Florida largemouth bass spawning season

Largemouth are plentiful in florida, inhabiting just about every lake, pond, river. Floridas fabled bucketmouth will attack just about anything minnows, frogs, even baby ducks. Largemouth bass in florida are about to enter spawning season, and the fishing will be off the hook. The type of water you are fishing, lake, river, pond, reservoir or stream. While the spawn down in south florida and lake okeechobee is already underway. The process is dependent on the water temperature being a consistent 60f15. The spawning period provides one of the years best opportunities to catch big bass in florida, particularly for anglers who enjoy sightfishing for bass in shallow water. It seems like a good time to provide a summary of the biology of the bass spawn. It is distinguished from other black bass because the upper jaw extends beyond the rear edge of the eye, and the first and second dorsal back fins are separated by an obvious deep. They also thrive in many different environments and can be found all across north america, mexico, japan, south africa, europe, guam, lebanon, new zealand, and the philippines.

This point also speaks to the giveandtake of floridastrain largemouths. Bass feeding is greatly reduced below 50 degrees as they become tired. Often confused with smallmouth and spotted bass, it is easily distinguishable because the upper jaw extends beyond. The late, great pro bass angler and tv host jimmy rogers lands a spawning season largemouth enticed with a soft plastic worm fished in shallow water near vegetation. Awesome rodman reservoir fishing for florida largemouth bass. In illinois stud ies, largemouth bass spawning generally began around the first of may and ended by midjune, a period of about 45 days. March fishing rodman reservoir for florida trophy largemouth bass.

Though we didnt catch any giants on this day, we had a great time looking at some early spawners. Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the. There are 4 main criteria that i use to figure this puzzle out. In spring, bass are not picky eaters and devour anything available. It is distinguished from other black bass because the upper jaw extends beyond the rear edge of the eye, and the first and second dorsal back fins are separated by an obvious deep dip. Some lakes in the northern united states have produced bass of 14 pounds plus, but.

Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized bass with a. Understanding the largemouth bass, its prey, and its seasonal behavior leads to fishing success. The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular game fish in north america. The first stage is called the prespawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. As spring advances, bass start preparing for the spawning season. Largemouth bass spawning and fishing considerations.

From day to day, week to week, and season to season, the movement of largemouth bass throughout a lake is dictated by water temperatures, spawning desires, and the need to find food while avoiding predators. The spring brings with it the time for the bass spawn. In north america it was originally found from southeastern canada through the. Feb 10, 2019 its known for producing some giant largemouth bass, especially during spawning season. In texas, the largemouth bass begins spawning when the water temperature reaches 60 to 65f. The rodman reservoir drawdown is currently happening. Early spring is one of the easiest times to catch largemouth bass. Because of the climate differences caused by the sheer size of texas, this spawning can occur as early as february or as late as may, depending on the location. I will start with what i consider the best season for bass fishing in florida, fallwinter season. Black bass, green trout, bigmouth bass, lineside bass.

Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest spawning activity takes place in late february and march. Apr 28, 2009 seasonal bass fishing here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. As spring moves on, largemouth bass begin preparation for the spawning season. It generally has light greenish to brownish sides with a dark lateral line which tends to break into blotches towards the tail. Largemouth bass in florida and the north megaware keelguard. Yes, ive heard angler reports of bass spawning in cooler and warmer water. Spawning season for the largemouth bass the best bass. The behavior and activity of the fish vary depending on the season and the phase of the spawn. Juvenile large mouth bass only hatched over a period of about 60 days at lake harris. Compelling reasons to bass fish in florida this time of year and ways to. Presenting larger baits better mimics the available forage size.

They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. A new study titled outofseason spawning method for florida largemouth bass to produce advancedsized fingerlings by early spring by michael d. Jan 19, 2017 what makes largemouth bass fishing so challenging is the fact that these fish are constantly on the move. You may refer to them simply as bass or lunkers, or maybe even bucketmouth but whatever you call them, largemouth bass are a great species to fish. With the vast difference in weather from sea to shining sea, the schedule of when bass spawn varies for anglers in different states. Floridas new largemouth bass regulations coastal angler. The grassy areas or shoreline with lots of vegetation is the perfect spot to look for your next trophy catch. The article provides on the florida bass spawn, where the bass bed, gear for spawn fishing, and bass considerations.

