Beginner’s Guide to Georgia Shoal Bass Fishing
Shoal bass fishing is a popular pastime among Georgia anglers and has quickly become my personal favorite type of fishing. What these bass lack in size compared to their largemouth cousins, they make up for in attitude and fight. Not to mention, they are often found in some of the prettiest stretches of rivers and streams in the state.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at shoal bass fishing in Georgia, including where they’re found, their preferred habitat, what lures and baits I use, and a few tips to improve your success.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to have a successful and enjoyable shoal bass fishing experience in the Peach State.
About Shoal Bass
Shoal bass are characterized by an elongated body similar to largemouth bass, with a distinct olive-green to bronze coloration along the back that slowly transitions to a cream or white belly. They have dark vertical stripes above the midline of their body which resemble tiger stripes. They may or may not have red eyes.
They are sometimes confused with other black bass species found in Georgia, although there are distinguishing characteristics that make identifying these unique fish relatively easy.
Unlike largemouth bass, the upper jaw of the shoal bass does not extend beyond their eyes, and the dorsal fin is not deeply notched. Shoal bass also lack the distinct lateral stripe that largemouth bass have.
Shoal bass most closely resemble smallmouth bass, but with subtle differences. The lower jaw of a shoal bass protrudes slightly, while the smallmouth bass has a more even upper and lower jaw alignment. Also, the dorsal fin of shoal bass typically have 10 to 12 spines while smallmouth bass have 13 to 15. But the most distinguishing difference between the two is the large dark spot at the base of the tail on most shoal bass.
Preferred Habitat
Shoal bass are known for their strong swimming abilities and their preference for fast-moving water, so they are typically found in rocky river systems characterized by swift currents. These environments offer ideal conditions for the species to thrive, as they provide ample cover and feeding opportunities. Shoal bass are typically found in areas with submerged rocks, boulders, and fallen trees, where they can easily ambush their prey, which consists primarily of smaller fish and invertebrates.

Food Preferences
Shoal bass are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat just about anything that fits in their mouths. They have a diverse diet that varies depending on the availability of prey in their habitat. Some of their favorite foods include crayfish, minnows, insects, and small fish such as sunfish and shad. They’re also known to feed on frogs, tadpoles, and even snakes if given the chance.
Shoal Bass Size
Shoal bass are medium-sized fish — smaller than largemouth bass — with adults generally reaching lengths of 18 to 24 inches. Their weight can vary, depending on habitat and food availability, but they commonly weigh up to 8 pounds.
State and World Records
The Georgia state record shoal bass weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was caught by Joseph Matthew McWhorter in 2021 while fishing the Chattahoochee River near Columbus.
Less than a year later, angler Clark Wheeler tied that record with another 8 lbs 5 oz shoalie. Wheeler caught his 24½-inch fish from the Flint River below Lake Blackshear.
Both of these fish fall 7 ounces short of the 8 lbs 12oz world record shoal bass caught way back in 1977 from the Apalachicola River in Florida. At the time, the fish was classified as the Apilachicola form of the redeye bass until shoal bass officially received recognition as its own species.
Where To Catch Shoal Bass

In Georgia, shoal bass are found in a few river systems. Their native range includes the Chattahoochee and Flint River basins, and they have been introduced into the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers.
Chattahoochee River
Shoal bass are found in the middle and upper sections of the river, particularly from the Atlanta area down to the Georgia-Alabama border.
The upper Chattahoochee provides ample public access for fishing, including several locations managed by the DNR and Corps of Engineers. Shoal bass can also be caught below Morgan Falls dam in the summer when the water is warmer and wade fishing is a good option. Just be aware you’ll need a trout license to fish in this stretch and trout regulations apply.
There are some shoal bass found below West Point, but fishing access is very limited.
Flint River
The Flint River supports a significant population of shoal bass, particularly in the middle and upper reaches, where there are numerous rocky shoals and swift-flowing currents.
The river has plenty of public access points along where anglers can wade, kayak, canoe or even use a motor boat. Further south, between Lake Blackshear and Lake Seminole, the river offers the opportunity to use outboard or jetdrive boats. While not as plentiful in this stretch of river, some of the biggest shoal bass come from the area, with fish in the 4 to 6 lbs. range common.
Ocmulgee River
Shoal bass can be found in the upper Ocmulgee River and its tributaries, though they are less abundant here than in the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Most of the shoal bass fishing in the area occurs immediately below Lake Jackson, and all of the public access points are on the east side of the river.

Shoal Bass Fishing Tips
Catching shoal bass is all about dialing in your approach and understanding how these fish behave. When I’m on the water, I focus on the places they love—rocky shoals, submerged boulders, and current breaks. Shoal bass are ambush predators, so I’m always scanning for eddies, slack water behind rocks, or those deeper runs on the outer bends of rivers where they can sit and strike without burning energy. If there’s a confluence of two streams or rivers, that’s often a prime spot too.
My go-to setup is a medium or medium-heavy spinning rod paired with 10- to 20-pound braided line. Braided line is tough enough to handle the rocks and swift current, and I usually add a fluorocarbon leader for clear water. For lures, I like soft plastics that imitate crawfish or baitfish, and crankbaits are a staple in my box, especially in natural or flashy patterns. On overcast mornings or evenings, I’ll switch to topwater lures—there’s nothing like seeing a shoal bass explode on a buzzbait or popper. And if the bite’s tough, live bait like crayfish or minnows rarely gets ignored.
Technique is just as important as gear. I’ll cast upstream and let my lure drift naturally with the current, keeping my line tight to feel every bump and nibble. Fan casting is a great way to cover a lot of water, especially in bigger shoals. I’ve learned that shoal bass often prefer a slow, steady retrieve, but I’ll vary my speed or pause my lure if the fish aren’t committing. Early mornings and evenings are my favorite times to fish, but I’ve caught plenty in the middle of the day by staying persistent and methodically working likely holding spots. Shoal bass fishing takes patience and some trial and error, but when you hook into one, it’s worth every second.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, shoal bass fishing in Georgia offers anglers a unique opportunity to catch a prized game fish some of the state’s most beautiful stream habitat. Remember to practice catch-and-release to help preserve this important species for future generations to enjoy.
With some patience, skill, and a bit of luck, you could be on your way to catching your very own shoal bass in the rivers and streams of Georgia.