Bass By The Numbers

Limits Limits Limits... But I love it when the fish get larger, fun to play with, and make for some nice trophy photos....





Compiled by: Brandon Thompson

Largemouth bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 7,500 lakes available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Bass Fishing Areas aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass. See the Top Spots Map (1.3 MB) for all 2016 sportfish locations.

FWC fisheries biologists selected these Florida lakes and rivers (in no specific order) as top black bass fishing destinations for 2016. See also the Department of Health's Florida Fish Consumption Advisories for important information about eating fish.



Bass anglers, take note! To contribute to science and support conservation, please report all largemouth bass 8 lbs or larger that you catch-and-release to FWC's TrophyCatch program for great prizes. Reward yourself for releasing a trophy bass!

• Lake George
• West Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)
• Lake Kissimmee
• Rodman Reservoir
• Lake Tarpon
• Lake Istokpoga
• Winter Haven South Chain of Lakes
• Lake Okeechobee
• Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3
• Lake Monroe
• Tenoroc Fish Management Area Lakes
• Mosaic Fish Management Area
• Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-in-Water)
• Lake Jackson
• Yellow River (Spotted bass)
• Chipola River (Shoal bass)

Lake George
Lake George is one of the premier largemouth bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres), and is located 18 miles northwest of Deland and 29 miles east of Ocala. Lake George is one of the many natural lakes that are part of the St. Johns River System. It has extensive aquatic vegetation, primarily eelgrass that provides excellent habitat for bass. Wade fishing in eel grass with plastic worms fished on the surface or with other top-water lures is productive. Fishing with live golden shiners is an excellent method for catching trophy bass during the spring spawning season.

Hot spots on the lake include Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen spring runs on the western shoreline. In winter and early spring, look for bass to congregate at the jetties on the south end of the lake. Casting deep-diving crankbaits near old dock structures along the northeast shore and off Drayton Island can also be productive.

There are fish camps on the St. Johns River just north and south of Lake George; however, the only one located on the lake itself is Pine Island Fish Camp. There is one public boat ramp with limited parking on the south end of the lake off Blue Creek Lodge Road, located north of Highway 40 while many of the fish camps and marinas offer fee boat ramps for additional access. A fishing pier is also located along the east side of the lake at the end of Nine Mile Point Road.

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West Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)
Located adjacent to the City of Kissimmee in central Florida, the 18,810-acre West Lake Tohopekaliga is well known throughout the angling community for producing excellent fishing as well as trophy largemouth bass. The lake continues to provide anglers with a diverse plant community for which to try their luck and also affords fish a wide variety of optimum habitat to utilize. Bass anglers fishing Lake Tohopekaliga in 2015 have reported excellent catches of fish with several trophy fish being caught. Results from angler surveys conducted from August through November indicated bass anglers once again experienced an exceptional catch success rate of 0.75 fish/hr, which is well above the average for many other lakes monitored within the state. Based on the reputation of outstanding bass fishing, bass tournament directors annually select Lake Tohopekaliga as “must go to” water body for their respective clubs and tournament trails.

The majority of anglers targeting trophy bass use live bait (golden shiners) during late winter/early spring. Anglers typically have good success fishing with shiners inshore near native vegetation or topped-out hydrilla. Plastic baits (worms, crawfish and lizards) flipped or pitched along either grass edges, hydrilla or bulrush will also account for some quality-sized bass. Spinnerbaits, plastic frog imitations, soft jerkbaits and chugging baits can also be very productive. Both Texas- and Carolina-rigged plastic worms, rattling crankbaits, buzz-baits and chugging baits are proven lures during warmer months of the year. Also, schooling activity by bass can usually be observed during warm months and can provide anglers with some fast action on topwater baits and lipless crankbaits.

North Steer Beach, Lanier Point, Little Grassy Island and Goblet's Cove are areas that bass anglers frequent and have had good success in the past. Both Shingle Creek and St. Cloud Canal (C-31) hold good concentrations of fish when flow is present through these tributaries. Eight man-made fish attractors located in deeper areas of the lake consistently produce good stringers of bass during the summer.

Two fish camps, one marina, one County park and five public boat ramps are available to anglers. Two fishing piers and numerous access points exist for bank fisherman along Lakeshore Drive and Neptune Road at the north end of the lake.

For more information about the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes visit http://www.visitkissimmee.com/leisure/.

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Lake Kissimmee
Lake Kissimmee (34,976 acres) is the largest of five main water bodies on the famous Kissimmee River in central Florida. Nationally renowned for consistently producing high quality fishing, Lake Kissimmee continues to be a favorite fishing destination of both residents and anglers visiting Florida. As a result of aggressive habitat management, anglers fishing the lake will find both a diverse and expansive plant community at their disposal, providing numerous areas to try their luck and enjoy their time on the water. Based on results from angler surveys conducted in spring (January - May) 2015, bass fishing continued to be very good as anglers experienced a catch success rate of 0.60 fish/hr (double the average across the state) with an estimated 51,427 bass caught during the survey period. Lake Kissimmee is also a popular water body among the tournament bass fishing community with both area club and professional tournaments held there annually.

Native grasses, bulrush, cattail, hydrilla and lily pads at Philadelphia Point, North Cove, Brahma Island and the Pig Trail provide anglers with excellent cover to pitch or flip plastic baits or slow-troll golden shiners for spawning bass during the winter and spring seasons. Rattling crankbaits, plastic frog imitations, soft jerkbaits, minnow-type stickbaits and Texas- or Carolina-rigged plastic worms fished in open-water or along edges of vegetation are productive during summer and fall. Fly fishermen have access to some outstanding areas to wade fish and consistently have good success with popping bugs during the spring and summer.

Three fish camps, one state park and two public boat ramps are available to anglers.

For more information about the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes visit www.floridakiss.com.

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Rodman Reservoir
Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat. Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has been known for trophy largemouth bass. Much of the fishery's success is attributed to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and submersed aquatic vegetation, and periodic drawdowns occurring every three years. Although drawdowns on Rodman are used primarily to dry-out sediments along the shoreline and control invasive aquatic vegetation, biologists have also demonstrated a relationship between largemouth bass abundance and reservoir drawdowns. During years when drawdowns occur, largemouth bass production and survival tends to be higher than normal water years. These year classes provide "pulses" to the fishery at three-year intervals that make-up the majority of the population and the catch by anglers.

Generally, largemouth bass on Rodman Reservoir are most active during cooler months. Anglers targeting trophy largemouth bass use live golden shiners, either floated under a cork or free-lined. Most big bass are caught in the pool area, known as the "stump fields," along the river channel. However, many trophy bass come from the area between Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing. Successful anglers also use artificial baits, such as deep-diving and lipless crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

During normal water levels, boat ramps can be found near the town of Interlachen off C.R. 315 in Orange Springs and Kenwood. Additional boat ramps are located at the Rodman Recreational Area off Hwy 19 and at Eureka off C.R. 316. This year, a reservoir drawdown will occur November 2015 to the middle of March 2016, which will lower normal water levels by seven feet. During this time, anglers can experience some of the best largemouth bass fishing in Florida. Temporary boat ramps will be created at the Orange Springs and Kenwood locations. Anglers should be aware of the mandatory catch-and-release of all largemouth bass during the drawdown. Anglers may also contact the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails at 352-236-7143 for up-to-date information on the water levels and temporary boat ramps.

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Lake Tarpon
Lake Tarpon is a 2,500-acre lake near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. This lake has consistently produced high quality bass fishing for years. Most bass range from 12 to 16 inches long; however, quality (18 inches plus) and trophy fish (24 inches plus) are also present in good numbers. Anglers are most successful flipping or pitching plastic worms along canal and bulrush edges year round. During the summer, try fishing offshore ledges, humps, and edges of open water vegetation. In the spring and fall, fish in shallow beds of coontail, pondweed, and eel grass. Popular lures include shad-imitating jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits and top-water baits. Fishing with live wild shiners and live shad is also effective.

There are two public boat ramps on the lake within Hillsborough County parks. Anderson Park boat ramp is located on the western shore, off U.S. 19. Chestnut Park boat ramp is on the east side of the lake, off C.R. 611. Some bank access is available in both parks. Boardwalks and piers serve as excellent fishing locations.

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Lake Istokpoga
Largemouth bass anglers who fish the Kissimmee Chain of lakes to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the south often overlook 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. Situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring, Istokpoga is the fifth largest natural lake in Florida and has an average depth of only six feet. Data collected from FWC biologists and anglers participating in the agency’s TrophyCatch Program indicate the lake is a great resource to catch trophy bass. Further, 237 eight plus pound bass have been entered into the FWC’s TrophyCatch program from Lake Istokpoga during the past three years.

Although bass fishing is often excellent throughout the year, March and October are the best months for anglers looking for cooler weather and lots of bass. From January through April, bass can be found spawning in bulrush, cattail, and other vegetation over sandy lake bottom areas that were enhanced during the 2001 drawdown. Spawning bass can also be found around the lake's two islands: Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Flipping dark-colored soft plastics in bulrush patches and in pockets of submerged vegetation can be productive during this time of year. Red shad and Junebug colors seem to be the most successful when fishing with soft plastics.

In spring and summer, top-water lures and jerkbaits worked over the top of hydrilla and pondweed in the southern half of the lake will often produce fish. Weedless spoons tipped with grub tails and spinner baits fished over pondweed south of Bumblebee Island can be deadly on bass during early morning. Rattling lures (silver, gold, and "Tennessee shad" are excellent colors) can also be effective during summer and fall as baitfish school in open water areas along the north end of the lake. A live shiner fished a few feet under a popping cork is the most reliable bait for catching trophy bass in the lake.

