Why Catching Black Bass Is Different

With the number of different bass species in the waters, it can be confusing to determine what type of bass you should be targeting in your area. Black bass fishing is one of the most common areas of the sport, though this is not the official name of this particular species. Aside from the Latin name, black bass is really the Florida largemouth bass. The term, however, may be used to avoid confusion that these specimens are only found in Florida.

The black bass is distinguishable by its light green or brownish sides and dark lateral line that breaks up into spots toward the tail. While these characteristics may be confused for smallmouth or spotted bass, the truly defining feature is probably the extension of the upper jaw beyond the rear edge of the eye. It also has what appears to be a division between its first and second dorsal fins, as well as a lack of scales on the second dorsal and anal fins.

Fishing for blacks, or Florida largemouth bass fishing to be precise (Latin name Micropterus salmoides floridanus) is named such because, at one time, this subspecies could only be found along the Florida peninsula. However, over the years, these have been stocked in other areas of the country, meaning you can find excellent bass fishing in states like Texas and California. Unlike the northern breeds that are cousins, these fish tend to reach trophy size easily in the warm waters that provide their habitat. What is the preferred habitat of these warm water creatures?

You'll find that fishing for them is best in clear waters that have lots of vegetation providing both food and cover for these somewhat shy bass. They prefer little or no flow, opting to remain completely out of the current when possible. Black bass are most often found in fresh water, though they can also live in brackish waters, and tend to occupy all sorts of water bodies with varied bottom types, including estuaries, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and ponds. The best temperature for this species ranges from 65-85 degrees, warmer than for other species of bass, and they tend to remain in waters less than 20 feet dep.

Because of the especially warm environments in which they live, spawning for black bass begins in December in some areas, with the northern reaches of Florida beginning closer to February. Waters will be close to 60 degrees before this occurs, and that will be your sign that black bass fishing is about to thrive.