← Species
🐟🏞️ Freshwater
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
The most popular game fish in North America — forgiving for beginners
📅 When to Fish
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Habitat
Shallow water near cover — lily pads, fallen trees, docks, weeds. Prefer warm, slow-moving or still water.
Best Season
Spring (pre-spawn) and Fall.
Best Times
Early morning and evening. Overcast days fish all day long.
Record
22 lbs 4 oz (George Perry, 1932)
Ideal Water Temp
60–75°F
Top Lures & Baits
- •Plastic worm (Texas rig)
- •Spinnerbait
- •Topwater frog (summer)
- •Crankbait
- •Jig
🔍 Identification
Large mouth extends past rear of eye (distinguishes from smallmouth). Dark lateral stripe. Greenish-bronze body, white belly. Upper jaw reaches well behind eye.
🍽️ Eating Quality
Good — white, firm, mild flesh. Best fried or baked. Many anglers practice catch-and-release for larger fish.
📍 Where to Find It
Throughout the continental US — most abundant in Southern states, Texas, Florida, and Midwest
🎣 Beginner Tip
Start with a chartreuse spinnerbait. Slow retrieve along the edge of any visible structure.