Several fish camps and four public boat ramps provide access to the lake. For more information about lodging and other amenities around Lake Istokpoga, contact the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce at 863-385-8448.

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Winter Haven South Chain of Lakes
Tucked in and amongst the city streets of Winter Haven in north-central Polk County, the southern portion of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes may well be Central Florida's best kept bass fishing secret. Polk County is home to 554 named lakes, the state's certified record Florida Largemouth Bass (17.27 lbs.), and typically sells more freshwater fishing licenses annually than any other county in the state. That's because resident and non-resident anglers take their Polk County bass fishing seriously! The chain is comprised of 14 lakes ranging in size from 25 to 1,160 acres and totals just over 4,000 acres of fishable waters that offer a wide variety of habitats and bass fishing experiences, from shoreline bulrush/cattail stands and cypress trees to open water beds of eelgrass and pondweed. The unique residential/urban setting allows anglers to watch bald eagles circling overhead in Lake Shipp or take in a water ski show while plying the waters of Lake Eloise at Florida's newest theme park, Legoland. Ample public access is available in the form of six boat ramps, two fishing piers, bank fishing at a half-dozen city parks, and public easements alongside the numerous canals that form the connecting links between lakes. Live shiners, jerkbaits, and the classic plastic worm presentations work well here and several outstanding local bass guides are available for those who want to get on fish quickly. Guide services, fishing forecasts, and lodging may be found through Polk County's Outpost 27 Visitor Center, http://sunnycentralflorida.com/.

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Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is Florida's largest lake and the second largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States. Lake Okeechobee is located on the south-central portion of the Florida peninsula. Vast surface area (730 square miles), shallowness (averages only 9 feet), and enormous habitat diversities make the ecosystem unique on the North American continent. This vast expanse of water includes more than 150,000 acres of productive vegetation. A 100-yard wide rim canal circles the lake, and many secondary canals and cuts are linked to it, resulting in hundreds of miles of fishing water.

Millions of largemouth bass inhabit the huge lake and can be caught year-round. Many anglers from around the country have claimed Okeechobee as the black bass capital of the world. The October 2015 electrofishing samples continued to yield excellent catch rates for the lake. The past four years have yielded the highest success rates, all over 1.25 fish per hour, in the 37-year history of the modern creel survey for Lake Okeechobee.

While the fishery on Lake Okeechobee is largely catch and release, up to five bass can be kept per day with a minimum size limit of 18 inches, while only one may be kept over 22 inches.

Numerous boat ramps, fish camps, and marinas are located around the lake. FWC's interactive Boat Ramp Locator provides a very helpful resource.

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Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3
The Everglades Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) are south Florida marshlands intersected with over 200 miles of canals. WCA 2 has 210 square miles of marsh, and WCA 3 covers approximately 915 square miles of marsh. The WCAs were originally designed for flood control and water supply, but also provide outstanding bass fishing. Although not especially known for producing trophy bass, the area provides some of the fastest action and best largemouth bass "numbers" fishing in the country.

Over 25 public boat ramps provide access to the different segments of canals surrounding and intersecting the WCAs. The L-67A, L-35B and Alligator Alley (I-75) are three of the most popular canals in the area for fishing. The L-67A has two boat ramps, one on the northern end at Holiday Park and one on the south end at the S-333 structure off of Tamiami Trail (state road 41). Holiday Park also offers camping and boat rentals. The L-35B canal boat ramp is located off of state road 27 at the sawgrass recreation area. Numerous boat ramps for alligator alley are located throughout Interstate 75 on both the north and south side of the road.

This is a water-level driven fishery. The best fishing usually occurs in the spring when declining water levels concentrate fish in the canals. February and May are the peak fishing months when angler catch rates can be as high a 4.1 bass per hour in the L-67A Canal. Anglers work canal edges with plastic worms, top water lures, crankbaits and rapala’s. Flipping the vegetation is also a popular technique. During high water, some anglers will enter the marsh areas where bass can be found in the open slough areas. Catch rates are not as high when entering the marsh, but offers a unique style of bass fishing similar to fishing the flats. The L-67A and Alligator Alley canals have access trails off them that are specifically cut to provide boat access to adjacent marsh areas. The L-35B canal does not have specific trails, but open areas boat can go through when water is high to access the marsh. Remember to display an orange flag 10 feet above your vessel when entering the marsh.



Low water levels tend to push fish out of the marsh and concentrate them in the bordering canals. Recent water level and angler catch rate analysis indicates that the larger the drop in water level, and the faster it occurs, the better the fishing. Conversely, a small or very gradual drop in water level may not be sufficient to stimulate fish movement and generate high catch rates, as occurred in 2012.

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Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe is a shallow 9,400-acre lake located on the north side of Sanford near Orlando. In recent years, electrofishing surveys by biologists have resulted in some of the highest catch rates for bass for the St. Johns River chain with many lunkers observed during fish surveys. Fluctuating water levels can shift preferred areas for bass, but water levels in spawning season are usually favorable for bass to utilize the bulrush and eelgrass which has expanded around the lake in recent years Preferred artificial baits include plastic worms, spinner baits, and crankbaits. Live golden shiners are always an excellent bait; particularly for larger bass. Several boat ramps provide access to the lake, including two near I-4, one at the Sanford Marina on the south side, and one with limited parking on the north side of the lake. Although bank access is extensive on the southern end of the lake, water depth, and habitat is variable and not always conducive to bass fishing. There are no fish camps on the lake.

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Tenoroc Fish Management Area
The 8,300-acre Tenoroc Fish Management Area near Lakeland provides a special opportunity to bass fish in Florida's famous phosphate pits. These seven to 227-acre lakes were created years ago by draglines during phosphate surface mining operations. As a result, lake bottoms have irregular contours with depths ranging to 35 feet. The bass fishing experience in these phosphate pits can rival any natural lake when the fish are biting well. Bass fishing is best from mid-November through March. Anglers also have a better opportunity to catch large bass. Lake 3, Lake 5, Lake 2, Lake C, Hydrilla Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Lost Lake East and Lost Lake West offer some of the best bass fishing opportunities on the property.

Probing deeper waters with chrome-colored rattling lures and chartreuse ("Firetiger" color) diving crankbaits is a good bet in phosphate pits. Plastic worms are often the best all-around lure for fishing in these lakes. Red shad and Junebug colors are good plastic worm colors for bass in these lakes. Anglers that can find submersed islands or sandbars off points will find concentrations of bass. In addition, many of the lakes are connected with water control structures. When in operation, bass are concentrated in areas of flowing water. During the spring, flipping worms or soft plastic baits in thick brush will produce largemouth bass.

Tenoroc lakes are managed with a variety of harvest regulations; including total catch and release (no harvest) and 15-inch maximum size limit, two fish bag, in which anglers must immediately release all bass larger than 15 inches in total length.

Tenoroc is located just two miles northeast of Lakeland on Highway 659 (Combee Road), which can be accessed from Highway 33 just south of Interstate 4. Call the Tenoroc Headquarters at 863-499-2422 for more information or to make reservations. The area is open to public fishing four days a week, Friday through Monday. All anglers must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area Headquarters (3829 Tenoroc Mine Road), deposit their valid fishing license and pay $3 for a daily fishing permit unless exempt.

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Mosaic Fish Management Area
A bass fishing trip on the 1,000-acre Mosaic Fish Management Area in Polk and Hardee counties is definitely worth planning. Anglers had an average catch rate of over 1 bass/hour last year, well over the statewide average. There are 12 phosphate pits (i.e., lakes created by surface mining) that range in size from 10 to 200 acres and have depths that range down to 30 feet. The fishing pressure on these lakes is relatively low and the bass fishing can turn on at a moment's notice. These lakes offer a special opportunity to fish Florida's famous phosphate pit bass fisheries.

Top-water baits around dawn and dusk, white or chartreuse spinner baits, plastic worms, and chrome or "Firetiger" (chartreuse and orange) colored crankbaits can all be successful. Fishing shoreline brush and vegetation works well in the spring. Anglers that can find submerged islands or sandbars off points will find concentrations of bass, particularly during warmer months of the year. Lakes Coulter, SP11, SP12 North, SP12 South and Pine Lake West offer some of the best bass fishing opportunities on the property.

Mosaic lakes are managed with a variety of catch-and-release harvest regulations, including total catch and release (no harvest) and 15-inch maximum size limits, in which anglers must immediately release all bass larger than 15 inches in total length.

Mosaic Fish Management Area is located near the town of Ft. Meade in Polk County. The FMA is only open to public fishing four days a week (Friday - Monday) from 6 AM until 2 PM daily. No reservations can be made, so lake permits are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please call 863-648-3200 for more information about fishing at Mosaic Fish Management Area.

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Lake Weohyakapka (Lake Walk-in-Water)
Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk–in-Water, is a 7,500-acre water body located south of Orlando and east of Lake Wales, just south of S.R. 60. Although hurricanes removed all the hydrilla from the lake many years ago, the lake still has extensive areas of vegetation for anglers to target lunker size bass. FWC biologists tagged 16 bass over eight pounds in two days of sampling during the spring of 2015, so there’s plenty of lunkers in the lake.

