Biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have recently concluded a pioneering study on the movement and behaviors of largemouth bass. The central research question they sought to answer was whether increased fishing activity on lakes influenced the behavior of the fish and affects catch rates. The ultimate goal of this study is to enhance the success rate of anglers chasing largemouth bass.
Over a 2-year period, the biologists tracked 43 largemouth bass, ranging from 16 to 24 inches long, using implanted radio transmitters. The findings from the study were quite surprising:
The largemouth bass occupied and traversed within a relatively small area.
Factors such as the time of year, weather conditions, and lake levels had minimal impact on the movement of the fish.
Bass exceeding 20 inches in length were more likely to react to boat noise.
Another key takeaway, as pointed out by biologist Norman, is the importance of being as stealthy as possible when fishing for largemouths. He advises, “When sight-fishing and a fish is spotted on a bed, anglers should make every effort to cast to the fish before it becomes aware of their presence.”
For more about the study and findings, visit the TPWD website at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20240702
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