Spotted bass are Wes Logan’s favorite bass species due to some of their unique biology, which brings about distinctive behaviors. Logan’s deep understanding of this species’ biology sets the foundation for successful angling. He highlights some distinct behaviors of these bass, emphasizing the uniqueness of spotted bass vs largemouth and smallmouth cousins. Logan narrows spotted bass fisheries into two distinct groups: nomadic herring lake spotted bass and river-oriented ones that thrive in current. Regardless of which group, a narrow selection of lures catches spots anywhere they swim.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
NED RIG SETUP
- PLASTIC – Zoom Beatdown Worm: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- JIG – Outkast Tackle Perfect Ned Head, 3/16-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
DROP SHOT
- PLASTIC – Zoom Trick Worm, color – Chartreuse Pumpkin: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Gamakatsu Finesse Heavy Cover Hook, 2/0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – ARK No Chip Tungsten Skinny Drop Shot Weight, 1/2-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
JERKBAIT SETUP
- JERKBAIT – Team ARK J110SP Suspending Jerkbait, color – Skeleton: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – ARK Invoker Pro Series Casting Rod, 6’10” Medium: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – ARK Fishing Gravity 7 Casting Reel, 7.1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 12-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
*Additional links at the bottom.
THE BEST SPOTTED BASS BAITS
Different environments and spotted bass types necessitate an array of baits. Logan explains the contrast in approach, with herring fish responding more to reaction baits, while river types favor jigs and square bills due to their shallower habitats.
THE NED RIG
Among the go-to baits for spotted bass, Logan prioritizes the Ned rig. Unlike the ultra-small Ned rigs used in some fisheries, Logan prefers a bigger Ned plastic paired with a longer hook shank for more action and better hookup ratios. The longer jig shank centers the hook in the bait, which reduces short strikes. The beauty of the Ned rig is that it catches bass from 12 inches to 4-5 pounds. Check out Ned Kehde’s 21 Ned Rig Bass for Bass Fishing for more excellent setups.
THE DROP SHOT
The drop shot rig reigns supreme, especially standing timber of herring lakes and steep bluff walls. Logan prefers a heavier sinker for the quick drops required to intercept roaming spotted bass. The rig’s versatility, paired with a Trick Worm and a weedless rigged configuration simply gets bit.
JERKBAIT
Finally, the jerkbait stands out as the prime reaction bait. Logan notes his preference for notes of chartreuse in the bait color. The chartreuse triggers an aggressive response from spotted bass. And soft jerkbaits have such as the iconic Zoom fluke have long excelled for schooling bass on herring fisheries. Ideal for both stained and clear water, it’s the perfect lure for covering water quickly and triggering bites.
Logan’s essential lure list for spotted bass aims to simplify your lure lineup and will get you bites no matter the spotted bass fishery.
SPINNING ROD SETUP (Ned and drop shot)
- ROD – ARK Reinforcer Series Spinning Rod, 6’10”: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Lew’s HyperMag Magnesium Spinning Reel, HMS200: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluoro leader) – Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 7-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braided mainline) – Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braided Line Light Green, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out the Sunline Knot Guide for details on making your perfect connection.
- WEIGHT – ARK No Chip Tungsten Skinny Drop Shot Weight: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LiveScope Plus System Bundle: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
CLOTHING (retail links)
- JACKET – Check out Fishing Jackets at AFTCO
- GLOVES – AFTCO Solago Sun Gloves: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BIB – AFTCO Hydronaut Insulated Bib: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