Pitching live wild shiners and flipping soft plastic baits in offshore stands of bulrush (“buggy whips” or “round rush”) in the northern, eastern, and southern areas of the lake can be productive during the spring when bass are spawning. Spinnerbaits should also produce bass in the spring and summer around grass patches. Bass have also been found in maidencane grass and knotgrass (Kissimmee grass) stands along the eastern shoreline during spring and fall sampling on the lake. Soft jerkbaits and topwater frogs are a must when fishing these areas. Although topwater baits can catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action when the bass move from the shallow vegetation to deeper areas of the lake. This is the best time to target bass on the FWC fish attractors using spinnerbaits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics. Fish all around the orange and white buoys because the attractors are spread over a large area but be careful to avoid getting hung up in the attractors if you plan to anchor while you fish.

A public ramp is located on Boat Landing Road, which runs east off of Walk-in-the-Water Road, just a few miles south of S.R. 60. There is little access for bank fishing on the lake.

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Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson is a 4,000 acre shallow lake with a diverse plant community located near Tallahasee. Lake Jackson is a sink-hole lake that periodically goes dry. The lake went dry in 2012, but water levels have returned and the fishing is excellent! Multiple anglers reported catches of largemouth bass greater than 8 pounds as part of the TrophyCatch program in 2014 and 2015. Anglers do well fishing for Largemouth Bass during the spring using weightless stick baits (e.g. senkos) around the edges of the fragrant water lily (lily pads) and punching heavy creature baits, jigs and worms through the thick vegetation. The most exciting time to fish Lake Jackson is when the water is warmer than 75 degrees and the fish aggressively hit topwater baits such as frogs and buzzbaits.

There are several public boat ramps; however, boat access at these ramps is highly water level dependent. Most anglers prefer the ramps at Sunset Landing or Crowder Landing.

Anglers are reminded that they can keep 5 bass per person per day, but only 1 largemouth bass greater than 16 inches in total length may be kept. This regulation applies to Lake Jackson proper, including Little Lake Jackson west of Highway 27, Meginnis arm of Lake Jackson north of Interstate 10, and Fords Arm of Lake Jackson west of Meridian road.

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Yellow River (Spotted bass)


Choctaw bass, similar to spotted bass, is a newly discovered species. Catch-and-release is recommended.

Note: “Spotted bass” in panhandle streams west of the Chipola River are a newly described species of bass, the Choctaw bass. Choctaw bass are not as abundant as largemouth bass, therefore biologists recommend catch and release for this unique species. For more information regarding the Choctaw bass you can read the FWC news release and Choctaw bass information page.

The pictured Choctaw bass was collected near the Guest Lake public boat ramp in the Yellow River during an FWC electrofishing sample. The fish weighed just less than 3 pounds and is one of the larger Choctaw bass specimens observed by local biologists. The Yellow River has several access points for anglers with boats or kayaks, but anglers should focus on the upper reaches to have the best opportunity for catching this species. Choctaw bass prefer more current and shallower water compared to their Largemouth bass cousins. In-stream cover, such as stumps and following trees, located in runs and bends between the highway 2 bridge and highway 87 bridge are likely places for anglers to find this species. Crawfish and blacktail shiners (River Roaches) are the prevalent forage for Choctaw bass in the Yellow River. Anglers should use imitations of these prey items to be successful at catching fish. Plastic crawfish-imitations and finesse worms rigged weedless with a 1/8-1/4 ounce weight can be fished effectively through the wood cover without snagging. Crankbaits in brown or crawfish colors also catch spotted bass when worked along the gravel bars imitating a fleeing crawfish. In-line spinners on an ultralight rod and reel combo also work well.

Spotted bass are managed with state wide bag and length limits for black bass. Anglers are allowed to harvest 5 fish per day and all spotted bass less than 12 inches total length must be released immediately. Catch and release is recommended for Choctaw bass since it is a unique species limited to rivers of the western Florida panhandle.

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Chipola River (Shoal bass)


A beautiful Chipola River shoal bass.

Shoal bass primarily occur in the Chipola River between Spring Creek (the outflow of Merritt’s Mill Pond located above the I-10 Bridge) to Johnny Boy Landing (located off of CR 274 near Altha, FL). There are three public boat ramps located within this stretch of river: Magnolia Bridge (SR-280), Peacock Bridge (SR-278), and Johnny Boy Landing. Canoe and kayak outfitters catering to paddlers wishing include the Chipola River Outfitters (850-762-2800) and Bear Paw Adventures (850-482-4948). Individuals planning their own trip can download the Chipola River canoe trail map from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s greenways and trails website listing Florida’s Designated Paddling Trails. The FWC recommends checking USGS river levels (Marianna and Altha stations) prior to planning a trip on the river. Boaters should be careful when navigating the Chipola River. There are many limestone shoals and snags throughout the river. Shoals may not be as visible after recent rain events. The river is also used by tubers, divers, and swimmers. Navigation upstream can be difficult to impossible when the river is low, therefore boaters should plan accordingly. When river levels are extremely low, the Look and Tremble Shoal below Johnny Boy Landing becomes a steep, hazardous drop.

Shoal bass can be found in riffles and runs containing limestone or other rocky substrate. They may also be located in runs containing eel grass. Larger shoal bass may be caught in pool areas containing limestone outcropping immediately below or above shoals, particularly during the hot summer months. Crayfish are a major part of the shoal bass diet. Shoal bass may be targeted with the same type of lures used to target largemouth bass. Largemouth bass coexist with shoal bass in this section of the Chipola River although they are more associated with logs and woody debris and are often more abundant in the slower moving water with sandy substrate.

Several record shoal bass were caught between December 2014 and September 2015 on the Chipola River. Stewart Mayeaux caught the 4 pound 14 ounce state record fish in September 2015.

Note that shoal bass are part of the Big Catch angler recognition program's "Bass Slam" challenge!

Shoal bass are managed with state wide bag and length limits for black bass. Anglers are allowed to harvest 5 fish per day and all shoal bass less than 12 inches total length must be released immediately. Catch and release is recommended for shoal bass since it is a unique species limited to a few rivers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

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Consumption advisories:
Generally low levels of mercury have been found to occur in largemouth bass from some of these locations (highest levels are in the Everglades Water Conservation Areas). You can find out more about consumption advisories and check current advisories for specific water bodies.



For more information about these lakes, contact the following FWC biologists:

Lake George and Lake Monroe - Earl Lundy 386-985-7827
West Lake Tohopekaliga and Lake Kissimmee - Kevin McDaniel 407-846-5300
Rodman Reservoir - Eric Nagid 352-955-3220
Lake Tarpon and Lake Istokpoga - Brandon Simcox 863-648-3200
Winter Haven South Chain of Lakes - Paul Thomas 863-648-3200
Lake Okeechobee - Andrea Dominguez 863-462-5190
Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 - Josh Wilsey 561-625-5122
Tenoroc Fish Management Areas - Danon Moxley 863-648-3200
Mosaic Fish Management Areas - Eric Johnson 863-648-3200
Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-in-Water) - Brandon Simcox 863-648-3200
Lake Jackson, Yellow River, and Chipola River - Katie Woodside 850-265-3676

 

Putnam & Volusia counties



This lake is a 46,000-acre natural impoundment of the St. Johns River with extensive vegetation that provides excellent habitat for fish. There are jetties located on the south end of the lake where the St. Johns River enters the lake. Most of the lake is less than ten feet deep but a natural channel provides navigation for boats as large as oil barges.

Public access can be obtained from Blue Creek Road to Lake George Road off of Highway 40, (see Central Region Boat Ramps for more detail). Private access to Lake George can be obtained from Pine Island fish camp (386-749-2818) or Georgetown Marina & Lodge (386-467-2002). For additional listings of fish camps or more information, please call our Regional Office at 352-732-1225.



Current Forecast:
Eelgrass is fairly thick on the eastern and western shores and sparse on the southeastern shore. Largemouth bass anglers should find success using live shiners and artificial baits fished near the outer edge of deeper eelgrass beds and pilings. Cold water temperatures might drive the fish deep, with fish coming in shallow at the end of the day as the shallows warm up. Live shad and grass shrimp fished near the jetties when the river is flowing should produce catches of largemouth bass and stripers. Cooling waters this quarter should bring success to black crappie (speckled perch) anglers fishing the sunken barge at the center bombing target and Willow Cove on the east shore. These cool waters should also bring more success to striper anglers, especially near the bombing targets and the jetties.





Osceola County

Lake Tohopekaliga, known to the locals as Lake Toho, is an 18,810-acre lake located southeast of the city of Kissimmee. The lake's Commission-made fish attractors are especially popular fishing areas.

For more information on Lake Toho or the fish camps in the area, please contact the Kissimmee Fisheries office at 407-846-5191.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for Lake Toho .

Current Forecast:
Bass anglers will rejoice during the period as the sweltering heat of summer will give way to the much more comfortable conditions of the fall season. This transitional weather period will give bass anglers better conditions to enjoy the resource, and with increased chances of cloud cover and rainfall stemming from frontal activity, flowing water conditions at canals and tributaries of the lake will be possible. Historically, the mouth of Shingle Creek, St. Cloud canal (C-31), Partin’s Ditch or near the water control structure (S-61) located at the south end of the lake have been good locations to find bass during flow conditions. If moving water is not available, anglers should spend time in native vegetative communities (knotgrass and maidencane) or hydrilla associated with Little Grassy Island, North Steer Beach, Goblet’s Cove or around channel marker 24 at Big Grassy Island. Both live and artificial baits should be very effective utilized within these areas. Golden shiners will be the live bait of choice, although many anglers using spinnerbaits (white or white/chartreuse skirted and a single Colorado blade), crankbaits (shad imitation), top-water propellored baits and Texas-rigged plastic worms (Black Grape, Black/Blue or Red shad colored) will likely be rewarded with some outstanding action.

