It looks like a little bass except for the orange spot on its tail. Caught in a creek in southeastern Pennsylvania.

looks like a small mouth bass to me

Baitfish.

That’s what I thought too but the orange spot on the tail is weird.

I'm no expert but looks like smallie to me.

That is a small, smallie.

Smaller? Where’s Jbyrd he should know

Smallmouth 100 %

Agree with above.Black Bass.(Smallmouth)

agreed smallmouth they seem to throw different shades in some streams..a wide variety actually

Thanks fellas, smallmouth it is then.

Most of the smaller, smallmouth bass I've caught in smaller streams in Ohio have that orange spot, often much more pronounced.

Keith

Thanks Keith, that settles it then. I've never seen that orange spot before. But then I've never caught a smallie this small before either. It hit a Rapala bait. It's eyes were definitely bigger than it's stomach.

If they are anything like a creek living alabama bass aka spot they are vicious little things that'll slam a lure no matter the size.

white eye ring
and being able to hold it's lower jaw with no teeth cutting into your thumb.