Catches of big bass have been among the most popular submissions fueling In-Fisherman's Master Angler Awards program for almost 50 years, a testament to anglers' passion in the pursuit of trophy-size bass.
For the last 100 years, unusually large largemouth bass have inspired a remarkable level of interest among anglers worldwide. Once railroad lines extended to Florida from big northern cities, affluent anglers traveled to the original big-bass mecca of the Sunshine State in their quest for wall-hangers. While big fish are always a draw, specialist anglers who favor walleyes, trout, panfish, marine species, or even muskies seem less focused on catching unusually large ones.
As our knowledge of fish genetics has grown over the last four decades, we’ve seen how important these microscopic molecules are in determining fish behavior, growth, and many other characteristics. Now that the foremost fish genetics experts have determined that what we once considered two subspecies of largemouth bass are indeed two species—northern largemouth bass and Florida bass—genetics is even more central to this discussion. Since Dr. Carl Hubbs’ designation of the subspecies, Micropterus salmoides salmoides and Micropterus salmoides floridanus in the 1930s, we’ve focused on these two types that readily interbreed when brought together in suitable habitat.
In the early 1980s, Dr. David Philipp and his team from the Illinois Natural History Survey used electrophoresis to genetically define the natural habitat of Florida largemouths and an intergrade zone where largemouths seemed to have characteristics intermediate between the northern largemouth bass subspecies and the Florida subspecies. It extended from northern Florida north into Maryland and west through Mississippi. Genetic analysis showed Florida bass subspecies only in peninsular Florida, and northern bass in the rest of the U.S., except Texas, California, and a few other states where Florida bass had been introduced.
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More Inside This Issue:
Crank or Jerk Smallmouths? Experts Talk Hardbait Strategies
Years ago, I was very pleased to have Joe and Tony Puccio (Bait Rigs Tackle) join me on the Mississippi River. We were targeting (what else?) the impressive smallmouths that dwell there. Joe surprised both of us by pulling out a blue-white Rapala Shad Rap
Hardbait Wonder Walleyes: Crankbait Situations and Selections
Jigs and livebait rigs are traditional tools of the trade for walleyes from spring into early summer. But crankbaits are no slouches, either. In-Fisherman has long noted there Jare scenarios when a variety of shad- and minnow-imitating hardbaits, along with select lip- less wonders—aren't just an option—but the best choice for putting fish in the boat from late winter into the Summer Peak and beyond.
Muskie Revelations Revisted: Breakthroughs from Tracking Studies
During the early 1990s, In-Fisherman published two notable articles authored by avid muskie angler and historian Larry Ramsell. The articles appeared in the November 1991 and February 1992 magazine issues. They contained a host of novel observations regarding 20 large muskies that ranged in size from 18 to 45 pounds and were implanted with radio telemetry transmitters on the renowned muskie fisheries of Eagle Lake and Lake Wabigoon.
Backwater Panfish: Protocol for Slabs and Bull ‘Gills
Shadows track behind a slowly swimming jig. The plastic tail wobbles enticingly as it slows even further. The shadows close in. Getting closer to the boat. An almost imperceptible nibble transmits up the line. Crappie! Crappies and bluegills may not always bite a small soft swimmer on a 1/32- to 1/16-ounce jig, but they often follow. It's a great method for finding panfish in sprawling river bayous. It works in backwaters across the country. If they won't take the swimmers, go back through them with floats and bait.
