Weighing undersized Spotted Bass in Tournaments

[SeminoleSam3]

New to the tournament trail this year. As I understand it, there is no minimum size limit on KY Spotted Bass. Are you allowed to weigh Spotted Bass even if they are under 12"? What if a lake has a 15" limit? Seems like I read where one fish in the limit could be under but not sure if that means under 12" or 15". Does this normally just apply to LM & SM or to Spotted Bass also? Need some clarification please.

[stripernut]

talk to the tournament director for the tournament you are fishing. in most cases they will impose a minimum length for spotted bass. keep in mind you will more than likely be asessed a penalty for bringing a short fish to the scales....usually a pound per short fish. so if an 11 inch spotted bass weighs 13oz. and you bring it to the scales you will be penalized MORE (16oz) than you would have added to your total weight anyway.....the math dont add up lol

[artcarney_agr]

There is no size limit on spots in Ky.
Tournament director can establish any min. he likes.

[papawbass]

Just as artcarney stated you must check with tourney director. Most have adopted one fish under 15 mainly because many guys can't tell difference between a Ky and largemouth. This fits the state regulations, but I haven't heard any allowing under 12". Bottom line its up to each individual to know the rules, so any questions should directed to the tournament director.

Good fishing!

[MagikSmallie]

In the KBFN and BFL it's 12" for spots.

[artcarney_agr]

In the KBFN and BFL it's 12" for spots.

Not always. The rules for the BFL this weekend on Ky Lake states 15" largemouth and spotted bass, 18" smallmouth. Now if someone complains at the meeting, they'll probably change spots to 12", have seen that happen before.

I've seen many tournaments make spotted bass be the same min. length as largemouth to eliminate identification arguments .

[SeminoleSam3]

Ok thanks guys. Guess it can be slightly different depending on the tournament director but sounds like Spots would have to be at least 12" and only 1 fish allowed in the 12-15" slot.

[artcarney_agr]

Ok thanks guys. Guess it can be slightly different depending on the tournament director but sounds like Spots would have to be at least 12" and only 1 fish allowed in the 12-15" slot.

If 12" in the min. on spots, then you could have 5 of them. Just read your tournament rules.

When fun fishing, I'll put the knife to any spot I catch. Delicious little guys they are!