Spotted bass in California

“Largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, were first introduced into California from Quincy, Illinois, into Lake Cuyamaca ( San Diego County ) in 1891, and are now found throughout California. Two subspecies are recognized, the northern subspecies, M. s. salmoides, and the Florida subspecies, M. s. floridanus. The first introduction of Florida largemouth bass was made in 1959 into southern California. The value of Florida largemouth bass has been demonstrated by increased catches of trophy-sized fish and nationwide public attention. Many bass greater than 10 pounds have been caught from California waters including a 21 pound 12 ounce bass caught from Castaic Lake, Los Angeles County, in 1991.”

“Spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus, are divided into three separate subspecies but only the northern spotted bass, M. p. punctulatus, called Kentucky bass, and Alabama spotted bass, M. p. henshalli have been introduced into California. Although spotted bass are colored similar to largemouth bass, they can be easily distinguished by a smaller mouth and the fact that the first and second dorsal fins are connected. A tooth patch is located on the tongue of the spotted bass and can be felt when you run the tip of your finger over it. However, a portion of largemouth bass also posses the tooth patch. The Alabama spotted bass was introduced to the state in 1974. Subsequently, angler catches of Alabama spotted bass over six pounds from many waters have been verified by CDFW biologists including one that weighed 10 pounds 4 ounces, caught at Pine Flat Lake in 2001.”