Why is bass fishing so popular?

[grantbebo]

17 hours ago, 33oldtimer said:

My conclusion is fishing simply makes people happy and for many stirs up good memories.

It’s awesome to know that fishing has this sort of reputation  

[N Florida Mike]

On 3/21/2024 at 9:31 PM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

The first time I laid eyes on a Bass as a little boy I was hooked.   I'm willing to bet most other anglers feel the same way.....instant connection.

This is me. Even though it was a small bass swimming by, my eyes widened a little as  realized it was a bass. I’ve wanted to catch them ever since… 

[TnRiver46]

On 3/22/2024 at 8:36 AM, gimruis said:

I will say, that even though the walleye is still number 1 here, bass fishing has gained popularity.  And that is mostly because walleye numbers have dipped, while bass populations have flourished.  Warmer water, mild winters, and the popular C & R while bass fishing has definitely buoyed it the past 10 years or so.  Additionally, bass fishing is now a sanctioned HS sport.  That didn't exist when I was in school.  Mille Lacs Lake is a prime example of a traditional walleye stronghold that has made a gradual transition into a bass (smallmouth) destination.

And didn’t you say that all the efforts of the DNR go to protect the walleye? Probably explains why they are dwindling 😂 

[Koz]

On 3/21/2024 at 10:30 PM, Bird said:

Because of Covid, everyone ran out and bought a bass boat.

So by next year there should be an explosion of used bass boats on the market.

[gimruis]

3 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

And didn’t you say that all the efforts of the DNR go to protect the walleye?

It's true, people treat them like they are sacred fish here.  The very concept of closing the bass season to protect walleyes is obvious evidence of it.

[PaulVE64]

Cause they grow to 5# and fight like anything

[Susky River Rat]

For awhile they closed down bass season during spawn on the susky because it was a disaster. In the main branch it’s still catch and release only all year. You also are not allowed to make repeated casts at bed fish. Other than brood stock lakes no other fish in PA had this protection. I believe this is because the susky is a cash cow for out of state fishermen. 

[Bird]

2 hours ago, Koz said:

So by next year there should be an explosion of used bass boats on the market.

Likely so.

The other hot item was RV's and there is a surplus of used around here.

 

[Gera]

because how athletic we fisherman look??

[NoFroFishing]

Social Media. For the first time ever people are making bass fishing and fishing in general look fun. 

[airshot]

In my area, walleye and Perch are king due to being excellent table fare.  I have a large pond full of bass, so catching them is easy, but not a fan of eating them.  I fish Lake Erie for walleye and perch to feed my family and keep my freezer full.  Bass fishing is fun, they put up a good fight, but just fishing for fun is boring to me.  But with all the tournaments, it can be very financially worthwhile.  I am in into fishing for their great taste....we eat them often, even better than steak !!

[ol'crickety]

Bass are scrappers and they're accessible. @Zcoker noted how they live nearly everywhere in Florida, but that's not strictly a Florida phenomenon. They live practically everywhere, well, everywhere, from the Great Lakes to farm ponds, from streams to the Mississippi River, from bogs to gin-clear Canadian Shield Lakes, from Mexico to Ontario. They're like ants and us, adapting to so many environments. 

 

As @PaulVE64 noted, when they reach five pounds, they're stunningly strong, but they're strong at two and three and four pounds too. Plus, they jump. 

[ghost]

Because of this  😄🤭🤭🤭😉