Lane

Swimbaits will definately increase your odds on catching big bass in upper 10% range, regardless of location. Bass have GOOD eye sight. I believe that many people do not realize just how good their vision is. Matt's swimbaits are very versatile, because they CLOSELY resemble the REAL thing. Doug Hannon wrote about the importance of natural looking baits 20 years ago in his book, "Big Bass Magic". In fact, I recommend that book to anyone who wants to learn more about big bass. There is NO doubt that bigger natural baits catch BIGGER bass more consistantly than cranks, jig,worms, etc. Spinnerbaits are a close second in my opinion. If size is what you are after, then you will need to locate then outsmart the BIG bass. I can't wait until Matt comes out with his new line of baits, outsmarting the BIG bass will get a tad bit easier!

Chris, your are absolutely right about the Tilapia. While Tilapia spawn several times a year, I doubt that there is an ABUNDANT amount of larger Tilapia. There would need to be a significant population of larger Tilapia for the big bass. I will know more about this when I go down there this winter. We will be working with the government on conservation issues. They are starting to realize the value of LARGE bass, and are eager to learn conservation methods, etc. BTW, your care package is on it's way!

Rolo, you are correct about the, "thermal burnout" due to increased metabolic rate. I was indeed talking about the extreme northern fringe of Mexico. I placed emphasis on the forage aspect, due its relevance to the original question on the harvest of larger bass. I have had several conversations with my friend Doug Hannon on the relationship between lattitude, water temperatures and life span of the largemouth bass. While, I do not know if a world record is possible in extreme northern Mexico, I do believe that 17lb to 20lb largemouth are quite possible if suitable forage is available. Granted they are rare! IMO,removing large bass will always reduce the quality of a fishery. Removing smaller bass, can improve the quality by allowing forage to obtain suitable size.

I am a proponent of implementing fizzing procedures to relieve distended airbladders. As a biologist, I FIRMLY believe that ALL anglers that fish deeper water learn how to properly, 'fizz" fish. I will try and describe two techniques that most people can easily learn and implement. First method: This method was developed by Mark Davis, who is a senior public relations manager of Shakespeare. I know Mark personally, and he is very dedicated to conservation methods for live release. This particular method is not practical in a tournament situation, where the fish are retained for weigh in. He attaches a barrel swivel to a short leader of 50-mono. Then he ties the tag end of the mono to the bend of a hook, barb FILED off. He then ties another 1 to 2 foot of 50lb mono to the eye of the hook. Then he ties a 16oz or bigger bell sinker to the the remaining tag end. The rig can then be easily attached to a rod and reel, or ball of twine. All you have to do is push the hook through the top of the part of the upper jaw and lower the fish. Once the fish is lowered, use a slight pop of the rod or twine to set free. Many times the fish will swim without the aid of the popping, when they have reached equalizing depths. Second method: This method consists of using an 18guage needle attached to a homemade rig for fizzing through the mouth. This method is easy and practical for tournament anglers. The procedure of fizzing through the mouth is less invasive than through the side, and reduces the chances of infection. Tim Cook recently taught me this method, and he is in the process of completing a detailed video, etc. When you open the mouth of the bass, you will notice two light orange to yellow pads located at the back of the throat. Between these pads are folded tissue that expands down to the gullet area. First locate the pads, and insert 18guage needle between the pads and down 1/4 of a inch. my homemade rig consists of a 18 guage needle that I have attached to an empty ball point pen with electrical or duck tape. Once the needle is inserted I turn the bass on its side under the water. You will see the air bubbles escape out of the pen. This part is VERY important!!! WHEN YOU START TO FEEL PRESSURE ON YOUR HAND THAT IS SUPPORTING THE BASS, REMOVE NEEDLE FROM MOUTH!!!!! You will feel the bass starting to sink, and that process indicates that a sufficient amount of air has been removed. If you remove too much air from the bass, he will sink to the bottom. If that occurs you will have to reinsert the needle and add air. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! One of the main reasons why I advocate fizzing, is because deep caught bass are doomed to a slow death without it. Bass have a much better chance of survival if anglers are able to relieve the airbladder as soon as possible after being brought to the surface. Sedation makes the needle procedure MUCH easier, and reduces the stress of handling. I have seen many anglers that are very good at relieving the airbladder by inserting an 18 gauge needle through the side of the bass. That method does require some expertise, since vital organs can be punctured. Like, I mentioned above, Tim Cook has video taped both techniques using needles for airbladder relief. They should be available latter this year.

