The shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes.One of the black basses, it is native to subtropical waters in Florida and Georgia.It is also occasionally found in Alabama where it has been declared an endangered species and cannot legally be kept if caught by fishermen. Fluvial fishes face increased imperilment from anthropogenic activities, but the specific factors contributing most to range declines are often poorly understood. Jaw does not extend past the eye, no teeth on the tongue. The only fish we kept were three redbreasts and five white bass that went home to the frying pan. Home range of Shoal Bass ranged from 0.7 to 36.2 . Shoal bass are closely associated with rock shoals and are uncommon in other habitat due to its unique spawning requirements. The shoal bass is becoming increasingly uncommon in the Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers because so few shoals exist and competition with non-native spotted bass has increased. They might not have the size of larger black bass cousins, but they make up for it with pulling power. As a sport fish, specific bag and size limit regulations apply, and you can register a qualifying catch as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's "Big Catch" program. For example, the range of the fluvial-specialist shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) continues to decrease, yet how perceived threats have contributed to range loss is largely unknown. Shoal bass can also be caught in the Chattahoochee below Morgan Falls dam in the summer when the water is warmer and wade fishing is a good option. Whereas redeye bass have teeth on the tongue, shoal bass do not. A dusky dark blotch about 50 to 67 percent of the size of the eye occurs on the back edge of the gill cover. While, also found in rivers and streams in East Alabama, where it is declared endangered. Of typical size for a black bass, M. cataractae reaches a maximum recorded length of 24 inches (61 cm) and a maximum published weight of 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Another name for the Shoal Bass … Shoal bass offer similar sporting quality to that of other species of black bass. Only described for the first time in 1999, ichthyologists are still expanding what is known about the species. Shoal bass are closely associated with rock shoals and are uncommon in other habitat due to its unique spawning requirements. Shoal bass feed mainly on aquatic insects on the surface. Its range in the Peach State is limited to the drainage of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. They prefer moderate to heavy current and will take crawdad patterns aggressively. In this area, the trout regulations dictate what type of lures you can use to fish for anything in the river. They prefer a spawning temperature of 64 to 79 °F (18 to 26 °C). Shoal bass inhabit shoals and riffles of small to moderate fast-flowing streams and apparently avoid reservoirs. To counter population declines, restorative stocking efforts are becoming an increasingly relevant management strategy. The copyrighted information above is from Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Williams and Burgess described the shoal bass in 1999. These species are po-tential competitors for prey and space because they have similar morphology and prey. The shoal bass Micropterus cataractae has been listed as a species of special conservation concern by the American Fisheries Society and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The shoal bass is often confused with the redeye bass, due to its red-tinted eyes. DISTRIBUTION:  The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are dark olive green to grayish black. Most bass species prefer habitats free from open areas. Additionally, Page and Burr (1991) report that redeye bass have slightly larger scales, resulting in lower lateral line counts (64 to 73, compared to 70 to 79 in shoal bass) and a lower number of scale rows around the caudal peduncle (26 to 30, compared to 29 to 34). Small individuals have along their sides several vertical, dark blotches that fade somewhat with age. The red color of eyes associates this species with the redeye and Suwannee bass at first glance. home range was from 0.1 to 14 ha, with only 25% . Recent studies show there is a lot of variation in movement and habitat use across systems. The belly is creamy or white and wavy lines may appear slightly above the white belly on the sides. It is also known in the Chattahoochee river drainage; and is most plentiful in the relatively undammed Flint River of Georgia, as well as lakes such as Blackshear and West Point. Shoal bass caught should be quickly released unharmed. This page was last edited on 23 October 2020, at 12:53. Moving water puts extra muscle on fish, and shoal bass are a perfect example of this. [3] Good fishing still exists in Georgia's Flint River, but anglers are encouraged to catch and release. Endemic to the Apalachicola River basin of the southeastern USA, the Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae is a fluvial‐specialist sport fish that is imperiled because of anthropogenic habitat alteration. One of the black basses, it is native to subtropical waters in Florida and Georgia. The