Target Species: Northern large mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) & Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus)
Other Common Names: black bass, bigmouth bass, green bass
Identification: Two subspecies cannot be distinguished visually but can be identified through genetic testing. Head and back light to dark green with lighter mottled sides. Prominent lateral stripe running from eye to base of tail. Golden eye. Jaw extends past eye. Dorsal fins nearly separate with 12-13 soft rays and 10 spines.
Biological Info: Usually spawn in spring when water reaches 63ºF-68ºF. After the female lays up to 43,000 eggs in two to eight feet of water, the male takes over guarding the nest. The eggs hatch in five to ten days but the male continues to guard the school for several more days. Bass use their lateral line as a sixth sense to pick up vibrations to sense prey as well as to warn of danger.
Geographical Range: Originally throughout the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains as well as sparse populations in southeastern Canada and northeastern Mexico. However, as arguably the most popular freshwater game fish, it has been introduced to the rest of the continental U.S. as well as southern Canada, nearly all of Mexico farther south into Central and parts of South America. They have also been introduced to parts of Asia and Africa.
Favored Water Temp.: 68ºF-78º
Size: Northern subspecies usually ranges up to 8 or 10 lbs. Florida strain commonly ranges up to 12 lbs but can reach over 20 lbs.
IGFA Record: 22 lb 4 oz, Montgomery Lake, Georgia, June 2, 1932.
Sporting characteristics: Aggressive, hardy fighter known to jump as well as move into cover when hooked. Most popular freshwater game fish in North America and also highly prized worldwide.
Food & Feeding Habits: Feed on wide range of prey including crayfish, earth worms, night crawlers, frogs, shad, shiners, small sunfish, frogs, mice and small birds.
Fishing methods: A large variety of baits and methods are successful depending on conditions. Crayfish, minnows and night crawlers are very effective live baits. Surface lures such as poppers and jerk baits are very effective when bass are surface feeding in shallow water. Plastic worms are very effective and can be fished in a wide variety of ways including on the surface and the bottom. Spinner baits and jigs work well as fish locators because they can be fished at all depths. Crank baits also work well for covering vast amounts of water to search out fish and have a built in action to attract fish.
Top Spots: Lake Casitas and Lake Shasta in Southern California; Lake Fork Reservoir, Texas; and Lake George, Florida.
Conservation: Follow local fish and game regulations. Only keep what you will use for personal consumption. Catch and release large females.
Kinds of Bass include:
black bass
striped bass
white bass
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