen shad having to be restocked that has no white bass, hybrids, or striped bass.
So, with all that said, I agree that Alabama Spotted Bass are a threat to largemouth bass.
Well hell yeah I see Spotted bass. I live on the Coosa River.
That's what been happening to our lakes around lake Norman.
North Carolina lakes are transformed to Alabama spotted bass fisheries at this point. It’s over until the next pandemic comes.
You can do your part and take every spot home from Norman, no limits whatsoever. The WRC recognizes the problem.
I fish the Alabama river every day damn near , all we usually catch is spots or largemouth , the spots deff out number the largies , still fun to catch
Bro I fish hartwell at least twice a week and I believe I caught maybe two large mouths over the summer within a year! The spotted bass has truly taken over every mojor fishery in the upstate
It’s over, it’s only a matter of time before it’s everywhere.
Kentucky bass...one of 3 variants of black bass...is their name if ur a fisheries biologist.....they will displace smallmouth due to spawning depth competition....Lake Burton...hour above Hartwell...doing well with spots/Lmouth 30 yrs out...pot tournaments in April/May will approach and go more than 30 lbs for 1st... always a mix of both...good news is a 7 pound spot will fight like a largemouth at any weight cant match...
@@weslovell815 those are not Kentucky bass! We have a Alabama bass variant.
Have you ever fished around Kansas City?Any word on them nasty bass around my part?
In California, especially highland lakes spots do dominate. Not uncommon to say this area more largemouth but spots will be caught all over the lakes.
Make the change and start practicing safety for the students my friend.
B lat is the fluro or mono on that spinning reel
Someone should start a smallmouth share a lurker program.
Heck yeah
Bull bay? got me a 7 6 sniper spinning
Clark’s Hill same issue.
This past last month I caught a bass out of a small pond in Mississippi and it had similar parasites on it, ugh. BTW what line are you using on your spinning combo Brian?
Man you are so right about this,100% will take over a lake,Blewes creek/blewes lake,whatever u wanna call it, here in NC has really took a hit from those lil bastards lol,some idiot putvthem in there and they have ruined largemouth fishing big time
Should you not wash your hands after handling that first bass so you don't pass the parasite to the other one?
I might make a response video to this as someone who lives on Logan Martin I catch largies and spots pretty much 50/50 the lakes just need to balance out and the largies will bounce back
I’ve fished at Logan since the 90s. At one point it was more if a 80/20 largemouth fishery. Logan will support a largemouth population since it has more shoreline habitat and stained water. Other fisheries that are devoid of shoreline structure and more clear have a definite pandemic in the future.
Just eat em. In most Georgia lakes there are no size or bag limits on spots. They are a great tasting fish and personally I think pound for pound they fight harder than large mouth.
They should have put those things in Clark's Hill lake/Lake Thurmond a lot sooner.
That place is just full of Needlenose Gar, maybe they would have starved some of the Gar population out by now.
Wonder if they get to that point if Game Warden just wants them out. Here in East Tn, Game Warden asked to remove alamaba bass, it’s killing smallies.
Exactly! They will lead to extinction of some breeds
1:11 that drag sounds perfect! what reel is that my guy?
Best spinning reel I’ve ever owned. It’s called a twin power. It’s kinda pricey but it’s crazy good
Shimano Twin Power C3000XG
@ yeah man! That sound was like music! I’ll check it out! Bro!! Who’s your rod sponsor?? I have a few of the BLat Sick Sticks, one of my favs
But you’re better off buying a Daiwa Certate, or, if you can afford it, a Daiwa Exist; best spinning reel ever made.
What reel were you using? Only saw the baits you had in the description * Im a Shimano guy * Ultegra!
Twin power 3000
That first reel u used, was that a daiwa spinning ?
Twin power 3000
Yeah spots on the Coosa spawn deeper than 8ft
Largemouth bass do that to the Walleye.
Lots of spots on Clarks hill and they are fun to catch. Still catch a fair amount of largemouths but it has been slowing at least in my experience. I would say for every largemouth I will catch 10 spots in between.
Clark’s hill was our last hope but I see it fading fast!!!
@BrianLatimerFishing we always have Marion and Moultrie
Spots are twice as aggressive feeders, never live a solitary life, and reproduce at a higher rate. That being said, largemouth just don’t like deep clear water CoE lakes. It’s a double edged sword for anglers.
We have Kentucky spots and Alabama spots up in northeast Tennessee. From my understanding, the Kentucky spots aren't invasive though.
I hope they don’t ruin the smallmouth lakes up there. If they get in those Tennessee smallmouth fisheries they will completely deplete those lakes
@@BrianLatimerFishingalready happening in TN not as far along as western NC, which had some unbelievable smallmouth fisheries that have been decimated…still great smaller mountain lakes, but smallmouth populations are being crushed. Lots of hybridization occurring with the smallmouth as well. I think these will truly be the future of southern fishing unless someone finds a solution.