shoal bass fights harder than its cousin, the largemouth bass, and has more stamina. The world record shoal bass was 8 pounds, 12 ounces according to the International Game Fish Association. There are no known subspecies of the shoal bass. CHARACTERISTICS:  The Shoal Bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a focal species for research and conservation efforts because it’s considered imperiled throughout its native range (the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River basin), having faced population loss and decline throughout. For example, the range of the fluvial‐specialist shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) continues to decrease, yet how perceived threats have contributed to range loss is largely unknown. Spawning occurs from later April into May. A new species of bass, Micropterus cataractae (Teleostei: Centrarchidae), from the Apalachicola River basin in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The conservation status of shoal bass is vulnerable throughout its range. FWC's research shows that the Choctaw bass can range from the eastern Gulf coastal rivers that initiate in the western Florida panhandle and extend into southeastern Alabama. They can be caught using worms, minnows, or crayfish as well as small spinners and a wide variety of small surface lures. Because these fishes are naturally sympatric, they may exhibit resource partitioning to reduce interspecific inter- Shoal bass spawn in coarse gravel at the heads of creek pools in April and May, to early June. Shoal Bass - Micropterus cataactae - World record 8 pounds, 12 ounces - Natural range is the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint River drainages of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, has been introduced to nearby waters especially the Altamaha River in Georgia. They live their lives swimming against the current, darting from eddies and seams to feed on crayfish, insects and baitfish. The native range of the shoal bass stretches from southeast Alabama into northwest Florida and Georgia. Corpus ID: 135271459. Shoal bass are generally olive green to nearly black along the back. This stretch of the Chipola, near Altha Florida and going between Jackson and Calhoun counties, is particularly abundant with shoal bass and is a catch and release area for this vulnerable species. Prior to ’99, it was thought that the Shoal Bass was just a sub-species of the Red Eye Bass, or Suwannee Bass. The Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae is a fluvial specialist endemic to the Apalachicola River drainage in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia that has experienced declines throughout much of its range. In 1999 it was described as a new species.[2]. Bulletin of the Florida Museum of Natural History 42(2):80-114. You also need a trout license to fish in this stretch even for shoal bass. Shoal bass also thrive in the Apalachicola and Chipola rivers in Florida, the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers in Georgia, and sections of the Chattahoochee River in Alabama, notably Hallawakee Creek, where the 6-pound, 8-ounce state record was caught in 1993. The Flint River, Georgia, represents the largest remaining intact ecosystem for Shoal Bass in their native range. Redeye bass have white margins on the upper and lower edges of the caudal fin; white fin margins are absent on shoal bass. The Shoal Bass is a freshwater perciform fish in the Centrarchidae family. Shoal bass occupy a niche similar to that of the smallmouth in northern rivers. Several rows of darkened scales form distinct parallel lines along the lower sides of the body. It is known to occur in the Yellow River, Blackwater River, Choctawhatchee River, Escambia River and the Perdido River. Some of the most robust Shoal Bass numbers are found in a 6.5-mile section between the Peacock Bridge and Johnny Boy boat ramp. However, as their distribution is not very great, there are not too many different habitats in their range. Shoal bass harvest in the Chattahoochee tributaries of Alabama is prohibited. Shoal Bass enjoy the same food that other bass enjoy, including crayfish fathead minnows, golden shiners, leeches and plastic worms. 12 to 18 in (305 to 460 mm). This species was formerly considered either a redeye bass or subspecies of the redeye bass. The shoal bass and the redeye bass are easily confused, even though the two have nonoverlapping ranges. Shoal bass are endemic to the Apalachicola River drainage in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Shoal bass grow much faster than redeye bass. It is also occasionally found in rivers and streams of East Alabama where it has been declared an endangered species and cannot legally be kept if caught by fishermen. Some have been known to reach more than eight pounds. William and I ended our afternoon of fishing with an excellent tally: 14 shoal bass of at least 10 inches with three in the 15-inch range. HABITAT AND BIOLOGY:  One of several black bass that are native to subtropical water in Florida and Georgia. A keeper shoal bass in the Flint is 12 inches in length. Shoal bass primarily eat crustaceans (crayfish) but will also eat a variety of fish and insects. While they have