What Is the Weight of a Trophy Bass in Florida?
Let’s first define what a largemouth trophy bass is. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, a Florida-strain largemouth trophy bass must weigh 8 pounds in order to be considered a trophy. Let’s learn where to fish and when to fish for a trophy largemouth bass.
1. Find Less-Pressured Waterways
Do your research to find the best fishing spots. Research lakes and ponds where fishing pressure is not as high. Focus on waterways with minimal boat traffic and less crowding. Focus your fishing on quiet coves and creek mouths if you can’t travel to a less-crowded waterway. You will have a much harder time finding bigger (and more intelligent) fish if you are disturbed by boats or trolling motors. Avoid spooking big bass by using a stealthy approach. Fish from a kayak or small boat with oars. You can also use a boat with an anchor for shallow water. Trophy bass can be difficult to catch as they are usually solitary and very wary of sounds and movements.
2. Learn About the Preferred Habitat of Bass
The large bass needs plenty of food and cover. The best trophy fish can be found in areas with protective cover, such as stumps, logs and ledges of rock, thick vegetation or man-made structures like docks or bridges. This habitat type also allows trophy largemouth bass to hide and ambush prey such as wild shiners or bluegills, shads, crawfish or frogs. You will have a better chance of catching a trophy largemouth bass if you find an area with good cover, and food sources like these.
3. When to Fish the Best?
Fishing is best done during the months of pre-spawning and spawning, which are usually in the spring. Spawning is affected by a variety of factors, including water temperature, daylight hours, and solunar phases. Trophy largemouth basses will feed heavily around full and new moon periods, especially in preparation for breeding. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission largemouth bass spawn at water temperatures between 62 and 75 degrees. If possible, keep an eye on the forecast and plan your trophy bass fishing trip to coincide with a stable weather period.
4. The Right Fly Tackle and Gear
If you’re looking to land a trophy-sized bass, heavy-duty tackle and line are a must. It is possible to catch large fish with light tackle, but it’s more difficult and less conducive to the habitat that largemouth bass prefer. Heavy gear is required to land trophy bass since most of the big Bass are found in dense cover. The best rod and gear set-up for trophy bass will vary depending on what type of baits and flies you plan to use. However, most trophy bass anglers choose a medium heavy baitcasting reel and rod setup. Fly fishing requires either a 7- or 8-weight fly rod, depending on the size and type of fly pattern you intend to use. If you are fishing with heavier, larger flies in thick vegetation or cover, use an 8-weight fly rod.
5. Select Your Flies or Baits Carefully
Many anglers choose to use artificial lures and flies instead of live bait, which is usually shiners or minnows. Crankbaits swimbaits and jigs make for good choices when it comes to choosing the best artificial lures. Use a lure to mimic what the bass is eating. Fly patterns that imitate shad, bluegill for bait fish are effective. Topwater poppers are also effective in getting largemouth bass to strike on top during dusk or dawn.
Before you know it, the best time of the year to catch big bass is here. These tips will help you catch the trophy bass of your dreams and enjoy the thrill that comes from catching the fish of a lifetime.
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