Dude its the same fish. Similar to F1 bass in FL and Northern Largies. Just different names, both eat absolutely everything
The biggest issue ive seen from spotted bass is they will destroy a school of lmb fry. They feed on them like they are shad.
Yes. Spotted Bass are like crappie, they over take bodies of water fast
@andrewboyce7268 they are horrible lol. In a handful of years a local lake went from big bass heaven (largemouth) to a spotted bass lake. The lmb are just now 15 years later starting to recoup some. At one point it was almost unheard off to find a good lmb bite on that lake thanks to spotted bass taking it over. They had a no keep on largemouth and bigger limit on keep for spotted bass to thin them down and allow the lmb to make a comeback. Still only find good lmb in the upper backwaters of the lake and spotted bass all over the main lake.
It seems to me that perhaps the malady affecting the first bass you caught might be the main issue here. Spotted bass are and have been in many waters nationwide including in some local waters in my West Coast state for many years and in most instances coexist just fine with the other black bass species including with the various strains of largemouth bass. They also have not found their way into other nearby waters in my area despite being present for decades close by, unlike several other fish species and two species of turtle that are proliferating in my local waters.
That said the vast majority of waters where both strains of largemouth bass and hybridized versions of such are found in the US are because of introduction. In other words they’re just as bad in this discussion to every watershed they’ve been introduced into as the spotted bass is. Incidentally the largemouth bass is in fact native to your area so in this specific instance your assertion that introduced species such as the spotted bass may be harming native species is correct. Back to my waters though, both largemouth and spotted bass are introduced and coexist just fine. In fact the world record spot is from a reservoir not too far from me and healthy populations of both those and largemouth inhabit those waters. A lake even closer to me has both and again, both are introduced species and both are thriving simultaneously. Large examples of both and good numbers of both are caught there. The reservoir I fish most not far from that lake just mentioned has never had spotted bass despite them being present for decades in other area waters nearby.
While spotted bass may be a specific problem for your local waters, overall they’re no more problematic than all white and black basses that have been introduced nationwide and even worldwide, especially in reference to largemouth bass, not to mention other introduced species which nationwide frankly are most species present.
In the lake closest to me, all species of catfish (3 species), all panfish (crappie, bluegill and green sunfish), common carp, rainbow trout (mixed genetic planters) and largemouth bass are all introduced species. The only native species to the area are the Sacramento Pike minnow and in the higher elevations of the river that runs into the lake, rainbow trout. The Pike Minnow however is often dubbed a trash fish in my area and anglers often ignorantly call for their removal, falsely claiming they harm (non native) species such as LMB despite the fact they’re the true native fish and are outnumbered dozens to hundreds to one by introduced largemouth bass.
The spotted bass simply isn’t a big problem overall nationwide and can and does coexist just fine with other black bass species. They also provide just as much sporting qualities as largemouth bass. No, they don’t grow as large as LMB potentially do, but let’s be real here. Most of the bass we’re catching regardless of species are in the three to five pound range or smaller and both species reach that size range in most waters. There are plenty of waters where larger LMB can be found.
My point here is that if we’re going to be discussing the negative impacts of introduced species then all introduced species must be treated equally in said discussion. And frankly speaking the beloved largemouth bass is among the most introduced species of all.
If you think they aren’t a problem you most likely don’t have the Alabama bass. Other species aren’t as destructive. Once the Alabama bass are introduced they can completely wipe out smallmouth and other susceptible native bass species like shoal bass, bartram bass, and other sub species if those variants. It’s a major problem that could lead to the extinction of several species in the south east.
@ in waters they’re invasive in yes, they can most certainly be problematic. But so can all introduced fish species.
I only know of two bass species referred to as spotted bass; the Kentucky and Alabama, and to the best of my knowledge and research the bass here in CA referred to as spotted bass are the Alabama bass version. They’re said to be reducing populations of (introduced) largemouth bass in some NorCal waters but by and large both LMB and spots (and in some waters smallmouth as well) are coexisting perfectly fine in waters that they’re found in here in Central CA. Not only that but several other species are almost always present and in two area lakes close to me that both are present in also have very healthy populations of crappie. Everything is specific to each body of water. As I stated many waters throughout the US that have black bass in them have more than one species of such and in many instances were introduced. All black bass species present in CA are introduced. They ALL displaced or at minimum compete with and lower numbers of the native fish that were present prior to the introduction of LMB, smallmouth and spotted bass as well as other fish species. Is it really a major problem if one introduced species partially replaces another introduced species? They’re both introduced. Neither really belong there.
