Shoal bass
Type: Black Bass
Appearance: Until October 1999, this species was variously considered to be a redeye bass or subspecies. A prominent red eye, along with a dusky blotch about half to two-thirds of the size of the eye on the back edge of the gill cover, and three horizontal stripes on the cheek identify the shoal bass.
State record: Vacant.
BigCatch: To qualify your catch needs to exceed the listed weight OR length (not necessarily both).
Habitat: Shoal bass are common in the Apalachicola and Chipola rivers where shoals exist. They are also in the Chattahoochee and Flint River drainages
Behavior: Similar to other black bass, it is primarily a fish-eating ambush predator that lives around rock shoals in rivers.
Tips: To catch shoal bass, fish near "shoal" areas using medium action tackle with 8- to 12-pound test line. Popular lures and baits include small crayfish-mimicking crankbaits, jigs and small plastic worms. Spring and fall are the best times to fish for shoal bass, but fishing can be good throughout the summer.