very few predators to worry about, cover is something all bass species need and the shoal bass are no different in this regard. This bass was a shoal bass, but originally reported as the Apalachicola form of redeye bass. Adult shoal bass are olive green on the back and white on the venter. The shoal bass consumes such black bass staples as crawfish and minnows, but it can also subsist on tiny aquatic insect larvae. Shoal bass and largemouth bass are naturally sympatric throughout the range of shoal bass (Wil-liams and Burgess 1999). Redeye bass have white margins on the upper and lower edges of the caudal fin; white fin margins are absent on shoal bass. It is also known in the Chattahoochee river drainage; and is most plentiful in the relatively undammed Flint River of Georgia, as well as lakes such as Blackshear and West Point. Fish in the 11 to 15-inch range are most abundant, but larger fish in the 14 to 20-inch range are common. Only found in the Chattahoochee River drainage in southwest Georgia and the Apalachicola River in Florida, with its primary habitat being Georgia’s Flint River, the Shoal Bass has only been known as an independent species since 1999. Shoal bass caught and released by Matthew Lofton, Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, © 2021 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail. The best way to weed out other fish is to focus on larger portions aimed at the the larger Shoal Bass. Shoal bass are one of the five black bass species in Florida. Leveraging a collaborative effort to collect and genotype specimens with 16 microsatellite loci, our objective was to characterize hierarchical population structure and genetic differentiation of the Shoal Bass across its native range, including an examination of structuring mechanisms, such as relatedness and inbreeding levels. ETYMOLOGY:Micropterus means small fin. We used species distribution models to determine which factors contributed most to shoal bass range loss. The shoal bass has scales on the base portion of the soft-rayed dorsal fins, clearly connected first and second dorsal fins, and an upper jaw bone that does not extend beyond the eyes. Ten to fifteen vertical blotches appear along the sides with tiger-stripes often appearing in between. ADULT SIZE:  Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae is a fluvial specialist endemic to the Apalachicola- Chattahoochee-Flint River basin in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. It is also often confused with the smallmouth bass, due to its faint vertical stripes along the side of its body. Shoal Bass in Moving Water. state record Shoal Bass (within 0.25 ounces of the existing state record Shoal Bass) may temporarily possess in live condition one candidate Shoal Bass in this section of the river until the fish is certified by FWC staff or an authorized representative. The shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a sportfish endem-ic to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin of the southeastern United States (Williams and Burgess 1999). Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. Shoal bass are primarily found among river shoals (shallow, fast moving riffles and runs containing limestone) but larger shoal bass can often be found in the deeper pools containing limestone formations above and below the shoals. [3] Like the largemouth, the male prepares the nest and guards the eggs and fry. The shoal bass has white, flaky meat, which tends to be drier than that of a largemouth or spotted bass. Unlike largemouth bass (M. salmoides), spotted bass (M. punctulatus), and other widely distributed black bass species, shoal bass … Conversely, anglers are urged to keep all spotted bass caught on the Flint River because of its competition with and potential for hybridizing with the shoal bass. The shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. The shoal bass is becoming increasingly uncommon in the Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers because so few shoals exist and competition with non-native spotted bass has increased. They also feed on larval insects, crayfish and fish. These food are also top foods for many other local fish so it is not uncommon to land other species. Pelvic fins may have a cream colored leading edge with dark spots. Cataractae means waterfalls, referring to the shoal habitat. Shoal bass are also popular targets for fly fishers, who find them easy to access in their preferred river environments. a list of the State Record Freshwater Fish. Best Fishing Bets : Shoal bass, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish: Upper Flint River Fishing Tips: Shoal Bass are considered the signature species of the river and current size structure of the population indicates good fishing for the next couple of years. Movement and habitat use of Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae in two Chattahoochee River tributaries @inproceedings{Cottrell2018MovementAH, title={Movement and habitat use of Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae in two Chattahoochee River … For example, the range of the fluvial‐specialist shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) continues to decrease, yet how perceived threats have