Largemouth Bass
Micropterus Salmoides
Timothy Kusherets
The Largemouth Bass is named as such for because the maxillary extends past
the orbits of the eye and the Smallmouth Bass does not. There are vertical bars
on the both sides of the body that extend the width of the body. Usually the
dorsal area is dark olive green or brown. The belly is white to opaque extending
from under the gills to the tail.
The introduction of the species has been prolific throughout the world and depending
on geographic location can be construed as both prized and nuisance fish. Most
largemouth bass can be found in lakes and rivers.
Like all bass, the further southern latitude fish are found the shorter the
lifespan; however, comparatively speaking the largemouth is long lived to as
much as 10 years with the average ranging from 6 to 8 years. Since it can attain
weights significant for its species, the largemouth is a highly prized game
fish. There is almost no commercial value for the fish given its distribution,
but the recreational fishing industry thrives into the many millions of dollars
annually.
This fish can thrive in just about any aquatic environment and is easily found
in rivers and lakes were slower currents prevail. Many anglers drift fish for
them annually, but other techniques work primarily for areas where little to
no current is found. When drift-fishing for this species it’s best to
use baits and lures that show erratic action. Spinners, hot shots, and wiggle
warts offer the best kind of profile that these ambush predators are looking
for. When in rivers it’s best to ferret out strikes in eddies and slower
water. Unlike clear fishing conditions offered by faster water, bass prefer
waters that tend to be murky and deep, so rivers that run turbid offer the best
fishing conditions for this voracious fish.
There is a widespread myth that fishing for bass should be done with heavy test
in order to fight them out and away from structure, which is generally true
when fishing still waters of lakes; but when fishing rivers and streams it’s
necessary to fish with light mainlines and heavier leaders. It’s true
that these fish will put up quite a battle but only for a minute or two making
light test worthy gear to catch these fish.
As one of these fish comes in for a strike it’s possible for them to miss
it. When a hit takes place and the fish has missed reel in fast to simulate
fish trying to evade and the bass will pursue to strike again. This method of
triggering strikes works abut two times per cast depending on the length of
each cast.
Successful takes will send these fish racing to the surface where often times
they will leap into the air twisting to throw the hook. Keep tension on the
line and dip the tip of the rod into the water for as long as the fish is in
the air. When it re-submerges put the rod tip back up high and resume the fight.
Ordinarily, battling bass will relent within a minute or two making reeling
them in easy. Once in a while a fish will come in with a strange fighting technique;
rather than fighting vigorously a bass will simply open its mouth as wide as
it can. This kind of fight allows the body of the fish to create a form of resistance
that can snap light lines if care is not taken. If a bass is putting up this
type of struggle it’s best to reel it in slowly so as not to put too much
of a strain on lighter line. Be sure that your catch is not snagged or foul-hooked
before deciding to reel in slowly. A snagged fish is also one that may decide
to bolt and if it does it’s best to hold and let it play itself out, then
reel it in for a good snapshot or a deep fat fryer where granny’s recipe
will come in handy for dinner.
© Timothy Kusherets 2004/10
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