Spot fish are small, tasty fish that are fun to catch. This guide will help you learn how to catch them! Can you catch spot fish with simple gear? Yes, you can!
Where to Find Spot Fish
Spot fish, scientifically known as Leiostomus xanthurus, are found along the Atlantic coast of the United States, from Massachusetts down to Florida, and even into the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer shallow, brackish waters, making them a common catch in estuaries, tidal creeks, bays, and near shorelines.
Spot Fishing Locations
- Estuaries and Inlets: These are prime spots because they offer a good mix of fresh and saltwater, which spot fish love. Look for areas where rivers meet the sea.
- Salt Marshes: The shallow grass beds and muddy bottoms in salt marshes are excellent hiding places for the small invertebrates that spot fish feed on.
- Bays and Sounds: Larger bodies of protected water like the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and Pamlico Sound are teeming with spot fish, especially during warmer months.
- Nearshore Ocean Beaches: As water temperatures rise, spot fish will move closer to the shore, often found just off sandy beaches.
- Near Piers and Jetties: Structure provides shelter and attracts baitfish, making these areas magnets for spot.
When to Catch Spot Fish
The best time to catch spot fish generally coincides with warmer water temperatures.
Best Time to Catch Spot
- Spring: As the water warms up, spot fish begin to move into shallower, more productive feeding grounds.
- Summer: This is peak season for spot fishing. They are abundant and actively feeding throughout the day. Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times, but they can be caught throughout the day.
- Fall: Spot fish remain active as the water cools, often gathering in larger schools before migrating offshore for the winter. This can lead to excellent fishing opportunities.
Water Temperature: Spot fish are most active when water temperatures are between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
Spot Fishing Gear
You don’t need fancy gear to catch spot. Simple, light tackle is perfect.
Spot Fishing Gear Essentials
- Rods: A light to medium-light spinning rod, typically 5 to 7 feet long, is ideal. These rods offer the sensitivity needed to detect light bites and the flexibility to handle these smaller fish.
- Reels: A matching spinning reel, size 1000 to 3000, is suitable. Make sure it has a smooth drag system.
- Line: 4 to 8-pound test monofilament or braided line works well. Monofilament has some stretch, which can be forgiving. If using braid, a leader is recommended.
- Leaders: 4 to 6-pound test fluorocarbon or monofilament leader material is excellent. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water, which can be a big advantage.
How to Rig for Spot
Rigging for spot is straightforward. The goal is to present your bait naturally and allow for easy detection of bites.
Spot Fishing Rigs
There are a few effective rigs for spot fishing:
- High-Low Rig: This is a very popular rig for spot. It features two droppers that hold hooks, allowing you to present bait at two different depths simultaneously. This increases your chances of a bite.
- How to rig for spot with a High-Low: Tie a swivel to your main line. To one end of the swivel, attach a 1-3 foot leader. Tie a second swivel or a specialized rig body at the end of this leader. Attach two droppers, about 6-12 inches long each, coming off the main swivel or rig body. Tie a hook to the end of each dropper. At the bottom of the rig, attach a sinker, usually a pyramid or bank sinker, weighing 1 to 3 ounces depending on the current.
- Bottom Bouncing Rig: This is a simpler rig, good for when you want to keep your bait right on the bottom.
- How to rig for spot with a Bottom Bouncer: Tie a swivel to your main line. Attach a leader of about 18-24 inches to the swivel. Tie a hook to the end of the leader. Attach a sinker to the end of the leader, or use a sliding sinker rig where the sinker slides down to a stopper knot above the hook.
- Carolina Rig: Similar to a bottom rig, this allows the fish to take the bait before feeling the weight of the sinker.
- How to rig for spot with a Carolina Rig: Thread a sinker onto your main line, followed by a bead and then a swivel. Tie a leader of about 18-24 inches to the swivel and tie a hook to the end of the leader.
Hook Size: Size 6 to 1/0 hooks are generally best for spot. Choose a size that matches your bait.
Best Bait for Spot
What bait do spot fish like the most? Spot are opportunistic feeders that enjoy a variety of baits.
