>They are listed as rare in GA, but I'm not sure of the reason. Flathead
>invasion would certainly be a problem for them if that is the case. >Their
>range is relatively tiny...just the corners of AL, GA, and part >of the FL
>panhandle.
They're still fairly common in parts of the Suwannee and Ochlockonee
drainages, both of which also have populations of introduced flatheads.
Spotteds are almost impossible to seine or dipnet, and I've never gotten
them with a backpack shocker, despite extensive effort in seemingly
appropriate habitat. They seem to prefer water too deep to wade effectively.
Difficulty of capture is probably much of the reason why they are protected.
I have caught them by angling, and watched them while hanging out at
decompression stops in north Florida caves. They're beautiful fish. There's
lots of public access on the big spring-fed rivers of north Florida where
you could probably get some with hook and line rather easily.
best,
Dave
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