Soccer Dads

The study of bass genetics is expanding, with researchers anxious to discover hereditary markers for success and failure. Often times, growing big bass quickly is the ultimate goal. In other cases, learning more about the fish and their productivity takes precedence.

A recent report grabbed my attention. Neatly summarized by long-time bass biologist Dr. Hal Schramm in the pages of In-Fisherman magazine, the research examined the correlation between aggressive behavior and spawning success. 

Specifically, bass that were highly vulnerable to capture (in this case, easily caught by anglers), were sorted from those that were not. Each group was then selectively bred and the progeny tracked. More catching and sorting occurred through successive generations. In essence, selective breeding of numerous generations created bass of different behavioral patterns. Aggressive and easily caught fish differed from those of “lower vulnerability to capture.”

The spawning behaviors and success were then tracked for male fish from each group. Data concluded that the highly aggressive, highly vulnerable males (most easily caught) had the greatest mating success thus equating to the most eggs in each nest. Fanning and egg guarding was highest among this same group. Defense of the eggs and parental care of the young was also best among these aggressive, easily caught bass.  

In essence, aggressive male bass – those fish that seem to track your lure in mid-air, engulfing your bait the second it touches down – make the best fathers. 

The significance of these findings is clear. The bass we catch a lot, especially during the spawn, play a major role in the prosperity of the species. 

Immediately, I’m concerned. These same fish – the “highly vulnerable” group – are also the bass most likely to die. Whether it be from a catch-and-eat consumer or prolonged battles, improper handling and delayed mortality, easily caught equates to more dead bass. 

While any dead bass that goes uneaten is a bad thing, it’s not the number that should concern us. Biologically speaking, the majority of our fisheries are currently stable and – thanks to catch and release – can support a known impact from the mortality of bass caused by springtime anglers. 

What’s worrisome is the genetic make-up of bass that are affected. In essence, the species’ best warriors are often being killed in the line of duty. Those bass are also the most successful spawners. By the nature of the fish, our efforts target, and likely impact, the animals that have the best chance to ensure proliferation of our fisheries. Without them, success lies in bass that are less aggressive, less fertile and less likely to defend their young. Loser bass. 

Nobody likes loser bass. 

So what can we do about it? Should we totally refrain from fishing for spawning bass? Pull our lures away from those individuals exhibiting the behaviors we all crave in the first place?

Not hardly. If a crazed lunatic wants to smoke your jerkbait this spring, it’s your job to catch him.

Seriously, though, we can all approach this proactively.

First off, fishing for bedding fish – just for the fun of it – is for kids and tourists. It just is. 

We all see it every spring. A few unmistakable areas hold obvious bedding bass that are fooled over and over again. The fish are beat up, emaciated and can be caught on tiger-striped spinnerbaits. 

That’s no accomplishment. 

Instead, search out a school of prespawners or flip up a big one from heavy cover. The results are so much more rewarding.

Critics will say that all bass caught in the spring are in a phase of the spawn, so we’re always fishing for “spawners.” This is true, to some degree. But by deliberately hassling those defending the nest, we’re targeting a group of bass scientifically proven to have the greatest impact on spawning success.

We can do better. Or we can create lakes full of loser bass. 

With a true appreciation of bass comes an apathy for bed fishing. I remember reading about that years ago, but never really experienced it until moving to Florida.

When you watch a gigantic fish cautiously labor into the nest following the relentless pleading of her male counterpart, fishing becomes secondary. The biggest bass carry a mystical presence; they appear supernatural. 

It’s nature’s one shot to ensure that magic carries on. 

Let’s do our best to help. 

Joe Balog is the Executive Director of Mighty River Recovery, a nonprofit organization working to restore Florida’s St. Johns River. A former national tournament angler, product designer, seminar speaker and guide, Balog has worn just about every hat available to a professional angler. Today, he enjoys rehashing his experiences and adding veteran insight through his weekly Bass Wars column.

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