Florida largemouth bass spawning season

It seems like a good time to provide a summary of the biology of the bass spawn. Juvenile large mouth bass only hatched over a period of about 60 days at lake harris. The water temperature was chilly in the morning, and then hot enough in the afternoon that fresh bass moved up to spawn. A new study titled outofseason spawning method for florida largemouth bass to produce advancedsized fingerlings by early spring by michael d.

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. In spring, bass are not picky eaters and devour anything available. Bass fishing in florida tips travel tips usa today. The worlds record largemouth bass is 2214 pounds taken by george w. 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. 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. What is the best time of year to fish for largemouth bass. With the exception of spawning season, rarely do we find trophy bass hiding under lily pads in two feet of water. Florida large mouth bass description the largemouth is the largest member of the sunfish family. Water temperature by far the biggest factor in the spawning process for bass is water temperature. The rodman reservoir is one of the best fisheries to catch big bass.

The article provides on the florida bass spawn, where the bass bed, gear for spawn fishing, and bass considerations. Whether you are looking for that trophy or you are looking for quality, this is the place to visit. 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. Bass, largemouth oklahoma department of wildlife conservation.

The behavior and activity of the fish vary depending on the season and the phase of the spawn. If you cant catch bass during the spawn in florida, dont waste your. Feb 10, 2019 its known for producing some giant largemouth bass, especially during spawning season. Most conservation minded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential. A single female can release 2,000 to 7,000 eggs per pound in body weight. Awesome rodman reservoir fishing for florida largemouth bass. Spawning season for the largemouth bass best bass fishing info. 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. 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. Largemouth bass are a species of black bass, in the family centrarchidae, most commonly found in the united states. The temperature is just right and the fish bite is on. 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 largemouth bass begin spawning as early as year 2 when they weigh as little as 1lb 454 grams. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized bass with a particular emphasis on sight fishing.

When discussing lure patterns, bassmaster tournament anglers will explain bass behavior and location as either prespawn, spawn, or postspawn. As spring advances, bass start preparing 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. Apr 28, 2009 seasonal bass fishing here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. Once the water temperature in spawning coves is above the 60degree mark, bass will move shallow and 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 dip. The extended spawning season at lake okeechobee provides anglers a period of about five months to fish for spawning bass. Its not uncommon for them to begin spawning as early as december, although january is most common. 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. During this time, bass lurk in shallow water protected from.

Fishing success drops quickly in the spawning season. Here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. 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. The spring brings with it the time for the bass spawn. Water temps drive the bass spawn in florida uf sfrc. In texas, the largemouth bass begins spawning when the water temperature reaches 60 to 65f. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishing voice. As a result, you can experience some awesome rodman reservoir fishing for numbers of florida largemouth bass. The type of water you are fishing, lake, river, pond, reservoir or stream. Angler success for landing largemouth bass can be greatly affected by spawning activity. Presenting larger baits better mimics the available forage size. This point also speaks to the giveandtake of floridastrain largemouths. What a day on the water for all those that were involved. Jan 19, 2017 what makes largemouth bass fishing so challenging is the fact that these fish are constantly on the move.

May 16, 2011 florida largemouth bass fishing lets be honest. While the spawn down in south florida and lake okeechobee is already underway. Its known for producing some giant largemouth bass, especially during spawning season. Understanding the largemouth bass, its prey, and its seasonal behavior leads to fishing success. When bass decide to spawn is a hard question to answer, as it can be different depending on the body of water and the geographical location. With the vast difference in weather from sea to shining sea, the schedule of when bass spawn varies for anglers in different states. The first stage is called the pre spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. As an example, largemouth bass prefer water temperatures between 6075 degrees for spawning, while bluegill spawn when water temperatures are in the 7585degree range. 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. Knowing when largemouth bass spawn is essential for success, but it can be a bit of a guessing game. Black bass, green trout, bigmouth bass, lineside bass. Though we didnt catch any giants on this day, we had a great time looking at some early spawners.

Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest spawning activity takes place in late february and march. A new study titled outof season spawning method for florida largemouth bass to produce advancedsized fingerlings by early spring by michael d. Its no secret that bass will spawn on lily pad roots. Bass feeding is greatly reduced below 50 degrees as they become tired. There are 4 main criteria that i use to figure this puzzle out. Water temperature is extremely important in the spring no matter where you are, demarion began.

Largemouth bass usually reach sexual maturity and begin spawning when they are about a year old. Florida largemouth bass spawn in shallow bays in spring when the water temperatures reach 60f. A highly predatory fish, they will strike an assortment of artificial lures as well as natural bait. This draft rule will replace an executive order issued in june, when initial population sampling indicated the shoal bass population there had been. Often confused with smallmouth and spotted bass, it is easily distinguishable because the upper jaw extends beyond. 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. February through april are peak months in central florida. In illinois stud ies, largemouth bass spawning generally began around the first of may and ended by midjune, a period of about 45 days. The first stage is called the prespawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. Here in central florida, bass fishing is a yearround event. Why the florida spawn should be on your bass fishing bucket list.

Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized bass with a. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishanywhere. 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. Floridas more liberal spawning season presents a lower learning curve. Largemouth bass in florida are about to enter spawning season, and the fishing will be off the hook. The biology of the bass spawn mississippi sportsman. Spawning season for the largemouth bass the best bass.

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. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe. History and status the largemouth bass is a native species of north carolina. 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. The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular game fish in north america. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. Sight fishing for spawning largemouth bass best lure for.

The time of year can vary from location to location with northern populations spawning later in the spring. Largemouth spawning facts spawning manipulation the. In the northern region of the united states, this usually occurs anywhere from late april until early july. 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. As spring moves on, largemouth bass begin preparation for the spawning season. Largemouth bass in florida and the north megaware keelguard. The largemouth bass is also a bigger species than the smallmouth or spotted bass. Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest. Water temperature by far the biggest factor in the spawning process for bass is.

Largemouth are plentiful in florida, inhabiting just about every lake, pond, river. The spawning season begins in early spring once ice is thawed. Some lakes in the northern united states have produced bass of 14 pounds plus, but. Largemouth bass fishing 5 helpful tips for beginners. 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. The florida largemouth bass is the state freshwater fish. Speciesflorida peacock bass, florida largemouth bass.

Largemouth bass are the most sought after game fish in oklahoma. Alissa came in strong with a trophy florida largemouth bass weighing 8. As fall approaches us, water temperatures will start to fall from the. Compelling reasons to bass fish in florida this time of year and ways to. The rodman reservoir drawdown is currently happening. Seasonal habits of the largemouth bass the ultimate bass. Bass spawning season is very predictable, because bass do the same thing every year in three basic stages. Keep in mind that not all areas of a large lake will reach the desired spawning temperature range in a uniform manner.

Spawning takes place in the spring season when the water temperature first holds steady above 60. Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the. In florida, the spawn typically begins in january and lasts through may, with the best fishing occurring in late february through early april. They will start to move up from deep water when the water temperature starts climbing above the 45 degree mark. Yes, ive heard angler reports of bass spawning in cooler and warmer water. Tips on largemouth bass fishing in small lakes in florida. Flw is looking forward to restarting the tournament season may 2830 with the toyota. Largemouth bass aggressively feed well into the fall months. Spawning activity peaks with water temperatures around 65 degrees, and can continue as waters warm well into the 70s. During the prespawn in florida, water temperature will be the first factor in. Florida largemouth bass reproduction bass fishing gurus. In florida, bass spawn between january and march, with the southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. We have caught up to eightpound bass while fishing for peacock.

Early spring is one of the easiest times to catch largemouth bass. At lake harris in central florida, spawning began in midfebruary and continued through the third week in april during both years. They caught over 15 largemouth bass in their quick 4hour fishing trip. 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. The process is dependent on the water temperature being a consistent 60f15. On july 1, 2016, the new largemouth black bass regulations as established by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc will take effect. As fall approaches us, water temperatures will start to. Largemouth bass spawning and fishing considerations. Floridas fabled bucketmouth will attack just about anything minnows, frogs, even baby ducks. Lets break down the key factors that effect when bass move up to spawn. The ultimate guide to largemouth bass fishing in florida. Since water clarity can affect the color of a fish, color is not a reliable way to tell the basses apart. In north america it was originally found from southeastern canada through the. The florida largemouth bass has a reputation as a tackle buster.

Oct 17, 2010 here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. Winter months in florida brings cold fronts, dropping water temperatures to the mid to upper 50s. Why the florida spawn should be on your bass fishing. Florida s fabled bucketmouth will attack just about anything minnows, frogs, even baby ducks. Floridas new largemouth bass regulations coastal angler. 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. Because they help control smaller sunfish populations, the overharvest of bass removing too many, especially on small lakes and ponds, should be avoided. 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 grassy areas or shoreline with lots of vegetation is the perfect spot to look for your next trophy catch. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. Black bass is a general term referring to largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass and their hybrids. 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. The three species are similar, but can be easily identified. In florida where growing season is yearround, largemouth bass usually run about fifteen or sixteen pounds but even these are mighty rare. Most conservationminded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential. The phases of the spawning process include prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Learn why spring bass fishing in central florida is spectacular. 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. Seasonal habits of the largemouth bass learn how the seasons affect the largemouth bass in order to catch them on a consistent basis. March fishing rodman reservoir for florida trophy largemouth bass.