REDEYE BASS "CHIPOLA BASS" (Micropterus coosae) OTHER NAMES: Shoal Bass

RANGE: The Apalachicola River system of the Eastern Florida Panhandle; most often seen in the Chipola River, on Apalachicola tributary

HABITAT: Prefers clear, running water with hard bottom, but also roams to other riverine habitats.

DESCRIPTION: Light in color with a white underside. Cark spot at base of tail. Eye red.

SIZE: Common at 1-3 pounds. World record 8 pounds, 12 ounces; Florida record 7.83 pounds.

FOOD VALUE: Excellent

GAME QUALITIES: A ready striker and spirited battler.

TACKLE AND BAITS: Light spinning and baitcasting outfits. Loves crawfish, but minnows and worms also produce. Favorites include spinnerbaits, topwater slender minnow plugs, plastic worms and small crankbaits.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing.