Know Your Customer - The Spotted Sand Bass

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For those of you who like to read, here's a nice report from the Department of Fish and Wildlife about Spotties.

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In California waters, adult spotted sand bass have a diet that consists primarily of crabs and clams, with fishes forming a relatively small component of their overall food compliment. The crab component consists of brachyuran crabs, and the dominant bivalve in the diet is the jackknife clam.

It's interesting that the bait we use is imitating the least important part of their diet. I think maybe experimenting with some crab creature baits might be worth a try.

Bob that was a good Post very nice to no !!!

That is a great read I use to sell a crab plastic bait way back when. I might have some left over might have to put this is to use soon. I do remember a few years bait landing a spot and when I lipped it I could see something in its mouth. Once I noticed what it was it came crawling out and plopped on the sand and back in the water. Have to say surprised you know what out of me. LOL

The link doesn't open for me.

It's a .pdf document. My iPad won't open it but my desktop will.

Here's some web based info from the same guys on Calicos and Barred Sand Bass.

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Good stuff.

I'm dating myself, but many years ago, in the 1970s, we would keep a limit of these fish to fillet and eat. (Don't worry, I have not kept a bass since those days.) I always checked their stomachs to see what they were eating. Almost all of them had Razor Clams or small crabs in their stomachs. The only fish I found were the anchovies that us and other fishermen used as bait. Anchovies are not found in Newport Bay. Somewhere I did see a great-looking plastic crab bait that would probably work if it was colored to match the crabs that the bass eat.

Savage Gear makes a 3D Crab in TPE and a Manic Shrimp. I've got both coming in and will give them a try.

I think the bottom line is really that these guys are predators and our "wounded baitfish" lures and presentations look like an easy meal, too good to pass up. It will be interesting to see if I can catch fish on something more like their normal food.

All in good fun!

I know the crab lures I had worked not amazing but I did catch on them. I am interested to see what you think as well good luck.

Bob,
I'm curious as well to what your out-come will be using a more-realistic looking red crab or shrimp bait.
Best of luck out there OB using the Savage Gear products!
I look forward to your review on the Savage Gear 3D Crab in TPE and their Manic Shrimp as well.

Keep us posted!

SP Dan     <"))><