Black crappie (specks) anglers will need to be gearing-up for some action as specks will begin to concentrate in areas in preparation for the spawning season. The month of November can be a very good month for success on specks drifting live minnows (fathead minnow) in open-water near the mouth of Shingle Creek, Little Grassy Island and Goblet’s Cove. Lily pads, bulrush and grass patches adjacent to the shoreline within these areas have also been productive in the past. For those anglers who favor artificial baits, jigs or bettle-spins (green, white or yellow in color) used along the edges of knotgrass, maidencane or hydrilla within the lake should account for some fine stringers of specks Although water temperatures will begin to cool and the spawning season will be subsiding during this time of year, respectable catches of bluegill can still be made by anglers using worms or crickets fished on the bottom at North and South Steer Beaches, eastern side of Makinson Island or around channel marker 26.





Osceola County

Lake Kissimmee is a 34,948-acre lake located 40 miles south of Orlando and 18 miles east of Lake Wales.

There are quite a few fish camps in the area. For further information on Lake Kissimmee or a listing of the fish camps, please contact the Kissimmee Fisheries office at (407)846-5300.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for the Kissimmee Chain .

Current Forecast
This reporting period will be marked with a transition from the searing heat of summer to cooler air and water temperatures that will be a little more comfortable for both anglers and fish alike as the fall season sets in. Under more pleasant conditions, bass anglers should be able to enjoy some good action in and around the expansive native grass communities (maidencane and knotgrass), as well as, lily pads, bulrush, cattail and hydrilla beds associated with the lake shoreline. Anglers may want to try their luck between Shady Oaks Fish Camp and the “Rocks” located at the southern end of the lake near State Road 60. Live bait (golden shiner) fished in this area, and around vegetative communities associated with Brahma Island, Lemon Point, 27-Palms (South of Ox Island), Osceola Slough, Philadelphia Point and the Pig Trail should account for some good action. Bass anglers who prefer using artificial lures need to give a spinnerbait (white skirt and single Colorado blade) a try. Also, soft-bodied jerkbaits (watermelon or shad colored), crankbaits (shad imitations), minnow-type lures (black/silver or gold) and plastic worms (blue/black, red shad and junebug colored) Texas- or Carolina-rigged should account for some line-testing action.

While bluegill anglers will still be able to find concentrations of these fish using worms (red wigglers) or crickets, by far the most popular panfish targeted during the period will be the black crappie (speckled perch; a.k.a “specks”). The gradual cooling of nighttime and water temperatures will result in specks becoming more active and congregating in preparation for the spawning season. The most common method anglers employ for these scrappy fighters is live bait (fathead minnow) fished under a slip-cork and weighted with a small split-shot sinker 3-4 inches above the hook. Anglers should find concentrations of specks drifting open-water in close proximity to vegetative communities (maidencane, knotgrass or hydrilla) associated with four large islands within the lake (Bird, Brahma, Rabbit and Grassy). In the past, anglers have also had good success in North Cove and offshore of Lake Kissimmee State Park. Typically, the two-week period around the full moon phase (one week prior and one week after) will be the best times for anglers to try their luck. Keys to success for many speck anglers will be to alter the depth of their baits and keep on the move until fish are found. Besides live bait, small (1/8th-1/64th ounce) plastic-bodied or natural hair jigs or bettle-spins fished in and around native grasses and stands of water-lily should account for some excellent stringers of fish. Green-, yellow- or white-colored baits will be good color choices.





Putnam County

A premier largemouth bass fishery located in north Northeast Florida, covers 9,500 acres and is about 15 miles long. It is located south of Palatka off of Hwy 19. The reservoir was created in 1968 when an earthen dam was built across the Ocklawaha River. A four-gate spillway (Kirkpatrick Dam) controls the water levels of the reservoir. The reservoir from its headwaters at Eureka Dam to Paynes Landing consists of flooded woodlands. The transition section from Paynes Landing to Orange Springs consists of flooded standing timber and areas of floating vegetation. The pool section from Orange Springs to Kirkpatrick Dam, including the river channel and the Cross Florida Barge Canal, consists of floating and submersed vegetation, dead standing timber and submersed and partially submersed trees and stumps. The Barge Canal and river channel have water depths up to 30 feet deep. Submersed vegetation (hydrilla, coontail and eel grass) is common in the pool section of the reservoir. Drawdowns are conducted every three to four years on the reservoir for aquatic plant control and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Note: Look out for floating logs. To prevent boating accidents during the drawdown, boaters are asked to watch their wake and be courteous to anglers fishing along the Barge Canal and river channel.

For updated information:
The Tackle Box 352-372-1791.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for Rodman Reservoir .

Current Forecast:
Rodman Reservoir and big bass are synonymous during this time of year, and that’s especially true when the lake is in its drawdown stage. Reservoir levels were lowered 7 feet from normal levels in November 2015, and will remain at this level until March 2016. Generally, the biggest bass are caught from deep water along the river channel and Barge Canal in the Kenwood to Kirkpatrick Dam area. Outside bends in the river channel from Orange Springs to Cypress Bayou are also a good place to try for largemouth bass. Deep diving crank baits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics (worms, lizards, and crawfish) are preferred in the deeper water. Texas-rigged worms, spinner baits and lipless crank baits also work well, while golden shiners are the bait of choice for those seeking trophy fish. During the drawdown, catch-and-release on all largemouth bass is mandatory until March 15th, 2016. Black crappie can be caught along the river channel and Barge Canal on live minnows with floats and plastic tailed jigs. Anglers have their preferred colors, but jigs in chartreuse, yellow, and white colors seem to get the most consistent action. Bluegill, redear, and redbreast sunfish fishing is best this time of year in the riverine section of the reservoir. Beetle-spins and live bait (grass shrimp) work well. Temporary boat ramps are located at Kenwood Landing, Orange Springs, and Hog Valley where anglers can launch into the Barge Canal and river channel. To prevent boating accidents during the drawdown, boaters are asked to watch their wake and be courteous to anglers fishing along the Barge Canal and river channel.




Pinellas County



Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre Fish Management Area near Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County. Although the largemouth bass population and size structure is excellent, fishing pressure is relatively low. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on this lake. In fact, Lake Tarpon is rated one of the Top 10 bass lakes in the state of Florida by FWC fisheries biologists. Primary largemouth bass fishing areas are found among the weeds which rim the shoreline. Bulrush (buggy whips), cattail, and tape grass beds are good places to try. Offshore humps, particularly with submerged vegetation, are productive and bass will school and chase shad in open water during the summer months. Public boat ramps are located at the county parks off U.S. Route 19 and County Road 611 (also known as East Lake Road). These parks are open sunrise to sunset and also offer fishing piers.

Current Forecast:
Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught all year from the shell bars on crickets and red wigglers fished below a slip bobber near the bottom, and with live Missouri minnows while fishing for black crappie (specks). Largemouth bass fishing has been good, with two to four pound bass making up the bulk of the catch. Try fishing a Texas-rigged plastic worm or slow rolling a spinnerbait around the shell bars near deep water. Live wild shiners should be very productive when drifted over grass beds or dropped into holes in the grass. Bass will begin to spawn in late January, so try flipping with a variety of soft plastics such as tube jigs, crawfish, lizards, and worms in the canals and shallow bays. Black crappie (specks) fishing is good. Try drifting live Missouri minnows, or trolling small jigs and spinners in open water to find the schools. The best bet when using artificial is a small red and chartreuse tube jig drifted over the grass beds.





Highlands County

Located five miles northeast of Lake Placid, Highlands County, this 27,692-acre lake has quality fishing for black crappie (specks) and one of the highest largemouth bass catch rates in the state. The best speck fishing occurs during winter months drifting over open water, particularly in the northeast and southwest corners. Predominant aquatic vegetation includes spadderdock (bonnets), bulrush (buggy whips), cattail, and pondweed (pepper grass). Kissimmee grass on the south end is particularly productive when there is flow into the Istokpoga Canal. This canal, located off County Highway 621, provides excellent largemouth bass fishing from the bank when the gates are open. Arbuckle and Josephine Creek mouths are also good areas when there is flow. The island areas and associated grass can hold bass any time of year and the deepest portion of the lake (10 ft) is in the southwest corner. Public boat ramps are located on the north, northeast, and southwest shorelines off of U.S. Route 98, Lake Boulevard off Cow House Road, and Highland Lake Drive off of County Route 621, respectively. There are also six fish camps/resorts on the lake with various accommodations. Anglers can wade fish off of the Cow House Road boat ramp.

For more information contact Henderson's Fish Camp at 863/465-2101, or Cypress Isle RV Park & Marina at 863-465-5241.

Special Regulations for Largemouth Bass on Lake Istokpoga. A slot limit protects quality largemouth bass by requiring that all bass between 15 and 24 inches in length must be immediately released back into the lake. The daily bag limit is three fish per day. Only one of the three fish may be greater than 24 inches. This means you may keep three bass less than 15 inches, or two bass less than 15 inches and one bass greater than 24 inches. For more information on the special regulations or tournament exemptions, contact Bill Pouder at (863)648-3200.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for Lake Istokpoga .