As fall approaches us, water temperatures will start to fall from the. Bass fishing in florida tips travel tips usa today. Bass spawning season is very predictable, because bass do the same thing every year in three basic stages. Florida large mouth bass description the largemouth is the largest member of the sunfish family. Water temperature is extremely important in the spring no matter where you are, demarion began. Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest. Oct 17, 2010 here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. Largemouth bass usually reach sexual maturity and begin spawning when they are about a year old.

In florida, the spawn typically begins in january and lasts through may, with the best fishing occurring in late february through early april. Floridas more liberal spawning season presents a lower learning curve. What a day on the water for all those that were involved. Largemouth bass fishing 5 helpful tips for beginners. Whether you are looking for that trophy or you are looking for quality, this is the place to visit. Keep in mind that not all areas of a large lake will reach the desired spawning temperature range in a uniform manner.

The florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc has approved moving forward on a draft rule to suspend harvest and possession of shoal bass in the chipola river and its tributaries. Most conservation minded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential. Season largemouth bass species also is a yearround fishery, your best odds of catching a trophy bass are between november through april during the spawning season. Its no secret that bass will spawn on lily pad roots. Floridas more liberal spawning season presents a lower learning curve that gives the serious tournament angler lots of practice time, while providing the weekend fishermen plenty of opportunity for bass fishing fun. Largemouth bass aggressively feed well into the fall months. Spawning season for the largemouth bass best bass fishing info. The time of year can vary from location to location with northern populations spawning later in the spring. If you cant catch bass during the spawn in florida, dont waste your. They will start to move up from deep water when the water temperature starts climbing above the 45 degree mark.

They caught over 15 largemouth bass in their quick 4hour fishing trip. This draft rule will replace an executive order issued in june, when initial population sampling indicated the shoal bass population there had been. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized bass with a particular emphasis on sight fishing. Largemouth bass are a species of black bass, in the family centrarchidae, most commonly found in the united states. The biology of the bass spawn mississippi sportsman.

The rodman reservoir is one of the best fisheries to catch big bass. Lake toho and lake kissimmee are usually the hot destination for many anglers in that never ending search for their first ten pound plus bass, and during this time of year, plenty are caught. We have caught up to eightpound bass while fishing for peacock. During this time, bass lurk in shallow water protected from. Here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. The three species are similar, but can be easily identified.

Learn why spring bass fishing in central florida is spectacular. If you are not sure what stage of the spawn the largemouth bass is in, you need to eliminate water while you determine where the fish are at. Florida largemouth bass reproduction florida largemouth bass spawn in shallow bays in spring when the water temperatures reach 60f. Angler success for landing largemouth bass can be greatly affected by spawning activity. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. Lets break down the key factors that effect when bass move up to spawn.

May 16, 2011 florida largemouth bass fishing lets be honest. With the exception of spawning season, rarely do we find trophy bass hiding under lily pads in two feet of water. Since water clarity can affect the color of a fish, color is not a reliable way to tell the basses apart. Knowing when largemouth bass spawn is essential for success, but it can be a bit of a guessing game. A new study titled outof season spawning method for florida largemouth bass to produce advancedsized fingerlings by early spring by michael d. During the prespawn in florida, water temperature will be the first factor in. The first stage is called the pre spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. Winter months in florida brings cold fronts, dropping water temperatures to the mid to upper 50s. The florida largemouth bass is the state freshwater fish. The temperature is just right and the fish bite is on. Water temperature by far the biggest factor in the spawning process for bass is water temperature. Florida largemouth bass spawn in shallow bays in spring when the water temperatures reach 60f. The ultimate guide to largemouth bass fishing in florida. What is the best time of year to fish for largemouth bass.

