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Sept 13, 2002 Welcome Back! I am very pleased that you have joined me once again to learn how to become a better angler. In this week's article, I will spotlight the Largemouth bass. I will present you with some Largemouth facts, hopefully giving you some pointers on catching America's favorite gamefish. Largemouth bass belong to the sunfish family and are classifieds as warmwater fish. They are found in all 48 lower states. as far north as southern Canada down to Mexico and Cuba. There are two sub-species of Largemouth bass: Northern Largemouth and Florida Largemouth bass. Although nearly identical in appearance, the only difference between the two is that the scales of the Florida Largemouth are smaller than those of the Northern Largemouth. Florida Largemouth, originally found only in the Florida Peninsula, grow much faster and bigger than other bass, producing 20 pound plus trophy gamefish. The levels of phosphate in the water of Florida is said to be the reason Florida Largemouth grow at a much more accelrated rate. These trophy-size fish are now currently being caught in Texas and California, in addition to Florida. Largemouth bass can be found in several different types of water, such as natural lakes with excessive weed cover, reservoirs with plenty of woody and bank cover, sluggish streams, and small pits or ponds that do not freeze over. They are more salt-tolerable than most other freshwater fish. This explains why they are so often found in tidewater rivers. The diet of a Largemouth bass consists mainly of small fish, even their own, crawfish, and aquatic insect larvae. They have also been known to eat small rats, snails, and snakes. Largemouth bass have been known to live as many as 16 years. However, most do not live past 10. An average 8 year old Northern bass weighs about 5 pounds, whereas a Florida bass of the same age, weighs about 10 pounds. Largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the range of 68 to 78 degrees farenheit. When the water temps are in the low 60s in the early spring, the spawning season begins. By the time the water temperatures reach the upper 60s, most spawning is complete. Largemouth bass will bite more often when the water temps are in the 60s and 70s and most active on a dim, overcast day. They usually feed in the early morn or late evening. On cloudy days however, they will swim far from their cover and will usually feed throughout the day. An approaching storm will spark a feeding frenzy, but often slows following a cold front. Largemouth bass will hit any type of lure as they are known to be less-selective when it comes to feeding. To be a better angler, you must be a versatile fisherman, knowing the facts about the fish you are to catch. There will be times when a bass wants topwater action and other times when they want a spoon jigged in front of them 40 feet deep. You must be able to spot the different aquatic conditions to know which lures and techniques to use. The type of cover is the most important factor to consider when you are selecting a lure. In next weeks article, we will discuss the different types of tackle used for Largemouth fishing and some major techniques used across the United States. So no matter what the cover may be, you will know what lure is best suited for that condition. Join me next week, and until then......Hook One For Me! ------------ Nichole LePage is a weekly "outdoors" columnist for Useless-Knowledge.com. She is a housewife and a mother of 3, whose interests include cooking, gardening, fishing, and reading. Email Nichole: Witchywoman526@aol.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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