Best Bait for Spot Fish
- Bloodworms: These are highly effective. Their scent and wriggling action are irresistible to spot. You can buy them at most bait shops.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled or unpeeled, are excellent bait. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Clams and Oysters: Small pieces of fresh clam or oyster, especially the chewy siphon, are a favorite food source.
- Cut Bait: Small pieces of oily fish like menhaden, mullet, or mackerel can also attract spot.
- Artificial Baits: While natural baits are usually best, some artificial baits like scented Gulp! shrimp or small artificial bloodworms can also work, especially if you’re having trouble keeping natural bait on the hook.
Bait Presentation: It’s crucial to present your bait naturally. Thread your bait onto the hook so it covers the point. For shrimp or bloodworms, a small piece is usually enough.
Spot Fishing Techniques
Catching spot involves a few key techniques to maximize your success.
Spot Fishing Techniques Explained
- Casting and Retrieving: For shallower areas or when targeting fish near the surface, cast your rig out and let it settle. You can use a very slow retrieve or simply hold the line taught to feel for bites.
- Drifting: In areas with current, drifting with the tide is a very effective technique. Let the current carry your bait along the bottom. You might want to use a slightly heavier sinker to keep your bait near the bottom.
- Chumming: Introducing a chum slick can attract spot to your area. A good chum mix might include mashed clams, shrimp scraps, and some breadcrumbs. Let the chum drift into your fishing spot.
- Jigging: While not the primary method for spot, you can sometimes catch them by lightly jigging your bait. This involves lifting and dropping your rod tip gently to make your bait move.
Detecting Bites: Spot often have a very light bite. Pay close attention to your line. A slight twitch, tap, or sudden slack in the line can indicate a bite. When using spinning gear, watching the tip of your rod is often the best way to detect strikes.
Fishing for Croaker
Spot fish are often caught alongside other popular fish, like croaker. In fact, when you are fishing for spot, you are often fishing for croaker too!
Fishing for Croaker
Croaker, known for the “croaking” sound they make by vibrating their swim bladders, are closely related to spot and often inhabit the same areas. The techniques and bait used for spot are also highly effective for catching croaker.
- Where to Find Croaker: Croaker prefer similar habitats to spot – shallow, sandy, or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and along the coast. They are often found in the same areas as spot, especially during warmer months.
- Best Bait for Croaker: The best bait for spot is also usually the best bait for croaker. This includes bloodworms, shrimp, and clam strips.
- Spot Fishing Techniques for Croaker: All the spot fishing techniques, such as using a high-low rig, drifting, and chumming, will also work well for croaker.
Catching Croaker Fish: The key to successfully catching croaker fish is to present your bait effectively on the bottom. They are bottom feeders, so ensuring your bait is on or very near the seabed is crucial. Pay attention to your line for subtle bites, as croaker can also be tentative biters.
Combining Species
When you’re out fishing for spot, it’s common to catch other species too. This is part of the fun of fishing in these productive environments.
Other Species You Might Catch
- Kingfish (Whiting): Often found in similar locations and respond to the same baits.
- Weakfish: Can sometimes be caught on shrimp or bloodworms.
- Puppy Drum: Young red drum can be caught on cut bait or shrimp.
- Flounder: While they prefer slightly different structures, flounder can sometimes be caught on a drifting bait.
Spot Fishing Locations: A Deeper Dive
Let’s expand on the best locations to target these fish.
Specific Spot Fishing Locations
- Chesapeake Bay: Famous for its abundance of spot. Areas around the mouths of tributaries, shoals, and drop-offs are excellent. Popular spots include the Severn River, Magothy River, and the main stem of the Bay.
- Delaware Bay: Offers great opportunities, particularly in the warmer months. Look for areas with structure and good current.
- Coastal North Carolina: Pamlico Sound and the Outer Banks inlets are very productive. Shackleford Banks and the areas around Beaufort are also excellent.
- Florida Estuaries: The Indian River Lagoon and the bays along the Gulf Coast of Florida are home to spot.
- Inlets and Channels: Anywhere there’s a noticeable current moving through an inlet or channel is a good bet.
Advanced Spot Fishing Tips
To really up your game, consider these advanced tips.
