Red eye bass?

Here in San Diego ive seen lmb with red eyes...

Was told by a friend who is very heavy into the sport & is knowledgeable, he only sees it in the males during the spawn.

Seems to think the 2 are related...

"The eyes turn to an orangish red to full blown red when the males are on beds. 

Thats the easist way to know once you catch a fish if it was a bed fish or just a pre-spawner cruising around."