Resembles largemouth bass but distinguished by a rough patch of teeth on the tongue, connected dorsal fins, and distinct rows of dark spots along the lower abdomen.
Season
April – October
Where
Potomac River Mainstem, Youghiogheny River Lake
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 4 lbs 12 oz
How we fish for them
Shake 3/16oz Ned rigs or 4-inch finesse worms on shaky heads along deep rocky drop-offs.
Rod: 7'0" medium spinning rod Reel: 3000-size reel • 15lb Braid + 10lb Leader
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026