Check this fish out that was caught by a buddy of mines fishing partner on Ray Roberts yesterday. I don't have permission to use the guy's name, so I won't. They brought it in believing it was a new lake record Spotted Bass. However, after being examined by TP&W biologist this morning it is believed to be a cross between a Spotted and a Smallmouth. They took fin samples and a few scales and will not know for certain until test results come back. The biologist said that it is rare but happens occasionally in northern states, but to his knowledge had never been documented in Texas. So to make a long story short, if it indeed comes back a hybrid it will not only be a lake record, but a state record for this species. The fish was released back into the lake this afternoon. Beautiful fish!

Pics?

wow, what a beautiful fish! what did it weigh??

Nvmnd

Looks like a smallie to me. It's a good one for sure

That is an awesome looking fish! I'd like to know what it weighed as well.

Post said 4.35 I'm curious to know the outcome of the testing I have personally caught 2 bigger than this one in the past 4 months and thought they were smallies. It's a post I saw on Facebook and I'm unsure of the angler that caught it. I emailed Texas parks and wildlife to see if I could get.more info.

I would have guessed smallmouth all the way. Gorgeous fish.

I'm with you mr. Franks just look forward to seeing what they say after the testing. Never thought that I threw a possible state record back more than once.

Caught this one last fall and was sure it was a smallmouth but coloration is similar to the one being tested. Regardless, they are fun to catch and really fight and jump like smallies!

When guys see that bronze color, how do they NOT know it's NOT a spot? Nevermind the markings. . .and I'm not saying I expect people to be able to identify a hybrid species, but one look and you can see that isn't a spot. Jesus.

Well this post most definitely WON'T clear up the debate but really cool fish.

I'd vote for meanmouth as well. Looks like the shape of a spot with the coloration more like that of a smallie and spot. Glad they did fin clips.

Thanks for posting.

Thanks for posting this, Ive caught a few on Texoma that look really close to that fish, just smaller. Really interested to know what the test results are Brad, keep us posted please!

My best smallmouth/spot/mean mouth from last year went 4.2lbs. Maybe the state can figure this debate out.