When discussing lure patterns, bassmaster tournament anglers will explain bass behavior and location as either prespawn, spawn, or postspawn. At this time of year, the spawning fish can be seen in clear water around the circular, sandy patches of bottom they clear to lay eggs. Most largemouth bass begin spawning as early as year 2 when they weigh as little as 1lb 454 grams. Post spawn bass fishing can signal the beginning of the dog days, where finding bites is a tougher task than the previous two phases of the bass spawn. Tips on largemouth bass fishing in small lakes in florida. Bass feed heavily prior to the spawning ritual because they know that during the 10 to 14 days of spawning they will not feed at all. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishing voice. The phases of the spawning process include prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishanywhere. Largemouth bass are the most sought after game fish in oklahoma. Spawning takes place in the spring season when the water temperature first holds steady above 60.

Fishing success drops quickly in the spawning season. The water temperature was chilly in the morning, and then hot enough in the afternoon that fresh bass moved up to spawn. Water temps drive the bass spawn in florida uf sfrc. Water temperature by far the biggest factor in the spawning process for bass is. Mar 21, 2018 as an example, largemouth bass prefer water temperatures between 6075 degrees for spawning, while bluegill spawn when water temperatures are in the 7585degree range. Most conservationminded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential. The extended spawning season at lake okeechobee provides anglers a period of about five months to fish for spawning bass. At lake harris in central florida, spawning began in midfebruary and continued through the third week in april during both years.

Florida largemouth bass reproduction bass fishing gurus. Largemouth bass grow 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 cm during their first year, 8 to 12 inches 20 to 30 cm in two years, 16 inches 40 cm in three years. A single female can release 2,000 to 7,000 eggs per pound in body weight. During the rest of the year they may weigh as much as 8 pounds, but during spawning season, when the females are carrying eggs, they can weigh as much as 15 pounds. On july 1, 2016, the new largemouth black bass regulations as established by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc will take effect. Because they help control smaller sunfish populations, the overharvest of bass removing too many, especially on small lakes and ponds, should be avoided. February through april are peak months in central florida. The florida largemouth bass has a reputation as a tackle buster. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe. Florida s fabled bucketmouth will attack just about anything minnows, frogs, even baby ducks. Why the florida spawn should be on your bass fishing bucket list. Largemouth spawning facts spawning manipulation the.

May 25, 2016 on july 1, 2016, the new largemouth black bass regulations as established by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc will take effect. Spawning activity peaks with water temperatures around 65 degrees, and can continue as waters warm well into the 70s. Once the water temperature in spawning coves is above the 60degree mark, bass will move shallow and spawn. Its not uncommon for them to begin spawning as early as december, although january is most common. Warm rain warms up a lake faster than air temperature. If you are planning a trip, spring is the best time to hunt a trophy bass. Ben wall, corey williams and darien craig show off some florida bass fishing fun photo by darien craig yolotek it may irritate the rest of the nation still shivering with winters chill, but the sunshine states early spawning season actually gives us all a jumpstart on planningprepping for this muchawaited time of exceptional bass fishing opportunity. The goal of these new regulations is to simplify existing rules in the harvesting of florida largemouth black bass throughout the state and to improve wild stocks to ensure florida remains. The spawning season begins in early spring once ice is thawed. Speciesflorida peacock bass, florida largemouth bass. The largemouth bass is also a bigger species than the smallmouth or spotted bass. Seasonal habits of the largemouth bass the ultimate bass.

Bass, largemouth oklahoma department of wildlife conservation. History and status the largemouth bass is a native species of north carolina. The worlds record largemouth bass is 2214 pounds taken by george w. Alissa came in strong with a trophy florida largemouth bass weighing 8. In florida where growing season is yearround, largemouth bass usually run about fifteen or sixteen pounds but even these are mighty rare. In the northern region of the united states, this usually occurs anywhere from late april until early july. In florida, bass spawn between january and march, with the southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. Its known for producing some giant largemouth bass, especially during spawning season. Black bass is a general term referring to largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass and their hybrids. Sight fishing for spawning largemouth bass best lure for.