If you consider Alabama spotted bass as such a severe threat, you need to consider all black basses as such in every body of water they’ve been introduced into, which is a significant portion of the waters all currently inhabit in the US. The same goes for any non native species that’s been introduced. One of the biggest dangers out here on the West Coast is not spotted bass, it’s two species of highly invasive mussels.
They may be a detriment to your local waters and in some other waters around the country and I’m not referring to those bodies of water. Much of the time they’re being introduced into waters where other black basses are also introduced as opposed to native. In such cases they often do coexist together just fine. That’s been the case in several waters close to me here in CA where both have been present for many decades and both are doing just fine. One of the two local lakes in my area has had both for decades and anglers continue to enjoy healthy catch rates and sizes of both.
I know spotted bass can be a problem but I also generally view all introduced species (which includes the beloved largemouth bass) as such as well.
Eat spotted bass 100% they are similar to crappie as in they will over take any body of water they live in. Thankfully we only have a few lakes with Spots in MO
What is that? The first bass you caught was horrible. I think I would have taken that one to the trash can?
I noticed that parasite or whatever here in New Orleans on lake pontchatrain the summer before last. It was a year when it didn’t rain all summer and it was the hottest summer here ever. Figured it was from hot stagnant water but don’t know?! Lake pontchatrain is a brackish estuary and I noticed it on mullet, catching them in a castnet for bait. It smells awful too. Literally smells like rotten fish. Didn’t notice it on any other species. When I first saw one swimming in the water I thought it was one of those big goldfish or coy with the different colors
It’s hard to tell in this video, but there is a virus that causes what looks like warts on fish in cold water only. Could be that?
I been telling youns for 10 year now. Watauga is full of the little turds. I like big largemouth. Not packs of half pound bass. Almost hate them. I want quality, not quantity. Caught my pb 7lber at watauga and lately its only spots and smallmouth. The smallmouth dont seem to care. Really deep highland res. Damiki them out in winter. I always heard them called kentucky bass though here in TN.
That’s scary. In the span of 10 years it’s possible to see watauga smallmouth be a thing if the past.
Kentucky bass is a complete different bass than the Alabama spotted bass. I’ve heard the dnr from Tennessee mention that they are in stretches of your river. The Alabama bass is NOT A KENTUCKY BASS.
@BrianLatimerFishing great to hear. All I knew was spotted and largemouth. Can keep all the spots. They're in watauga but not bad in boone or holston. Thanks for the lesson though. 👍. Won't sound so ignorant from here out. Mainly smallmouth in our tailwaters from Watauga lake. Monsters in there as well. Its deep and cold.
Think I have the same wheel/tire setup
Blat: "So alabama bass are killin our largemouth population."
*catches largemouth*
"Ooo he's nice, I'm gonna eat him."
Highlight the largemouth caught in this video…
He wasn’t keeping any large mouth. Actually, I didn’t see him catch a large mouth.
Is b lat based in ga?
He's in SC close to lake Hartwell
@ much appreciated
Is that Forward Facing Sonar herpes?
I'm from Alabama and grew up on Logan martin, you know what makes spots so dangerous? They are efficient in every facade of life, feeding, reproduction, and adaptable. That's dangerous
I live 5 minutes away from the 72 ramp and train bridge. From the bridge take that right up Beaverdam creek and you can find some great largies around Pearl Mill and Middelton. Water is a lot more stained especially when you get back towards Middleton.
There are 3 reasons fisheries are being destroyed.
1. Pollution. Our lakes, rivers, and ponds are so polluted that it is greatly impacting the size and species that can survive in our bodies of water.
2. The increase in tournaments and the prevalence of better imaging equipment. It is so easy now to find fish and it is easier than ever to catch them.
3. People do not handle fish properly. I've seen it at my own fisheries and on youtube of poor fisherpeople ragdolling fish. They will not survive that kind of abuse.
Man I hate to hear that. What’s polluting the lakes where you are?
We have spots Kentucky whatever ya call em in all our creeks and lakes in Oklahoma never seen any problem?? I don’t understand
U are saying something is happening to large mouth bass, but it can be anything like predator fish or non native fish especially in the Florida area
Spots are the predators 😂
How bout Chris Jericho?!
Meat man meat man
Can I get a G
You missed the cause. Imagine if you will....the contamination from those rail cars. Many drip or leak chemicals that will eliminate the protective layer on those fish.
What would be the contamination? How is that affecting the largemouth population in our lakes? Will the contamination control invasive species?
I love spots imo more fun to catch than a large mouth but don’t want the lmb population to die or dindle
Its round up.
