Spotted Bass, also known as Kentucky Bass, can be found in small creeks.
They are often tiny and tangled. Knowing of and locating them is eclipsed only by the difficulty of getting to and fishing for them. But they are there — nondescript, overlooked, driven over via bridge or culvert, and seldom noticed — waiting. Their allure is captivating once it is allowed voice and the opportunity to creep into the wanderlust of adventure seekers. These brooks are the Knights and Ladies-in-Waiting of streams, kind and unassuming. Their rewards can be monumental.
The above paragraph brings attention to those small creeks scattered about the countryside. They have names but fail to rise to the meritorious acknowledgement as do their larger offspring. But it is those smaller trickles we focus on here. They are significant, at some point joining with others of their kind and/or singularly spilling into those more demanding and well-known flows.
And since streams are inextricably bound to fishing, let’s talk that subject – fishing. It is now glorious October, and this month and those small streams meld into the perfect mix for some simple but explosive action. Spotted Bass are the other players in a grand autumn drama.
Spotted Bass, also known as Kentucky Bass, can be found in small creeks – and rivers – and virtually lead the way in grit and aggression. They strike with fervor; they battle with enthusiasm. They are abundant, cooperative, and delightful. They are not restricted to large impoundments or prodigious rivers. In fact, it seems that foot for foot of the miniscule waters that make up the tiny and tangled, Spotted Bass outnumber the Largemouth.
Mentioned in the second sentence was the fact that getting to those streams is often difficult. That part is enhanced by the fact that most of these bodies of water wend through private land. Permission must be in place before venturing there. If public launch locales are available, anglers can potentially slip a canoe or kayak in with no legal issues. Even so, if the streams won’t accommodate watercraft, wading is the only way. Still, the fishing is worth the effort required to do it.
And what tackle is preferred? Casting rigs for the most part. Spinnerbaits or other offerings that run beneath the surface. Throw to submerged logs, deep holes, and cross-current where a sunken sandbar drops quickly to deeper pools. It can all be productive in October, the leaves changing color and the temperature moderating.
Now is a grand time for small streams.