Current Forecast:
Bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) fishing has slowed, but fish can still be caught while fishing for black crappie (specks). Specks are really turning on with the cooler water temperatures. Drift live Missouri minnows and grass shrimp in open water, or troll with Napier deer hair jigs and Hal flies for schooling fish. Find areas with sandy bottoms around bullrush and cattails, and fish a grass shrimp under a cork for spawning fish. Henderson’s Cove and the north end of the lake are producing good numbers of specks on the outside edge of the pads and grasses near deeper water. Lake Istokpoga is one of the best lakes in the state at a chance to get your hands on a fish of a lifetime. Several bass larger than 8 pounds have been entered in the TrophyCatch program over the past few years. Lake Istokpoga currently leads the state with a total of 237 TrophyCatch submissions! Largemouth bass fishing can be tough, with cold fronts slowing the fishing on a regular basis. Slow working baits like plastic worms have been the bait of choice in Junebug and red shad colors. Live wild shiners are working about as well as artificial lures are right now. Bass will begin to spawn in late January, and will be moving into areas in and around bullrush (buggy whips) on the northern shoreline and the submerged vegetation in the channels south of Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Flipping these areas with soft plastics will be the best bet during the spawning season. Fishing for bass between the cold fronts can be very productive. Use caution when the wind blows on this shallow lake, it can get rough in a hurry!


Polk County



Located within the city of Winter Haven, nine lakes compose this 6000-acre chain where fishing and boating are extremely popular. Boat and shore access to the South Chain are available at lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon, and Hartridge. The North Chain can be accessed through lakes Conine, Rochelle, and Haines. Fish attractors are located and marked in lakes Summit, Winterset, Cannon, Smart, and Haines. Bass anglers achieve success by "flipping" plastic worms around shoreline plants such as cattail and maidencane, as well as docks.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for the Winter Haven Chain .

Current Forecast:
Bluegill (bream) fishing has slowed during the winter months. Black crappie (specks) fishing will be good through March. Drift live Missouri minnows or troll with Hal flies and small spinners over grass beds for the best action. Largemouth bass fishing can be slow at times with the cold fronts moving in and out. Most fish being caught on live wild shiners, and plastic worms fished slowly around cattails and bulrush (buggy whips). Try using a lipless crankbait along deeper grass beds. Bass will begin to spawn as early as January and continue through April, depending on water temperatures, so fish shallow areas with cattails, bulrush and Kissimmee grass (maidencane) present with plastic lizards, crawfish, and other soft plastics such as the Zoom Brush Hog in Junebug, red shad, and tequila colors. Canals may be impassible later in the spring as water levels drop.





Palm Beach, Martin, Glades, Okeechobee, and Hendry counties

Lake Okeechobee is Florida's largest lake and the second largest body of fresh water in the contiguous United States. The word Okeechobee comes from the Seminole Indian language "Oki" (water) and "Chubi" (big) and means "big water." These early Floridians chose the name well. Vast surface area (730 square miles), shallowness (averaging only nine feet deep) and enormous habitat diversity makes the ecosystem unique on the North American continent. The lake is a multiple-use resource, which supports valuable commercial and sport fisheries, provides flood control, and acts as a reservoir for potable and irrigation water for much of south Florida.

Lake Okeechobee is located on the south-central portion of the Florida peninsula at latitudes 27o 12'N to 26o 40'N and longitudes 81o 07'W to 80o 37'W. Major natural tributaries to the lake are Fisheating Creek, Taylor Creek and the Kissimmee River. Sheet outflow occurred historically across the entire southern rim into the Everglades. Prior to the 1900's, water quality was characterized as clear and alkaline, and bottom sediments were described as "clean sand." Levee and canal construction during the first half of the century confined the lake to a smaller area, eliminated overflow along the south shore, and facilitated back-pumping of excess water from the Everglades agricultural area into the lake. During the past 30 years, rising nutrient levels and periodic increases in the lake stage regulatory schedules have decreased habitat quality and pushed the system nearer a hyper-eutrophic and ecologically undesirable state.

Primary sources of lake water include rainfall (30%) and major tributaries, canals and runoff (70%). Evaporation accounts for 70% of water loss, with the remainder exiting through engineered outflows. High water levels are maintained from October through March (dry season), while low water levels are maintained from June through August. Shallow depth, long fetch and moderate winds combine to preclude thermal stratification. Regular mixing by wind and wave action ensures dissolved oxygen levels adequate for biological processes throughout the water column. Water temperatures average between 59o F (14o C) in January to 86o F (30o C) in August.

Lake Okeechobee is nationally recognized as supporting high quality largemouth bass and black crappie fisheries. The lake also supports a commercial fishery dominated by catfish species. However, the commercial fishery is also nationally unique in that a limited entry fishery (ten nets) exists for haul seine gear which is permitted to legally harvest and sell bluegill and redear sunfish. Freshwater fishing retail sales in the five counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee were estimated at more than $117 million during 2000. Biologically, Lake Okeechobee can successively support recreational and commercial fishery interests. Fishery management concerns on Lake Okeechobee not only require allocating available fishery resources between recreational and commercial interests, but must also be concerned with resolution of socio-political issues that result from user conflicts.

Aquatic plant communities benefit fish by providing spawning habitat, serving as refuge areas from the environment and predators, and support an intricate food web by providing nutrients for invertebrates and herbivorous fishes, which serve as forage. Despite ecological advantages provided by aquatic plants to fishes and wildlife on Lake Okeechobee, controversy over management of vegetation continues among federal and state agencies with regulatory authority for aquatic plant management, water quality and supply, flood control, and fish and wildlife management.

Changes in water level and differences in plant community structural complexity and water quality within vegetation communities exert the greatest effect on fish distribution in the littoral zone of Lake Okeechobee. Historically, bulrush has yielded the highest average numbers for total fish and game fish in block net sampling conducted on Lake Okeechobee. Importance of bulrush as habitat for adult game fishes has long been recognized by fisheries biologists, and bulrush is frequently planted during lake restoration and habitat enhancement projects.

Submersed vegetation types provide important habitat for forage fish, such as minnows shiners, and small bream. A positive relationship between hydrilla and production of juvenile game fish and forage fish has been documented by fisheries biologists. Dominant fish species abundance estimates for hydrilla, eelgrass, and Illinois pondweed (peppergrass) were similar, which indicates equivalent habitat value for these vegetation types.

The hurricanes on Lake Okeechobee during 2004 (particularly Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne) caused brief high water level surges to over 18 feet and, together with high winds, had a devastating effect on many plant communities. From the constant beating of high wind and waves, thousands of acres of plants such as bulrush, peppergrass, eelgrass and hydrilla were uprooted or broken off. Plants near the bottom or in protected areas were subjected to die-off from little or no sunlight reaching them as a result of highly turbid water over a long period of time.

The drought starting in 2006 that struck much of the state of Florida, lowered the lake level to an all-time record of 8.82 ft. msl (July 2007). Periods of drought have occurred on Lake Okeechobee about every ten years. The drought actually helped by allowing most of the emergent vegetation that was lost to be replaced by new plants. After Tropical Storm Fay (August 2008), when water levels rose quickly (luckily not too fast to damage new vegetation), thousands of acres of new bulrush, spikerush and other desirable emergent plants covered old established areas as well as many new areas where vegetation had not been in recent memory. Submerged vegetation such as peppergrass, eelgrass and hydrilla also returned. With the return of vegetation, many aquatic insect populations also increased, providing a food source for bait fish (such as minnows and shad). With this renewed food source and resurgence in vegetative habitat, many fish have had large spawns since Tropical Storm Fay, causing fisherman to see an increase of many game species. Future years should continue to see an increase in size and numbers of fish populations provided the habitat and food base also continues to improve.

Bass less than 18 inches must be released; however you may only keep one fish over 22 inches. The bag limit remains the same, at five.

Black crappie (Speck) under 10 inches must be released. The bag limit is the same, at 25.

Links for more fishing info:
Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters 800-284-BIGO (2446) or www.fishokeechobee.com
Garrard Tackle Shop 800-600-3474 (FISH).
For Crappie, Bluegill, and Shellcracker fishing contact: Marshall Shockley at 863-763-0466

A recreational guide in PDF format is available courtesy of the South Florida Water Management District . Also see Real-time water level info from the USGS gage at Buckhead Lock.

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for Lake Okeechobee .

Current Forecast:
The water on Lake Okeechobee as of December 18, 2015 is 14.80 ft. NGVD. This is about half a foot lower than last year at this time. After a wet summer and fall, NOAA is predicting above average rainfall during the winter months caused by El Niño. Water levels on the lake will continue to increase slowly, but will still remain lower than last year’s levels. As a note, the Henry Creek boat lock (G-36) is currently closed for maintenance by the South Florida Water Management District until January 7, 2016. All other locks at this time are operational.

Fishermen are still reporting excellent catch rates and sizes for largemouth bass even with high water and spread out fish. These catch rates should increase more as water temperature cools and bass begin to look for spawning areas in the marsh. Prior to the spawn, continue to look for edge habitats, such as when vegetation ends or changes types. Bass inhabit these areas as a way to better ambush prey while hiding in the shadows. Start looking for bedding bass in the shallows of the marsh as the water cools and around the time of a full moon. Fish over six pounds should be plentiful this winter, with a few over ten pounds very likely. A guide is highly recommended, especially your first time to the lake. Try topwater plugs, crank baits (shad designs and colors), and spinner baits in the grass flats, and plastic worms, senkos, flukes, and flipping jigs in the heavier cover. Golden shiners are the best live bait for largemouth bass.

