Spot - Species Report

Recreational anglers catch more spot in North Carolina than any other fish. Spot is also one of the most commonly caught fish by commercial fishermen using long-haul seines, trawls, pound nets and gill nets. Among all fishermen autumn along the coast is synonymous with runs of large "yellowbelly" spot. Although fairly plentiful almost anytime during the year, spot are especially abundant in the fall, when adults form migrating schools in preparation for spawning. Spot is celebrated table fare and is the theme of a community festival in Hampstead, North Carolina. On fishing piers packed to capacity in October, anglers use bottom rigs baited with shrimp or bloodworms to fill their coolers with these tasty fish.

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