Raul, I addressed the food source factor in the first post. There are definately other factors, such as water temps, water quality,etc. Quality and quantity are two different issues. The point that I was trying to make, was that the practice of catch and release of the larger fish combined with selective harvest help to increase the quality of the fishery.

Bassnut, genetics are definately a factor. That is why we have the Sharelunker program here in Texas. The offspring of the Florida strain Sharelunkers grow faster and are bigger than their wild cousins. Your catch and release ethics should pay off with that 10 pounder someday.

Both of the above posts are true. If you a regular on this forum, you will learn that big bass are not common. Lets take it a step farther by looking at both the feeding patterns and forage food for larger bass. Big bass don't get big by expending alot of energy for their forage food. There is not doubt that bass get VERY large on a diet of stocked rainbow trout. The stocked trout are a suitable size for the big bass, they are also not very bright, and are high in protein and fat. A large sow bass will be able to feed on a larger, nutrient dense food item less frequently. Thus they expend less energy by consuming larger meals less frequently. Tilapia is another good food source for large bass, their protein content is about the same as trout. Largemouth bass in Mexico dine on the LARGER Tilapia WHEN AVAILABLE. Larger Tilapia are also a favorite food source for HUMANS as well, so a good number of the larger Tilapia are removed from the food chain with nets. My theory is, that if the big bass in Mexico had as many LARGER Tilapia to dine on as the California bass have with the larger stocked rainbow trout, we would see a few 20lb class largemouths come out of Mexico. The release of Tilapia in Texas is STRICTLY forbidden. You can't even transport live Tilapia without a permit in Texas, because they spawn several times a year. Now lets look at the smaller bass. We know that bass like to eat perch, sunfish (bass are in the sunfish family), etc. The smaller bass primarily eat the smaller forage fish, therefore there are fewer forage fish that grow to suitable size for the LARGE bass. When a bass has to expend a significant amount of energy for growth, they will not live to their genetic potential. So why kill a larger bass, when she/he has already defied the odds? Because of their rarity, that is why we practice Catch and Release, along with selective harvest. Competition for forage food is why we should occasionally remove 2lb class bass. Maybe, Fish Chris will weigh in on this topic as well.

Macdaddy, I live in Texas. In addition to your studies, are you an angler? Bob Lusk of Pond Boss, is a biologist that does alot of private consulting on set up and management of private ponds and lakes all over the US. That industry is really growing, and seems to be lucrative. Something to consider! Let me know if I can be of any help.

I would find live CRAWFISH! Other live baits would be shiners, earthworms, and waterdogs. Be versatile, use both live bait and artificials. Know when and how to use artificials, learn the same about live bait. The Florida strain can be more difficult, but you can master this problem. There is alot of good information, and different techniques and tips on this forum. Visit it often, and WELCOME to BR!