Don’t forget to register your eight pound and larger bass with TrophyCatch TrophyCatch! Register your Okeechobee trophy bass so you can say “My trophy swims in Florida,” and earn gift cards and other prizes.

Black crappie (speck) is usually best during the cool winter weather. The results of the 2015 Lake Okeechobee Creel Survey showed another great year with high success rates and harvested fish in the areas near the mouth of the Kissimmee River. Despite the warm winter, you can expect the same this year once water temperatures begin to reach 65°F. Fishing in the Kissimmee River will be best during times the river is flowing, especially after cold fronts. Angling efforts in the lake should be focused near the edges of vegetation stands. The best angling will occur early and late in the day. Use the usual fishing techniques for crappie throughout this time. Minnows should be suspended at various depths to locate schools. Jig fishing is most productive, as you can cover a great deal more area. The secret to successful crappie fishing is to move often, until you locate a school.

Bluegill and redear fishing are usually slow during the winter. However, from electrofishing and trawling surveys large amounts of bream of varying sizes have been seen throughout the lake. Start looking for spawning redear and bluegill in the late winter and early spring. Most redear are taken on live worms. Beetle‑spins and crickets are the preferred baits for bluegill.







Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties

Water Conservation Areas (WCA) 2 and 3 are two sections of northern Everglades habitat that are managed for multiple uses. Health advisories related to consumption of fish, especially bass, gar and bowfin are in effect for the area. The WCAs were designated primarily to receive flood waters from adjacent areas and store them for beneficial municipal, urban, and agricultural uses. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) currently manages the fish and wildlife in these areas. Both areas have continually provided superior fishing throughout the years. Largemouth bass is the most sought after species, and when waters levels are right, provide anglers with some of the highest catch rates in the state. Other popular species readily caught include bluegill, redear sunfish, pickerel, oscar, and Mayan cichlid. The majority of fishing pressure takes place during the winter and spring months when water levels are typically dropping, which concentrates fish into the perimeter canals. When water levels are up, anglers have access to vast marsh systems for a different type of angling experience.

Low water levels tend to push fish out of the marsh and concentrate them in the bordering canals. Recent analyses of historical data indicate that the larger the drop in water level, the stronger the "push" of fish into the canals.

Water Conservation Area 2 encompasses 210 square miles and is located in western Palm Beach and Broward counties. The majority of fishing takes place within the L-35B and L-38E canals which are each approximately 12 miles long. Main access for this area is the Sawgrass Recreation Area, located two miles north of Alligator Alley (SR84) on U.S. 27. Current fishing information, as well as a guide service, camping, food, boat rental, fishing licenses, and bait and tackle can be found there (telephone number 954-389-0202).

The 915 square mile WCA-3 is located in western Broward and Dade counties, just south of WCA-2 and north of Everglades National Park. Many miles of canals run around and through the area, including the L-67A, L-67C, Miami, and Tamiami canals. All are accessible by boat and the Tamiami Canal has abundant bank access. In a joint project, the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District constructed eight boat trails off the L-67A Canal to provide anglers access to the marsh areas (when water levels are high enough) for "flats" fishing.

Many of the canals can be accessed at Holiday Park Recreation Area (telephone number 954-434-8111). Amenities there include fishing guides, boat rentals, camping, food, bait and tackle, and the sale of fishing licenses. Other access points to WCA-3 are boat ramps along Alligator Alley, Tamiami Trail (SR41), and at Mack's Fish Camp (305-822-5033) which is located on Krome Ave., one-half mile south of U.S. 27. The L-67A Canal runs from Holiday Park Recreation Area to the S-333 spillway at Tamiami Trail. Those anglers wanting to try their luck in WCA-2 will find access at Sawgrass Recreation Area, two miles north of SR84 along U.S. 27. Twenty-five miles of canals and their associated marsh can be found there. Also see our Water Conservation Area Brochure.

A map is available courtesy of the South Florida Water Management District, where you can also find water stage information and other useful facts.

Current Forecast:
Cooler surface water temperatures will be more likely through much of this period and are expected to be reflected in catch rates. Spawning bass should be observable along the canal edges and in the marsh. Good success can be had sight fishing for these fish by those that choose to target them. Seasonally higher water levels will allow anglers to utilize the numerous marsh access trails in WCA 3 off Alligator Alley and the L-67A Canal to pursue bass in the marsh (‘the flats’). Anglers should also be able to gain access to marsh fishing in areas of WCA 2, although no marsh access trails are maintained there. Fishing in this typically dense cover requires weedless presentations. Floating soft plastics, such as trick worms or soft jerk baits, are good choices. Alternatively, pitch large Texas rigged plastics or a jig and pig into openings in the vegetation. Please remember that displaying a 10x12 inch orange flag 10 feet above the bottom of the hull is required for all vessels entering the marsh. Anglers seeking bass in the canals should also consider casting large deep running crankbaits or swimbaits. Live bait, such as shiners or chubs, fished near deep holes, water control structures, or canal junctions can provide consistent catches of larger fish; in fact, during January and February this is probably the best bet. Anglers seeking panfish should probe deeper pockets along the vegetation with crickets or worms, moving frequently until fish are located. Those preferring lures should make long casts with Beetle Spins or tiny crankbaits parallel to shoreline vegetation.

If targeting fish in the marsh/flats, do not forget to display an orange flag (10”x12”) 10 feet above your vessel when entering the Everglades.




Seminole & Volusia counties

The St. Johns River flows through this 9,406-acre lake. The city of Sanford borders the southern shoreline. Public access can be utilized off the Seminole County side of the intersection of Highway 17/92 and I-4; the north side of the lake off of Enterprise Road; and at Monroe Harbor Marina in downtown Sanford. Private access and more recent fishing information can be obtained from Lake Monroe Inn Bait & Tackle (407-322-3108), Highbanks Marina and Camp Resort (386-668-4491), or Best Western Marina (407-323-1910).

For further information please contact our Regional Office at 352-732-1225.

Current Forecast:
Largemouth bass fishing has been improving in this lake over the years. However, high waters at the start of this quarter will make locating fish difficult, as they will be dispersed onto the floodplain and amongst the now-flooded trees. Once water levels fall into normal levels, the shoreline near Enterprise should provide good habitat and some deeper water bulrush patches for largemouth bass, black crappie (speckled perch), bream and occasionally striped bass. Anglers should begin to see Sunshine bass more regularly as stocked fish continue to enter the fishery. Eelgrass patches should be holding bass, while black crappie should be moving closer to shore, especially during the full moons of February and March.





Polk County



Tenoroc Fish Management Area, located northeast of Lakeland, offers a unique fishing opportunity. Tenoroc is an old phosphate mine where 14 lakes ranging in size from seven to 227 acres provide quality public fishing. All anglers are required to register at the area headquarters where a daily use fee of $3 is charged. Access quotas control the number of anglers on all lakes and harvest restrictions on sportfish ensure angler satisfaction. Limitations on the use of boat motors also apply here. Special opportunities are available to children and physically challenged anglers; bank fishing access is provided on many lakes. This intensive management philosophy has created some of the best catch rates in the state for a variety of sportfishes.

Two types of lakes offer different fishing challenges. Unreclaimed lakes have steep banks, brush-covered shorelines and generally greener water color. Reclaimed lakes have gently sloping shorelines vegetated with cattail, bulrush and other aquatic plants. Lakes vary in depth and offer shoreline opportunities, as well as open-water structure fishing. Roads and grounds are well maintained and modern boat ramps are provided on most lakes. Selected lakes also have restrooms and picnic pavilions.

Tenoroc is nationally noted for largemouth bass and provides excellent fishing for panfish (bluegill and redear sunfish), black crappie and several varieties of catfish. Seasonal patterns are well established for these fishes and appropriate fishing techniques are updated quarterly in this report. Most bass anglers prefer to fish the reclaimed lakes, while panfish and crappie anglers target unreclaimed lakes. Nevertheless, all species can be caught in both, so anglers can choose the type of area they wish to fish.

The site also has a shooting and training facility on the property.

Up-to-date fishing reports for Tenoroc can be obtained by calling 863-499-2422, Friday through Monday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Current Forecast:
Bluegill (bream) fishing is slowing with the cooler water temperatures. Fish deeper water with red wigglers and crickets fished below a cork for the best catches. Largemouth bass action has improved with the cooler water temperatures. Bass are in deeper water around points and humps. Try fishing these areas with plastic worms in red shad and Junebug colors, or with deep diving crankbaits in shad imitating colors. Spawning will start in late January or February, and will be the best time of the year to find bass. Lakes 3, Horseshoe, and Butterfly are providing the most consistent catches. Another lake to try is Tern Lake on the Bridgewater Tract, it was stocked with only female bass and catfish, and should produce some heavyweight bass. Catfish fishing has slowed. Fish with chicken liver, commercial stink baits, and night crawlers around the deeper holes for the best action. Catfish fishing is best in lakes B, Cemetery, and Picnic. Black crappie (specks) are going good right now. Drift live Missouri minnows in 6 to 8 feet of water or troll small jigs and spinners in the same areas. Use a depth finder to locate dredge holes and fish them until you find the one holding the specks. Check with staff regarding boat launching conditions and lake closures due to habitat restoration activities when you are planning your trip.





