Spot

Spot croaker, or spot, are one of the most abundant fishes in North American coastal waters.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SPOT

Spot croakers are a moderately deep-bodied, compressed fish with an elevated back. They are typically bluish-gray in color on their backs, which fades to golden yellow or yellow-tan on their underside. They have 12-15 dark streaks that run from the tops of their bodies down past their lateral line but these streaks tend to fade as the fish gets older. The fins are pale yellow in color and their head is short compared to their bodies. There are 9-11 dorsal spines and 29-35 soft rays on the backs of the fish and the anal fin has two spines and 12-13 rays. The caudal peduncle is fairly deep and the tail is slightly notched. The most prominent feature that can distinguish this species is the telltale black spot that is found on the upper edge of the gill covers.The spot will grow to approximately 11 inches in length and rarely reaches a pound in weight. Average size for most spots is about six to eight inches.

 

WHERE TO CATCH SPOT

Spot can be found on the Atlantic coast from Maine southward throughout the Gulf of Mexico. It is an important bait fish as well as an important commercial fish throughout its range. They prefer estuaries and bays through the spring and summer months, then travel offshore to deeper waters in the fall to breed. A highly prolific species, these spot may remain in offshore waters and repeatedly spawn for several weeks.These fish are extremely common in the surf and are also widely distributed in bays and estuaries. They can also be found along piers, bridges and other man-made structures. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

BAYS AND ESTUARIES                           CHANNEL ENTRANCES

DEEP SHORE WATER                   MAN-MADE STRUCTURES

MERGING WATER                                PIERS, DOCKS AND PILINGS

SALTWATER AND TIDES                        SURF AND SHORE

BREAKERS                                           COASTAL WATERS

JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS                  MANGROVES

NIGHT FISHING                                    REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS

SHORE POINTS

 

HOW TO CATCH SPOT

A highly sought after species, the spot can be easily taken from shore, boat, dock or pier using natural baits such as shrimp, clams and squid as well as artificial baits such as jigs and spoons. Light tackle is the most popular choice for most anglers and small hooks and baits will typically be the most successful method. Spots make for excellent table fare and are often cooked whole as panfish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

DRIFT FISHING                                     SURF CASTING

SPIN CASTING                                     CHUMMING

STILL FISHING                                      SALTWATER JIGGING

 

SPOT LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

CLAMS                                               CUT BAIT

SALTWATER LIVE BAIT                          SPOONS                                   

CRABS                                      JIGS

SHRIMP                                              SQUID