Welcome to the most informative forum on the web! Lane

What Roadwarrior said was RIGHT ON THE MONEY, when it comes to weak science. Unfortunately, good accurate science is VERY expensive and requires a certain degree of collaboration between pubic and private biologists. Both public and private financial funding are limited at best when it comes to sportfish. Although, the private sector has more money to spend on R&D, there is a real disconnect between the public and private biologists involved with research. We receive several scientific journals, and I have found that some of the best scientific data comes from the fields of zoology, immunology and human medicine. Aquaculture also has provided significant research. Koi research is WELL funded, because of the financial value to the private industry. Some specimens have a value of 6 figures, so money is available for research. Some of that research is very valid when it comes to sportfish. Most DNR agencies have limited resources. There are many personal bias and agendas that hinder the collaboration of valid scientific research. This site is probably the best source of scientific information available to the public. Glenn has very good articles on this site. Doug Hannon (the bass professor) and Bob Lusk of Pond Boss, have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to behavior, feeding patterns, etc. Bob is a biologist and individuals like Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops seek his experience and knowledge. He is very good in the area of management. I learn something new everytime I talk to Doug Hannon. He has over 34 years of experience and knowledge, much of which was obtained through underwater observation. His underwater observations have been used to develop many public and private programs and exhibits, including the Athens fish hatchery which is home of the Texas Sharelunker program. Hope this information helps.

tmacdaddy055, I have some questions for you since you posted a link to the AFS. Are you a member of the AFS? How did you find out about the AFS, were you recruited at the university? What is your opinion of their guideline for uses of fish in research, and it's relation to the act of sportfishing? What is your opinion of their extensive mission statement, and it's relation to the act of sportfishing? I am a biologist in the private sector. The president of the company used to be a member of the AFS when he worked for a private laboratory. It seems much has changed since then, so I wanted your opinion.

Sorry, I did not mean to go off topic! What about Recreational Vehicle sponsorship? Just think of all of the logo space you could fit on an RV ( for a fee). The added benefit is saving on motels.etc. I have talked to alot of people that travel in RVs to attend various shows, and even with gas prices they save money. That industry needs another marketing avenue! I just hope I NEVER see Tampax on tourney shirts or boat wraps!

My favorite sport is Alligator hunting, that is where my 357 S&W gets most action. It is the best of both worlds, and boy do they put up a FIGHT! My 9mm Glock is my personal bodyguard! But my favorite handgun by far is my Colt 45 Texas Ranger/US Customs pistol which belonged to my great uncle. It was issued to him in 1909 when he became a Texas Ranger. More and more women are buying and learning to use guns for both personal protection and hunting. Heck, the president of the NRA is a woman. There is industry crossover with hunting and fishing, so I think that gun and ballistic companies would consider sponsorship of both sexes. Just my 02 cents.

I would think that Playboy would be a dream sponsor for the men. I have yet to see a pro angler with a boat wrapped with the bunny, or photo ops with the playmates. For us women, maybe make-up companies like MAC. Free make-up sounds good to me! I also like my handguns, so Glock and S&W would be good. In fact, it would be a slick marketing move if gun companies did sponsor anglers.

It is VERY important to wet your hands before handling the bass and here is why. Humans have a protective layer on our skin that is made up of sebum (oil) and sweat. The protective layer is commonly refered to as the acid mantle, with a PH of between 4 to 5.5. Making our skin slightly acidic. The protective acid mantle protects us from, "the elements", and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. The bass have a protective layer of mucous or slime that protects them from harmful bacteria and fungi. If we handle the bass with dry hands, then we remove the protective slime coat and damage their skin with our acid mantle. So by not wetting our hands we not only remove the protective slime coat, but we also damage their skin with our acidic hands. So PLEASE make it a policy to ALWAYS wet your hands before handling the fish. Please wet the measuring boards before measuring the bass!

Lactic Acid is problematic in species such as Muskies and Striped bass. Livewells are not able to handle these species. We see this problem all the time with saltwater red drum. If fish could be placed in a recovery tank after a major fight, they would stand a much better chance of survival. That is why we encourage anglers that go after the more delicate species and bigger largemouth bass to have an insulated cooler on their boat. There is a real need for improved livewell technology, and we are working on that. Weak and exhausted fish, can become part of the food chain. Even when fish are immediately released. Both Lactic Acid and the hormone (cortisol), can KILL fish if levels remain high. Stabilizing the fish prior to release is very critical to survival.

This forum is filled with great anglers of all ages. We can share our passion by taking someone fishing that has never experienced this wonderful sport! It can be a kid, co-worker, family member,etc. Go to www.anglerslegacy.com , and take the pledge! [edit]Fixed URL so it would work. -- Glenn[/edit]

Optimum levels for largemouth. DO levels at 5mg/l or above. PH levels at between 7.4 to 7.8, or as close to those levels as possible. Digestion is optimum at 80F to 82F. Good Luck!