Leon County

Located just north of Tallahassee, this 4,000-acre lake has been nationally known for its largemouth bass fishery. The best bass fishing time of year is the spring through early summer (February through May). This lake has a high diversity of aquatic vegetation, but hydrilla, eelgrass, and maidencane are the best habitats to fish for bass in this lake. This lake is shallow with an average depth of about 7 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet. After May, fishing at night becomes the norm to get away from the hot weather conditions. It is a natural sink-hole lake that periodically goes dry (about every 25 years. See an excellent article from LandandWater.com about the history of the lake and restoration efforts. There are 5 public boat ramps around the lake and one fish camp.

Attention Lake Jackson Anglers:

SPECIAL REGULATION (Effective as of September 9, 2013): No person shall take, kill or possess more than (5) black bass per day, only one of which may be greater than sixteen (16) inches in total length. This regulation applies to Lake Jackson proper, including Little Lake Jackson west of Highway 27, Meginnis arm of Lake Jackson north of Interstate 10, and Fords Arm of Lake Jackson west of Meridian road.

You do not have to release largemouth bass below 16 inches in length. There is not a 12 inch minimum size limit for largemouth bass. (See below for further information.)

Fishhound also offers a fishing forecast for Lake Jackson .

Current Forecast:
The water level in Lake Jackson has risen and has been stable for a few years. Anglers should be able to launch larger boats at Rhoden Cove, Sunset Fish Camp, and Crowder Road. Only smaller boats can be launched at Miller’s Landing and Hwy 27. Fishing for bream and shellcrackers should pick up during the end of March if the water is warm. Black Crappie fishing should also improve during the next few weeks and some really nice slabs can be caught during the month of February. Sixteen Largemouth Bass over 8 pounds caught from Lake Jackson have been certified in Florida’s TrophyCatch (https://www.trophycatchflorida.com/) program since the program was established during October 2012. Local anglers suggest the use of punching crayfish and jigs around the thicker vegetation on Lake Jackson during January and February. Soft plastic baits like senkos and lizards are great baits when the fish are cruising the shallows during March. Remember to be mindful and courteous to our waterfowl hunters. Please note the current bass regulation on Lake Jackson: anglers are allowed no more than 5 bass per day, only one of which may be greater than 16 inches.
Largemouth Bass less than 16 inches in length may be kept. There is NOT a 12 inch minimum on Lake Jackson. As an example, an angler could legally keep 5 bass of the following sizes in one day of fishing: 1 8-inch bass, 1 10-inch bass, 1-12 inch bass, 1-14 inch bass, and 1 18-inch bass. If there are questions regarding this regulation, please call the Northwest regional office at 850-265-3676. Biologists encourage the harvest of small bass and strongly encourage the release of trophy-size individuals so they can live to fight another day.



Scientists Recognize New Bass Species in Florida Waters

The Choctaw bass, which was long mistaken for spotted bass, is found in coastal rivers along the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.



Scientists collected this Choctaw bass from Florida’s Holmes Creek in February 2012.

Sometimes organisms are so similar in appearance that members of two different species are considered to be the same species. This was the case for a newly discovered member of the black basses – the Choctaw bass, Micropterus haiaka. For decades, biologists and anglers had not realized this bass, which inhabits coastal river systems in the western Florida Panhandle and Alabama, was actually distinct from one of its relatives, the spotted bass.

If not for a Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) genetic study involving other basses of the genus Micropterus, Florida’s newest native bass species might have eluded detection even longer. While testing specimens from northwest Florida’s Chipola River in 2007, FWRI scientists encountered a DNA profile that did not belong to any known bass species. To locate its source, they began testing archived bass tissues collected from nearby rivers.


Map of the known and suspected Choctaw bass ranges.
Also shown are what researchers believe to be the ranges
of two black basses that could pose a conservation threat
if introduced into Choctaw bass habitats.

By early 2009, scientists had discovered the same genetic profile in bass populations inhabiting the Choctawhatchee, Yellow, Blackwater, Escambia, Conecuh and Perdido rivers. After reinterpreting work done in 1940 by taxonomists Carl Hubbs and Reeve Bailey, scientists believe Choctaw bass could also occur in extreme southwest Alabama and southeast Mississippi, just west of the Mobile River Basin. Since 2012, they have been working to confirm this.

The scientific criteria for recognizing a new species are rigorous and the formal taxonomic (classification) process is ongoing. Fortunately, the genetic and morphological (regarding form and structure) evidence assembled by the FWRI research team leaves little doubt that fish with this new genetic profile constitute a valid species. Choctaw bass can usually be distinguished from other basses by counting scales, fin rays and gill rakers, which are comblike projections inside the gills that prevent particles from collecting on the gill filaments. Foolproof identification, however, requires genetic testing.

The name recommended for this new species – Choctaw bass – reflects its geographic connection to the indigenous range of the Native American Choctaw tribe. The provisional scientific designation “haiaka” comes from the Choctaw language and means “revealed” or “manifest.” Researchers believe it is a fitting label as they did not set out to discover a new bass species.

Now that this native bass is known, scientists want to ensure the population remains healthy by implementing the best possible conservation management practices. Ironically, the biggest conservation threat to the Choctaw bass may come from its cousins, spotted bass and Alabama bass. Typically, Choctaw bass have been found in the upper reaches of rivers and streams where sediment accumulates, avoiding stream headwaters and tidal zones found closer to the coast. As of late 2012, everywhere Choctaw bass had been collected, spotted bass and Alabama bass were absent. This is encouraging because these bass species are often introduced outside of their native range to expand fishing opportunities, which can displace native bass populations in other freshwater systems and, in some cases, allow introduced species to genetically overtake native basses through hybridization (interbreeding). Florida and Alabama now have regulations preventing fish introductions and relocations.

Additional information may be found in the following publications:

Hubbs C.L., Bailey R.M. 1940. A revision of the black basses (Micropterus and Huro) with descriptions of four new forms. Miscellaneous Publications Museum of Zoology University of Michigan 48: 19-22.

Tringali M.D., Barthel B.L., Seyoum S., Knight J.R. In review. Molecular and Morphological Evidence for a Novel Black bass Species Native to Rivers of the East Gulf Coastal Plain. In: Tringali MD, Allen MS, Birdsong T, Long JM (eds.). Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation. Proceedings of the Symposium Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation, Nashville, TN, February 8-10, 2013. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MA.




Calhoun County

This river is home to the unique shoal bass. When fishing for shoal bass, follow the same bag and minimum size regulations as those listed for other black bass such as largemouth bass. The Chipola River is accessible in Marianna off CR 280 (Magnolia Rd), Peacock Bridge Rd (located north of Sink Creek), SR 274 west of Altha on Hamilton Spring Rd, and SR 20 at Clarksville. This very scenic, spring-fed coldwater river stretches about 95 miles starting just north of Marianna and running south through the Dead Lake and into the Apalachicola River. The Chipola River has fast water shoals and provides excellent sunfish (redbreast, redear and bluegill) fishing in the spring depending on the water level. Boat operators should be cautious of these shallow limestone shoals while running your boat in this river during low water.

Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676). Information regarding canoe, kayak, and tube float trips on the Chipola River can be obtained from Bear Paw Adventures (850-482-4948). Bear Paw Outfitters is closed during the winter but will reopen March 1st.

Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676).

Anglers should always be mindful of the rocky limestone shoals and snags in the river. The river is still low and travel upstream through shallow, swift shoals may be impossible so anglers should plan accordingly. View daily river levels and flow.

Current Forecast:
Bream fishing (Redear, Bluegill, Redbreast, and Spotted Sunfish) should be fair to good throughout the winter and early spring. Try fishing deep water “holes” in midwinter and the shallows around snags and stumps in early March. Recommended baits for bream are beetle-spins, worms, and crickets. Largemouth Bass and Shoal Bass fishing will slow through January and should pick up between mid-February and early March. In the winter, try fishing deep areas of the river and backwaters with diving crankbaits worked slowly. Recommended baits for Largemouth Bass fishing include artificial lizards, dark worms, spinner baits, and lures and artificials that mimic crayfish. The Chipola River is the best river in Florida to target Shoal Bass and sampling results indicate good number of larger individuals. For those anglers targeting shoal bass try fishing the deep holes below shoal areas between Magnolia Bridge and Johnny Boy landing. The best baits for shoal bass are artificial baits that mimic crayfish, like small crankbaits and plastic creature baits. Catch-and-release is recommended for this unique fish species even though shoal bass are managed with the same regulation as largemouth bass. A few Black Crappie (i.e., speckled perch) can be caught in deep holes around snags during the winter and spring with crappie minnows. Catch-and-release is recommended for this unique fish species. Fly-fishing for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass should pick up in March in the early morning or late afternoonChipola River should be low during the fall and the fish should be very active.

 

Black Bass Conservation
There are five species of black bass inhabiting Florida's fresh waters. Here, you can find information on the lesser known spotted, shoal, Suwannee and Choctaw basses.



Scientists Recognize New Bass Species in Florida Waters
The Choctaw bass, which was long mistaken for spotted bass, is found in coastal rivers along the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.
Chipola River Habitat Critical to Shoal Bass Spawning
Biologists report the results of a study investigating shoal bass spawning behavior and habitat in the Chipola River.
Black Basses FAQ
Do you have questions about black bass species? Read the black basses FAQ for answers.
Florida Bass Conservation
FWRI biologists work to preserve the genetic purity of Florida’s premier freshwater sport fish.

