The second bass slammer of the year has been crowned, but you’ve still got a chance to be in the top 3. This week we’ll focus on the Redeye Bass also known as the “Coosa Bass” with the help of former Fisheries Chief, John Biagi.
Species:
Redeye Bass
How big do they get?
Between 5–16 inches long. These bass don’t get very big so a 12 inch catch is considered a good one.
Where you can find them:
Public access points:
There’s no shortage of public access if Redeye Bass is what you’re after. These smaller bass are found in the Coosawattee, Conasauga and Etowah Rivers. Paulding Forest, Johns Mountain, Pine Log, Rich Mountain, Cohutta and Dawson WMAs all fall within the previously listed river basins and offer access for free as part of your fishing license. With all these choices the world is your oyster – just pick the WMA closest to you and start fishing the pools!
View an interactive map of where to find Redeye Bass and public access points. If you’re looking for other boating and fishing opportunities around the state, check out the new Georgia Outdoors Boating and Fishing app, here.
How to Fish Them:
Redeye bass are ambush predators and like to use cover and current breaks to their advantage. Work your bait around these types of cover to find your fish. Target areas behind and in front of large rocks that break the current. Also look for trees laying in the water around deep pools. Let the fish tell you where they are and what presentation triggers their strike. This is called establishing a pattern.
Lures you should use:
Redeye bass are scrappy fighters that eat other fish and crayfish. Try starting off with a 4 inch finesse worm on an 1/8 oz shaky head. Others may prefer a small minnow bait such as a floating Rapala, or a spinnerbait such as a Satilla spin, Roostertail, or a popping bug on a fly rod. All will catch redeye bass depending on their mood.
Recommendations from John:
“The Redeye bass in the Etowah River last fall were not in their classic fast water habitats, but had moved into slower pools. It took me most of the fishing trip to find them, but once I did, it was apparent they wanted a Satilla spin fished through mud bottomed pools. The bites came pretty quick once I figured out where they fish were and what they wanted to eat. Get out there with a variety of baits and work to find the pattern for the day that produces the best results.” 
Find out more about the Redeye Bass
So you want to catch a bass slam in Georgia? Learn about the Georgia Bass Slam.