GET BASS SLAMMED: FISHING FOR SUWANNEE BASS

Though one of Georgia’s smaller bass species, the Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius) packs a punch for anglers exploring South Georgia’s flowing rivers.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE CAUGHT A SUWANNEE BASS?

Key Physical Characteristics:

• A series of dark, vertical, diamond-shaped blotches along the side
• Upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes
• Dark green back, greenish-brown sides with dark blocks, gray-green tail
• Both genders have patches of turquoise on the cheeks, breast, and belly during spawning season (February- June)
• Connected dorsal fins with a shallow notch
• Size: Between 6 and 16.5 inches

 

 

 

WHERE CAN YOU CATCH THEM?

Suwannee bass are found in several South Georgia rivers that drain into Florida. Electrofishing surveys and angler reports show that the Withlacoochee River has by far the largest numbers of Suwannee bass and the highest catch rate. However, the Ochlocknee Suwannee bass are superior in size.

PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS:

WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER:

Some areas require both a Georgia and Florida fishing license as the Withlacoochee meanders back and forth across the state line.

• Knights Ferry Boat Ramp
• Clyattville-Nankin Road Boat Ramp
• State Line (Madison Highway)

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER:

• US Hwy 19
• State Highway 93
• Hadley Ferry Bridge

 ALAPAHA RIVER:

A float trip on the Alapaha River is not recommended. The next boat ramp downstream from the Statenville ramp is 10.5 miles away.

OTHER FISHING LOCATIONS

For more information on the above public access points, to find other fishing locations, or find out where you can catch the other black bass species, visit our interactive Georgia Bass Slam Map.

BOAT RAMPS

Boat ramps can be found on the Go Outdoors Georgia App, available for Apple or Android. This is a handy site to get anyone started looking for public access to Georgia river fishing.

 

HOW DO YOU CATCH A SUWANNEE BASS?

LOCATE HABITAT

Suwannee bass generally live in coastal plain blackwater rivers that are mostly undeveloped. Beautiful scenery like ancient cypress and sycamore trees with limestone rock cliffs all adds to the unique experience of chasing these fish.

Natural Habitat: Flowing water over rocky shoals or large springs and spring runs; moderate to swift currents near limestone or woody structure.

When choosing a fishing spot, look for:

• Sweeping bends
• Woody cover
• Structures in the river: cypress trees, boulders, or laydowns
• Limestone edges
• Current breaks

GEAR

When hooked, the Suwannee bass tends to put up a fight but is small in size. Many suggest using light spinning gear and a 6- 10 lb. line.

LURE & BAIT

Natural Diet: Suwannee bass prey mostly on crayfish but also eat small fish and aquatic insects.

Choose downsized lures that fit their small mouths.

• Crawdad jigs
• Soft plastics imitating crayfish
• Dark colored plastic crawfish
• Brush hog imitations rigged Texas style with a ¼ ounce bullet weight
• Spinnerbaits: rooster-tails, and mini crankbaits
• Fly: streamers, poppers, or anything else a largemouth would strike.

TIMING

Suwannee bass prefer water temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees, so early mornings and late afternoons make a good time to catch them.  Spring is the most productive season, with spawning taking place and desirable water temperatures. The fall can also be an effective time to fish as the air temperature cools; longer floats are much more tolerable for the angler with the lack of heat and bugs present.

There are currently no minimum length requirements. daily limit for Suwannee bass is five (5) per day, although a total of up to ten (10) black bass species may be in possession when including other species like Largemouth Bass/Florida Bass.

Note: Rivers in Georgia that contain Suwannee bass cross the Georgia–Florida state line. Anglers fishing in Florida waters should consult Florida’s fishing regulations, as the regulations listed above apply only to Georgia waters.

STATE RECORD

3 lb, 9 oz        Laverne Norton           Ochlocknee River       October 6, 1984

 

BLACK BASS CONSERVATION

Due to the restricted geographic range of the Suwannee bass, they are considered a species of special concern by both Florida and Georgia. There are several threats to the Suwannee bass, including excess nutrient loading (N), habitat alteration, water quality and quantity, sedimentation, and nonnative fish introductions. More recently, hurricanes and droughts have played a part in the decline of Suwannee bass in a few of the rivers in Florida and Georgia. WRD Fisheries conducts population monitoring, fish stocking, and habitat enhancement projects to ensure Georgia’s riverine sportfish will be available for anglers to pursue for generations to come!

Want to help conserve Georgia’s Black Bass? Buy a Georgia Bass Plate! The purchase of this plate helps fund conservation efforts that protect Georgia’s native black bass species, improve fish habitat and bass populations, and support research and stocking across our lakes and rivers. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/licenseplates for more information.

GEORGIA BASS SLAM

Georgia is the Black Bass Capital of the World! Black bass are one of the most sought-after species in North America, and Georgia is home to 12[1] native black bass species!

Did you know that if you catch five or more different species of black bass, you can qualify for the Georgia Bass Slam? Georgia Bass Slam recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch five or more different species of black bass in a variety of habitats across the state and aims to stimulate interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats.

For rules and to submit your Georgia Bass Slam, visit bassslam.com.

 

 

[1] Georgia is home to 12 native black bass species; however, for the purposes of implementing angler recognition programs like the Bass Slam and Angler Awards, difficult-to-distinguish species, including Largemouth Bass/Florida Bass and Alabama Bass/Spotted Bass, are combined.

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