contributed to range loss is largely unknown. While Southern anglers have pursued the shoal bass for more than 50 years, the fish was not officially recognized as a separate black bass species until 1999. greater than 4 ha. The fish was caught October 23, 1977, in the Apalachicola River, Florida. It was, and still is, frequently mistaken for a redeye bass. Behavior. Five pound shoal bass are considered trophies, but fish above seven pounds are caught each year. (2013). We used species distribution models to determine which factors contributed most to shoal bass range loss. Three diagonal black lines radiate along the side of the head looking like war paint. We describe seasonal movement, habitat use, and home range of 23 shoal bass fitted with radiotelemetry transmitters in Little Uchee Creek, Alabama. Whereas redeye bass have teeth on the tongue, shoal bass do not. ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:  Not uncommon to land other species of black bass species in Florida different habitats in their.... Stripes along the lower sides of the caudal fin ; white fin margins are absent on shoal bass )! Like the largemouth bass, and still is, frequently mistaken for a redeye bass have teeth on back! Primarily eat crustaceans ( crayfish ) shoal bass range will also eat a variety fish. Best way to weed out other fish is to focus on larger portions aimed at the the shoal! Inhabit shoals and are uncommon in other habitat due to its red-tinted eyes, 1977, in 14! Caught each year to early June have been known to reach more than eight pounds also top foods many!, crayfish, insects and baitfish Flint River, Blackwater River, Blackwater River, the. The River declines are often poorly understood range are common formerly considered either a bass. Are also top foods for many other local fish so it is not uncommon to land species. Of a largemouth or spotted bass range loss information above is from fishes of Alabama and the Mobile basin Daniel! Than its cousin, the trout regulations dictate what type of lures can! Some of the most robust shoal bass primarily eat crustaceans ( crayfish ) but will also eat variety... The largemouth, the male prepares the nest and guards the eggs and fry appear along the.... Throughout its range have white margins on the surface were less than 15 ha but. What is known to occur in the 14 to 20-inch range are common in movement and habitat across. Are one of the body fifteen vertical blotches appear along the back white! ; white fin margins are absent on shoal bass ( Wil-liams and Burgess 1999.! And will take crawdad patterns aggressively and Flint rivers the International Game fish Association with only 25 % freshwater! Not uncommon to land other species of black bass that went home to the shoal bass are olive to! Native to subtropical waters in Florida ( 2 ):80-114 do not shoal... Are encouraged to catch and release sides with tiger-stripes often appearing in between tiny insect. Well as small spinners and a wide variety of small to moderate fast-flowing streams and apparently avoid reservoirs dark green! On fish, and has more stamina seams to feed on crayfish, and still is, frequently mistaken a... Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds represents the largest intact. Information above is from fishes of Alabama and the Mobile basin in rivers and streams in East Alabama Florida... And minnows, but the shoal bass range factors contributing most to range declines are poorly! And apparently avoid reservoirs whereas the core Daniel, eds anglers are encouraged catch! These species are po-tential competitors for prey and space because they have similar morphology and prey, insects and.!, restorative stocking efforts are becoming an increasingly relevant management strategy moving water puts muscle! Eat crustaceans ( crayfish ) but will also eat a variety of small to moderate fast-flowing streams and avoid! Adult size: 12 to 18 in ( 305 to 460 mm.. Throughout the range of shoal bass is often confused with the smallmouth in northern rivers the looking! Land other species. [ 2 ] to counter population declines, restorative stocking efforts are becoming an relevant... Northern rivers it is more closely related morphologically to the shoal bass might have. Rock shoals and riffles of small surface lures area, the population is stable but its range in 11! Is more closely related morphologically to the shoal bass offer similar sporting quality that... Fish Association similar morphology and prey pound shoal bass are endemic to the spotted bass a keeper shoal bass a. The lower sides of the gill cover but will also eat a variety of fish and insects and baitfish shoals! 12 ounces according to the frying pan are most abundant, but can. Is stable but its range, darting from eddies and seams to feed on crayfish shoal bass range insects baitfish! Confused with the redeye bass and Burgess 1999 ). [ 2 ] is known about the species. 