George, I realized after I made the post that I did not post the current required weight of 13lbs. My husband was on the original board in 1986 when it was called Operation Share A Lone Star Lunker. He was lead researcher for Jungle Labs at the time, and was issued shares 100-109. The money was donated to build the hatchery. The original stock certificate is framed, and hangs in my office. The sponsors and program has changed through out the years, but he still consults with the biologist over the program. DNA samples are collected from ALL of the female bass brought to the hatchery, and provided they are the Florida strain, they are then spawned with males from the previous years Share a Lunkers. The Florida strain has a faster growth rate. Now if you come to Texas and fish the lakes that I mentioned during the spawn, you have a VERY GOOD chance of catching a 10lb LM bass! It just depends on what state, species, body of water and time of year. I don't think that there is a right or wrong opinon when it comes to what weight is considered a, "good bass".

George, you are right about the current Share A Lunker. They have changed it since the start of the program. Now they must be 13lbs and they MUST be the Florida strain of Largemouth. As far as the International Challenge goes, there were plenty of 10lb bass brought in. Chad's sack of 5 fish weighed in at over 41lbs on the first day, and the Big Bass weighed in at 13.3lbs the first day. The sack weights were IMPRESSIVE in my book!!!!!! It was a good year for Team USA!!!!!! Check out www.basschamps.com :) In Texas your chance of catching a 10lb bass can be pretty good on Fork, Choke, Falcon Amistad and now Allen Henry. Average, decent, good and trophy class are relative to what state and what lake you are fishing. I have only seen pictures of 5lb smallmouth, we just don't have them. If I ever catch a largemouth over 10lbs, I am having a replica mount made! For me that is a trophy!

Raul, Thanks for the info! I agree, fishing is more of a recreational event for most people. I used to take my fly rod out to the river every evening and catch those smaller bass on poppers! For me, there is nothing like watching a bass explode on top water lures, even if he is a dink. The first time I ever used a lure in freshwater, I caught a 9lb 7oz bass. I was bank fishing and got my Mann's worm stuck in the weeds, right by the bank. Needless to say the sow attacked my worm. However, someday I would like to catch one over 10lbs! I just don't get to go fishing much anymore, and when I do get the time, I head for the coast. When my father was alive, he used to go down to Mexico every September to dove hunt on Lake Guerrero. He would take his rod and do some fishing, he used to catch some big lunkers! I never got to go.

Got it! Thats what I thought that he was saying, but I was not sure! Thanks!

Raul, what are you throwing at them? The US team slayed them down in Mexico last month. Jeff, whose team won the tournament told me that he lost count of the 10lb bass that were brought in. I really think that the next World Record largemouth will come from Mexico. Hopefully, it can be certified! If you throw plastics, shoot me an e-mail and maybe I can hook you up. I did not quite understand the homicide part of the post. Maybe you can explain it to me. Most guys try to practice Catch, Photo and Release of the big trophies. The replica mounts are better anyway. If you catch one over 11lbs during the Share A Lunker season, the Texas Parks and Wildlife will pick her up take her back to the hatchery in Athens for spawning. You get a replica for free, plus awards,etc.

I would think that it would depend on the state and the species of bass. Here in South Texas, the largemouth bass can get BIG! Our southern lakes like Choke Canyon, Falcon and Amistad have BIG LUNKERS! A decent largemouth is around 6lbs, a good largemouth is around 8lbs, a 10lb largemouth is GREAT bass, over 11lbs is a trophy. We don't have any smallmouth bass this far south, too HOT! Now, in Mexico you can catch 10lb largemouth bass pretty often! That is probably why Raul calls anything less than 8lbs, "a dink". The warm climate makes for a longer growing season, and combined with a tilapia diet, they can get big FAST!!!!!!!!!!! Thats my opinion.