Look for them along upper sections of the Coosa, Savannah, Chattahoochee and Warrior river systems.

Favourite Baits

Redeye Bass are often attracted to worms, hellgrammites, fathead minnows, gizzard shad, small spinners, surface lures and nymphs. And then, of course, there is the ever popular bass food, the crayfish.

These baits are common in most river habitats and as a result, you are going to catch a lot of other fish as well. There really is no one bait that will have you catch Redeye Bass only – the world of angling just does not work that way. However, as these are not huge fish, pick the right size bait for the fish you are trying to catch. Don’t use large baits or lure as these fish are no more than 12 ounces on average.

Spawning

Spring time is spawn time. The males are busy building nests, attracting females, guarding the nest and then they protect their young after they have hatched for a few weeks. The best way to catch them in the spring is to appeal to their sense of self preservation.

Presenting baits and lures close to where they are will cause them to strike out of defense and to protect their territory. However, their numbers are not very large and are endangered due to the number of construction on most of their watersheds. So, if you happen to catch a few Redeye Bass in the spring, it is a good idea to practice catch and release.

Look for them along upper sections of the Coosa, Savannah, Chattahoochee and Warrior river systems. Very few will be found in lakes and reservoirs. Just as few will be found in the lower river sections. The Redeye Bass prefer the upper river waters where the water flow is moderate, well oxygenated, offers pools and riffles and is between 60°F to 70°F/16°C to 21°C. The only time they move into lakes and the deeper sections of the rivers is when water levels drop in the summer or when the water temperature goes above 72°F/22°C. Also pay attention to main-channels or areas where the water temperature is around 65°F/18°C.

Redeye Bass prefer the clear flowing streams. Unlike other bass, it feeds mostly on insects but will still go after crayfish, minnows and worms. Spinners and grubs are your best bet to get strikes, but are not the only top lures for your tackle box. You should also try using white crank baits as well as chrome and chartreuse.

Redeye Bass prefer streams and rivers that drop thirty to forty feet every mile or two kilometres. They can be found in pools and riffles but be careful not to spook them by splashing around. While they enjoy faster moving water, they are not interested in white water conditions as these are too fast.