That "Alabama bass" is a spotted bass and was known as a spotted bass in Alabama for a century lol. They are a spotted bass and they are horrible on a largemouth population. I hate the things they've destroyed some great lmb fisheries here around me in Alabama. They fight hard but I prefer a largemouth bass. Btw I live in Alabama where "they say" we have Alabama bass, Coosa bass and Tallapoosa bass and they are all spotted bass 😂. They are actually listed now as spotted Alabama bass or spotted Coosa bass. When a so called biologist calls a bass a spotted Coosa bass when it's nit in the Coosa river system but in the Tallapoosa river system or creek system that does not connect with the Coosa river system I laugh at them 😂. That's the guys trying to change fish species names in the last few yrs lol.
Btw the same bass in called a Kentucky bass in Kentucky 😂. The names change with region foe some stupid reason and they are all spotted bass 😂.
Actually they are all different species.
@BrianLatimerFishing no actually they are all spotted bass period and more than half the biologist across the country agree. Newer younger biologist have been trying to make names for themselves. Every species has variations within its DNA but that doesn't change the fact of the species all have the same DNA strands as well. They have variations of familiar strains just like the f1 tiger, hybrid tiger and Northern strains of lmb. They are all still largemouth bass not a different species lol smh. I worked with a biologist for just over 4 years btw. And he had over 30 years within the freshwater fisheries. He worked in Alabama. Georgia. Florida and the Carolinas. His partner (researcher) had worked in TN, AL and GA. They both came to the same conclusion when i worked with them. These are not different species but different strands within a species.
Tallapoosa , Coosa, Kentucky, Alabama, and spotted are all different strains in subspecies. There are different strains of large mouth bass and smallmouth bass. There are different strains of walleye too.
@@BrianLatimerFishingBrian is right, everything you mentioned is a species that has been separated using modern genetics techniques. Alabama and Georgia have a lot of different species of bass between the two states, just go look on their websites like the Georgia Bass Slam.
Lymphocystis
Just wait until the cult leader gets rid of all regulations on dumping hazardous chemicals!
Lmao
Why I like fishing lake Murray, & other smaller lakes. In Clark's Hill & Russel all I catch is spots. I'm not a fan spots. Their all pretty small. Savannah River chain lakes is basically ruined for largemouth. Only gonna get worse!
Oh you didn't know... Your ass better call somebody!
People need to leave fish where they are unless your eating it or definitely know what species u have
"He got herpes" lol
Spots shouldn't be planted at all IMO. The LMB just can't compete and are decimated in time. I've caught them over 100' deep while trolling for trout... ridiculous.
If you call yourself a teacher but are not using your kill switch or life jacket….
You are a bad teacher. Period.
You could be the best fisherman in the world… but if you aren’t reaching safety first and foremost…. You aren’t a teacher. You are a liability and a danger. Kids gonna look to you to see what is acceptable. Teaching life threatening practices is an unacceptable behavior for a teacher.
If the big motor is on. The kill switch is attached. The life jacket is on.
“Oh well im safe and not going far.”
You don’t know….
You could have a freaking stroke or an aneurysm and gun the throttle while seizure rocks your body. Everyone get thrown out as the boat circles the water at full speed with nobody on it and no way to stop it. Even if you have a hot foot… things can happen. Throttle get stuck wide open because of mechanical failure.
If you are a teacher… you don’t just talk about safety.
You practice safety.
👍
Make that change my friend. It’s not too late.
😂 Aids or herpes😂😂😂😂
I probably shouldn’t have said that
to many Diddy partiesfor those fish but really fucking scary to think your lake could get Herpatitus then all you catch is nasty rotten zombie fish
@BrianLatimerFishing eh people gotta have a sense of humor bro
@@BrianLatimerFishing You are human and have a great sense of humor! 🤣🤣
I mean, I would have fell it off my chair if you had said... he got that shit or damn he's fucked up. Ecco my French, but that's how it is when cameras aren't rolling. Lol Fun times
If you call yourself a teacher but are not using your kill switch or life jacket….
You are a bad teacher. Period.
You could be the best fisherman in the world… but if you aren’t reaching safety first and foremost…. You aren’t a teacher. You are a liability and a danger. Kids gonna look to you to see what is acceptable. Teaching life threatening practices is an unacceptable behavior for a teacher.
If the big motor is on. The kill switch is attached. The life jacket is on.
“Oh well im safe and not going far.”
You don’t know….
You could have a freaking stroke or an aneurysm and gun the throttle while seizure rocks your body. Everyone get thrown out as the boat circles the water at full speed with nobody on it and no way to stop it. Even if you have a hot foot… things can happen. Throttle get stuck wide open because of mechanical failure.
If you are a teacher… you don’t just talk about safety.
You practice safety.
👍
Make that change my friend. It’s not too late.