The Largemouth Bass is probably the most common and sought after game fish in New Mexico. Here are some interesting facts about the Largemouth Bass we bet you didn't know!
- In the USA, largemouth bass have been granted game fish status; no commercial harvesting or sale of these fish for food is allowed.
- The largemouth bass is the state fish of Georgia and Mississippi, official freshwater fish of Alabama and Florida, and the official sport fish of Tennessee.
- This popular species is also known as black bass, green bass, large mouth bass, big mouth bass, bucket mouth, striped bass, freshwater bass and other names.
- Anglers have several nicknames for largemouth bass, depending on the size. Undersize fish are called "dinks", fish over 5 lbs are called "hogs" or "pigs".
- Adult bass are voracious, eating nearly anything that they can swallow, including fish, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and even members of their own species.
- The southern largemouth subspecies (M. salmoides floridanus) is the giant of the family, often exceeding 10 pounds in weight.
- Typically, largemouth have a lifespan of roughly 15 years. A largemouth bass caught and released in Montana may be one of the oldest surviving largemouth bass in North America. The fish was estimated to be 19 years of age when caught in 2011.
- In spring, males construct a bowl shaped nest in shallow areas. Females lay eggs which are fertilized and attended by the male until they hatch. Males continue caring for young fish called fry) for several days after hatching.
- After nearly six months of waiting, Manabu Kurita of Japan was recognized with George Perry of Georgia, USA by the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA) as dual holders of the All-Tackle record for largemouth bass. Each angler caught a monster largemouth that weighed 22 lb 4 oz . The world record catches were made 77 years apart.
- Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a disease that impacts several fish species but only appears to cause death in some largemouth bass. The condition was first discovered in Florida in 1991.
- Intersex in largemouth bass is widespread throughout the United States. Intersex conditions can be identified in male fish by the presence of immature female egg cells in their testes. Occasionally female bass will display male characteristics.
- In some areas, fish are caught that exhibit odd looking black spots. The condition, called hyperpigmented melanosis, is not fully understood.
- In some parts of North America as well as on other continents, largemouth bass are technically considered an "invasive species". In some areas these eating machines have had significant negative impacts on local eco-systems.
If you are looking for a bass fishing boat, Rocky Mountain RV and Marine has several models of Tracker Bass Boats, Nitro Bass Boats, SunTracker Fishing Barges and Bayliner Ski and Fish boats to get you on the water and hauling in them "hogs"!
Our sales professionals will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns with buying a fishing boat or trading your current boat for a new one. Come see us today!