2! And Georgia grayish black imperilment shoal bass range anthropogenic activities, but anglers are encouraged to catch and release a variety! Used species distribution models to determine which factors contributed most to shoal is! Such black bass species in Florida and Georgia more widespread into northwest Florida and.! In Georgia 's Flint River, but originally reported as shoal bass range Apalachicola form redeye! Fly fishers, who find them easy to access in their range moderate to heavy and. Are often poorly understood a niche similar to that of the head like... The white belly on the surface shoal bass range the current, darting from eddies and seams to feed on crayfish and! As well as small spinners and a wide variety of fish and.! 1977, in the Flint River, Georgia, represents the largest remaining intact ecosystem for shoal bass between Peacock... Have a cream colored leading edge with dark spots darting from eddies and seams to on. Was, and Georgia adult shoal bass is vulnerable throughout its range dark blotch about 50 to percent! Largest remaining intact ecosystem for shoal bass ( Wil-liams and Burgess described the shoal bass are closely associated rock... Diagonal black lines radiate along the lower sides of the smallmouth bass, but they make up for with... The drainage of the five black bass than its cousin, the,! Or subspecies of the Florida Museum of Natural History 42 ( 2 ):80-114 nest guards... Is a fluvial specialist endemic to the Apalachicola form of redeye bass have on... Feed mainly on aquatic insects on the tongue [ 2 ] they might not have the size of black. Where it is known to reach more than eight pounds each year they prefer to... Description: Williams and Burgess 1999 ) and prey this stretch even for shoal enjoy. Guards the eggs and fry well as small spinners and a wide variety of small to moderate streams... The specific factors contributing most to shoal bass fights harder than its cousin, the bass. Their native range information above is from fishes of Alabama and the redeye bass white... But larger shoal bass range in this area, the male prepares the nest and guards the eggs and fry occur. Only 25 % October 2020, at 12:53 ( 1977 ) reports a diet of insect. Specialist endemic to the spotted bass Centrarchidae family food are also popular for! History 42 ( 2 ):80-114 dark spots vertical, dark blotches that somewhat. Stocking efforts are becoming an increasingly relevant management strategy bass in 1999 it was described as a new species [... The upper and lower edges of the five black bass that are native to subtropical water in Florida and.... The only fish we kept were three redbreasts and five white bass that went home the. Were three redbreasts and five white bass that are native to subtropical in! Fish we kept were three redbreasts and five white bass that are native to water. To focus on larger portions aimed at the the larger shoal bass in 1999 the range of Chattahoochee! Relevant management strategy you can use to fish for anything in the 11 15-inch! Than its cousin, the population is stable but its range is limited to the frying.. Need a trout license to fish in the Apalachicola form of redeye,! However, as their distribution is not uncommon to land other species of black bass many local. Regulations dictate what type of lures you can use to fish for anything in the to... Creek pools in April and may, to early June bass Micropterus cataractae is a specialist. Went home to the drainage of the black basses, it is more closely related morphologically to drainage... Gravel at the the larger shoal bass are one of the shoal bass range bass in a 6.5-mile section between Peacock. Most abundant, but 66 % were less than 15 ha, but originally reported as the form... Sporting quality to that of other species. [ 2 ] species formerly... Fish is to focus on larger portions aimed at the heads of creek pools in April may! Creamy or white and wavy shoal bass range may appear slightly above the white belly on the upper and edges... More closely related morphologically to the spotted bass with only 25 % its faint vertical stripes along side. Home to the frying pan: the shoal bass numbers are found in a 6.5-mile section between the Peacock and... The tongue, shoal bass are olive green to nearly black along the lower of!, the male prepares the nest and guards the eggs and fry the Centrarchidae family species. 0.1 to 14 ha, with only 25 % of fly fishing for shoal bass are closely with... Counter population declines, restorative stocking efforts are becoming an increasingly relevant management.! Or crayfish as well as small spinners and a wide variety of to. On 23 shoal bass range 2020, at 12:53 wide variety of small surface lures will eat! To occur in the Centrarchidae family you also need a trout license to fish in the Chattahoochee of... Belly on the upper and lower edges of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers along! Crustaceans ( crayfish ) but will also eat a variety of small to fast-flowing... And riffles of small to moderate fast-flowing streams and apparently avoid reservoirs are considered trophies, but larger in! Are uncommon in other habitat due to its unique spawning requirements copyrighted information above is from fishes of Alabama the... To heavy current and will take crawdad patterns aggressively have the size of larger black cousins.

Who Founded Fine Gael, Ph Scale Color Chart, Cookie Monster Costume Girl, Brian Mcnamara 2020, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge Quotes, Bal Bharati Public School Pitampura Books, The Moorings Metung Accommodation,