Expert Spot Fishing Tips
- Chumming Strategy: Don’t just throw chum in one spot. Create a drift by anchoring upstream and letting the chum slick flow into your fishing area.
- Bait Selection: If you notice other anglers using a particular bait with success, try switching to that. Freshness of bait is paramount.
- Tide Awareness: The tide is your friend. Fish tend to move and feed more aggressively during tidal changes (the beginning and end of an incoming or outgoing tide).
- Reading the Water: Look for subtle changes in the water color, current lines, and the presence of baitfish. These are all indicators of where fish might be holding.
- Stealth: Spot can be wary, especially in clear, shallow water. Try to be as quiet as possible when approaching your fishing spot and avoid casting shadows over the water.
- Drifting Speed: If drifting, try to match your drift speed to the speed of the spot’s natural prey. A slow, natural drift is often best.
What is the best bait for spot?
The best bait for spot fish typically includes bloodworms, fresh shrimp, and small pieces of clam or oyster. These natural baits offer a strong scent and a lifelike presentation that spot find irresistible.
What are the best fishing techniques for spot?
The best fishing techniques for spot include using a high-low rig, drifting with the current, and light jigging. Presenting bait close to the bottom with natural movement is key.
Where can I find spot fish?
You can find spot fish in shallow, brackish waters like estuaries, tidal creeks, bays, salt marshes, and nearshore ocean beaches along the Atlantic coast.
How do I rig for spot?
Rigging for spot is simple. A high-low rig with size 6 to 1/0 hooks and 4-8 pound test line, baited with shrimp or bloodworms, is a very effective setup.
What fishing gear do I need for spot?
For spot fishing, you’ll need a light to medium-light spinning rod (5-7 feet), a matching spinning reel (1000-3000 size), and 4-8 pound test monofilament or braided line, often with a fluorocarbon leader.
When is the best time to catch spot?
The best time to catch spot is generally during warmer months, from late spring through fall, when water temperatures are between 65°F and 80°F. Early morning and late evening can be particularly good.
What are good spot fishing locations?
Excellent spot fishing locations include the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, coastal North Carolina estuaries, and inlets along the Atlantic coast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big do spot fish get?
A: Spot fish are relatively small, typically ranging from 6 to 12 inches in length and weighing less than a pound. Larger specimens can reach up to 15 inches.
Q: Are spot fish good to eat?
A: Yes, spot are considered delicious panfish. They have sweet, flaky white meat and are excellent when fried, baked, or broiled.
Q: Can I catch spot from a pier?
A: Absolutely! Piers and jetties are excellent platforms for catching spot, as they provide structure and access to deeper water and current.
Q: Do spot bite in cold weather?
A: Spot fish will remain active in cooler fall waters, but their activity slows considerably as winter approaches. They typically migrate to deeper, offshore waters to overwinter.
Q: What is the difference between spot and croaker?
A: While both are in the drum family and share similar habitats and feeding habits, spot have a distinct dark spot behind their gill cover (hence the name), while croaker are known for the croaking sound they produce. Their size and shape are also slightly different.
Q: Should I use a bobber or float with my spot rig?
A: While you can use a bobber, it’s generally not necessary or even recommended for spot fishing. Spot are typically bottom feeders, and presenting your bait directly on the bottom or in the water column with a high-low rig is usually more effective. A bobber can also make detecting their subtle bites more difficult.
Q: How much weight should I use for my spot rig?
A: The amount of weight needed depends on the current. In slow-moving water or when fishing very shallow areas, 1 ounce might be enough. In faster currents or deeper water, you might need 2 to 3 ounces to keep your bait on the bottom.
Q: Can I catch spot on lures?
A: While natural baits are preferred, small jigs tipped with artificial shrimp or artificial bloodworms can sometimes entice spot, especially if they are actively feeding. Small grubs on a jig head can also work.
Q: What is the legal size and bag limit for spot?
A: Regulations for spot can vary by state. It’s always important to check with your local wildlife and fisheries agency for the most current size limits and bag limits before you go fishing.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the fun and flavorful experience of catching spot fish!