Spot, also called Spot Croaker, are small fish that are abundant along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. Although small, Spot make excellent table fair. Effective methods for catching Spot include two-drop bottom rigs, jigging, spin casting and surf casting.
Habitat: Bay, Ocean, Estuary
How to identify Spot
Spots are most easily identified by the black spot found on the upper portion of its gill covers. The Spot fish is bluish-gray with a yellow or tan belly, yellow fins, and visible lines that fade as it ages. Its body is flattened with a small head and raised back. They are small fish that usually do not exceed 10 inches.
Where to catch Spot
Spot are mostly found in estuaries and bays in the spring and summer, spot are found in deeper waters offshore when they breed during the fall. They are also found offshore while spawning. Spot are abundant along the shoreline and often travel in schools. They can be caught near bridges, docks and piers. One of the best places to fish for Spot is over old oyster beds in depths less than 20 feet, if you’re lucky enough to find one. During the fall as Spot migrate South, they can be caught surf casting from the beach.
The following are habitats where you can catch Spot:
- Estuaries
- Breakers
- Channel Entrances
- Coastal Waters
- Deep Shore Water
- Jetties and Breakers
- Man-made Structures
- Mangroves
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Reefs, Wrecks and Shoals
- Saltwater Tides
- Shore Points
- Surf and Shore
How to catch Spot
An effective method for catching Spot is to use a double-drop bottom rig. The rig is constructed using wire with two droppers for attaching snelled hooks, and a snap at the bottom for a sinker. When using this method, Anglers recommend using long shank number-four or number-six hooks (with or without spinners) and light weight sinkers. A conventional rod and real combo, spinning combo or a handline will work for fishing this rig setup.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Spot:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Spot
Spot can be caught using live bait such as bloodworms, clams, squid, peeler crab, and shrimp, or artificial jigs and spoons. Light tack is preferred and most effective. Anglers have also report success catching Spot using scent impregnated baits such a bait strips and Fishbites.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Spot:
