Sporting Challenges of Largemouth Bass Fishing

June 10th, 2008 Posted in Largemouth Bass Fishing

Some of the most serious enthusiasts of the sport of largemouth bass fishing object to the name “largemouth bass”. This is because the largemouth bass is in fact a sunfish, rather than a bass. Whatever you want to call this fish, its distinguishing features include a dent between its two joint dorsal fins, a lack of scales on its tail and second dorsal fin and an upper jaw which extends behind its eyes. Its name actually has nothing to do with having a large mouth.

Now of course you needn’t know the difference between a sunfish and a sun hat to enjoy largemouth bass fishing, so you don’t have to worry about the nomenclature, just your lures. Largemouth bass fishers are a breed apart; they look upon the fish as a worthy adversary and spend their time planning for the next battle with these formidable opponents – almost more submarine than fish!

Largemouth bass fishing truly separates the men from the boys, as well as the women from the girls; this is a fish which takes on all comers (and all anglers). The largemouth bass has a sort of built in sonar system which helps it navigate, along with its sharp olfactory senses. It can also see up to a hundred feet in the water, although thanks to its other sensory capabilities, this is a fish which has no problem hanging out in areas with low visibility such as muddy still waters such as found in estuaries.

The largemouth bass (as far as we know) doesn’t attack humans, but they are voracious eaters and powerful hunters, going after snakes, frogs, even birds! A largemouth bass may surprise you with its strength the first time you get a bite from one of these powerful creatures. This is not a sport for the casual angler; it couldn’t hurt to have your doctor give you a clean bill of health before you begin largemouth bass fishing!

Largemouth Bass Fishing Traditions

This fish is native to the southeastern United States. Though Florida is most strongly associated with the fish, Georgia is the state which can boast of the largest recorded catch (more than 20 pounds!). The largemouth bass fisherman has a great deal of respect for their opponent, with many fish, even those of trophy proportions being released. These are fish who are unfazed by a tear in the jaw from a hook, with their injuries healing quickly.

As for culinary value, the flavor of the largemouth bass does leave a little to be desired. Depending on what body of water the fish in question calls home, the flavor may be exceptionally disagreeable. Largemouth bass fishing is really more about the sport than catching dinner however. In Florida, January and February are the months where these magnificent fish spawn, with the fathers guarding their eggs and young with great valor.