Bass Genetics Study Flickr Set
View photos of black bass research in the state of Florida.




Chipola River Habitat Critical to Shoal Bass Spawning

Biologists report the results of a study investigating shoal bass spawning behavior and habitat in the Chipola River.

Shown here is a juvenile shoal bass. The shoal bass is one of four black bass species native to Florida.

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) researchers have gathered important information about shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) spawning behavior and habitat. These observations will be useful in determining management strategies that benefit this vulnerable species, its habitat and the anglers who fish for it.

The shoal bass is one of four black bass species native to Florida, and Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative lists it as a species of greatest conservation need. The Endangered Species Committee of the American Fisheries Society lists the shoal bass as a vulnerable species because of its limited range – a few rivers systems in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The only known reproducing population in Florida is located in the Chipola River in the northwest region of the state.

To learn how to better protect the shoal bass population in Florida, scientists conducted a study in the Chipola River to evaluate spawning behaviors and environmental factors that affect spawning success. They documented and captured on film for the first time the following:



Video footage of a shoal bass spawning event. Researchers observed this behavior only a few times during the two-year study period.

• spawning behavior
• parental guarding of eggs
• eggs hatching
• maturation of hatched fry
• predation by other fish species

Biologists collected data in 2011 and 2012, from mid-April to mid-May, by surveying 6.5-mile stretch of the river for male shoal bass guarding beds (nests). FWRI researchers recorded 97 bed locations over the course of the two-year study. Each time a bed was located, they recorded water temperature and velocity, water depth and habitat type.

Biologists compared environmental data to number of eggs and newly hatched fry to determine how conditions affected spawning success, which was defined in two ways: the number of eggs that survived to hatching and the number of hatched fry in a bed.


Researchers found shoal bass typically lay eggs on bedrock in 1.5-6 feet of water.

Researchers found shoal bass typically lay between 300 and 2,000 eggs per bed, which is the lowest number for any black bass species. Eggs hatched into fry 5-6 days after being laid. The study showed the number of hatched fry – ranging from 15 to 1,293 – varied greatly among beds.

Beds were located on limestone bedrock in water 1.5-6 feet deep, with temperatures ranging from 66 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. These differences in depth and temperature were not found to have an effect on spawning success. Researchers also noticed eel grass (Vallisneria americana) and boulders were often located adjacent to shoal bass beds.

Researchers expected water velocity to be a major factor influencing spawning success, and preliminary results suggest beds located in areas with lower flow velocity contained more eggs and more hatched fry on average. Scientists think one possible reason for this is beds located in areas with faster currents may be subjected to higher densities of an unexpected predator species, blackbanded darters (Percina nigrofasciata).

A group of these predators can significantly deplete the number of eggs, especially when the male shoal bass leaves the nest for even a short period of time.

The results of this study highlight the importance of shoal and shallow bedrock habitats in the Chipola River. Researchers will use the information to identify additional areas of high-quality shoal bass spawning habitat along the entire Chipola River.



Researchers recorded this video of blackbanded darters eating shoal bass eggs.


Black Basses FAQ

Do you have questions about black bass species? Read the black basses FAQ for answers.

How many species of black bass occur in Florida?
Four species of black bass occur in Florida's fresh water. The largemouth bass is the largest and most popular of the species and probably occurs in every freshwater water body in the state. The other three species have a more limited distribution, are generally smaller than largemouth bass, and are mostly associated with rivers or streams. The Suwannee bass occurs naturally only in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee river watersheds. It was recently introduced into the Aucilla, St. Marks, Wacissa, and Wakulla rivers and their drainages. The shoal bass is the species with the most limited distribution. It only occurs in the Chipola and Apalachicola drainages. The spotted bass occurs in all rivers west of the Apalachicola River and the Apalachicola River. For additional information about these species, visit the Freshwater Fish Species Profiles page.

Where are the best places to catch largemouth bass in Florida?
Each year, FWC biologists list the state's top "hot spots" for catching largemouth bass. Read this year's list of the top twelve on the Fish Busters Bulletin page.

Would any lake be a candidate for stocking largemouth bass?
No. It would depend on the bass population present in the particular system. Most lakes and streams in Florida would not be stocked with largemouth bass because those bodies of water have abundant, diverse, and high quality vegetative habitat and the good growing conditions necessary for fish. Lakes with little aquatic vegetative habitat and poor recruitment of young bass to the fishery (i.e., not many young bass make it into the fishery) may be potential candidates for stocking. FWC biologists are currently working on criteria for stocking certain water bodies.

What are extreme drawdowns?
The term "drawdowns" refers to lowering the water level in lakes and reservoirs. Drawdowns can occur both naturally and artificially. During natural events, like droughts, the water level in many lakes will drop to very low levels; some small lakes may even go completely dry! Because these low-water episodes stimulate the growth of natural vegetation and prevent the build-up of unhealthy plant populations, the events can be very beneficial for lakes. Drawdowns also concentrate fish-both predators and prey-which can provide favorable conditions for some fish species such as the largemouth bass. Unfortunately, in many of Florida's systems, water control structures, such as dams and weirs, have prevented the water level from fluctuating as much as in the past. To mimic natural low-water events in some lakes, biologists try artificially lowering the water level, thereby creating an extreme drawdown.

Will stocking largemouth bass be used instead of other management techniques such as extreme drawdowns?
FWC hatcheries will never be able to produce enough young bass in one year to mimic an extreme drawdown in a large lake. However, stocked bass could be used to supplement largemouth bass populations and extend the time frame between drawdowns in some situations such as those in Lake Talquin.

What is necessary for successful stocking?
The fish must be healthy, and the water quality must be acceptable. Suitable water quality includes good dissolved oxygen levels and cool temperatures. If the stocking program is to be successful, the stocked fish must be able to survive and enter the fishery. To help increase the success of any stocking program, biologists must consider many factors, including food availability, timing of stocking, and number and size of fish to be stocked.

Where can I find more information about Black Bass species in Florida?
To view photos of the different black bass species found in Florida and to learn more about their life history and state and world record status, visit the Freshwater Fish Species Profiles page.


Florida Bass Conservation
FWRI biologists work to preserve the genetic purity of Florida’s premier freshwater sport fish.

Map of Florida showing the prohibition line for northern largemouth bass and their hybrids.

Florida bass, Micropterus floridanus, have a small natural range; they are only native to peninsular Florida. This species grows larger than any other black bass, which is a big part of the reason they are the premier freshwater sport fish in Florida. Recognizing the ecological and economic value of genetically-pure Florida bass, FWRI biologists conduct research to help prevent these bass from mating and producing hybrid offspring with non-native northern largemouth bass,M. salmoides.

The taxonomy of these two bass sparked a debate amongst scientists for more than a decade. The Florida bass and the northern largemouth bass look very similar, but do they represent different species or subspecies? They were originally described as subspecies of largemouth bass in 1949 and the American Fisheries Society (AFS) has continued to use this terminology – until recently. Many scientists have become convinced that the Florida bass is a distinct species based on genetic, behavioral, and environmental preference/tolerance differences.

During a statewide genetics study, scientists analyzed bass collected from 48 lakes and rivers throughout Florida. The sampled water bodies included populations of pure Florida bass and intergrade (or crossbred) populations where Florida and northern largemouth bass mixed or hybridized. Populations of pure Florida bass were found south of the Suwannee River, while intergrade populations were located in northern and western parts of the state. This led the FWC to amend a rule to designate pure northern largemouth bass as a conditional species (dangerous to native ecosystems) south and east of the Suwannee River. This was intended to prevent this non-native species from being moved into the range of pure Florida bass in peninsular Florida by anglers, private pond owners, or fish dealers.

The FWC is dedicated to preserving the long-term well-being of fish and wildlife resources. To that end, the agency designated four geographic regions of the state as Florida bassGenetic Management Unitsafter research indicated that bass in each area had unique genetic compositions. When FWC is stocking hatchery bass or relocating wild-caught bass, fisheries managers avoid transporting bass betweenGenetic Management Unitsto avoid mixing gene pools. FWC takes this precautionary approach when moving bass because research has shown that fish have adaptations that help them survive and reproduce in the environments in which they naturally occur.

Biologists collect tissue samples from fish in the wild and at the hatchery and send them to the FWRI fisheries genetics laboratory for analysis. Geneticists at FWRI developed a set of molecular markers that are able to effectively identify each species of black bass and detect individuals that have hybrid ancestries. The geneticists work with the Richloam Fish Hatchery staff at the Florida Bass Conservation Center to conduct genetic testing that makes sure that only pure Florida bass are allowed to spawn at the hatchery. This ensures that only pure Florida bass are released into water bodies during stockings. Geneticists are also able to determine whether a bass collected by a biologist in the wild was produced at the hatchery. Resource managers can use this information to determine the survival rate and contribution of hatchery fish after stocking.

Since its creation, the bass genetics project has expanded to include research on all the black bass species that are native to Florida, including Suwannee bass, shoal bass, and the newly classified Choctaw bass. These studies will provide resource managers with information they can use to protect the genetic integrity of native species by preventing or minimizing the chance of hybridization with invasive species.

This program was designated as a high priority by fishery managers in FWC’s Florida Black Bass Management Plan. Fisheries agencies in other states also promote black bass conservation, but FWC’s Florida Bass Conservation Program is by far the most comprehensive genetic conservation and management program for black bass in the country.