Best Bass Fishing State? 2024
Boatless reply :
Hey folks,
I'm from Canada and I'm thinking of taking a trip south to get into so huge largemouth bass. What state should I start looking into for the biggest largies. A region where smallmouth are also abundant, well that would be nice too. 
I'd just like to narrow my research down to a particular state cause there's just too much information online without a smaller target area.
Tight lines!
Catt reply :
Texas
MFD_Firefighter661 reply :
Tennessee.......well maybe not but since I am from Tennessee I am gonna vote for it ;D
.dsaavedra. reply :
florida, california, georgia, tennessee, texas. pretty much anywhere in the southeast will have big bass (with the exception of california...its on the west coast but has some giant bass).
RobbyZ5001 reply :
I love fishing in Canada. I fish on Bob's Lake near Perth in Ontario.
FivePoundBluegill reply :
Florida, Georgia, California, Texas are probably the best four states for bass fishing...
Jake. reply :
Good ole' Nawth Carowlina.
High Rock for largies, Lake James for smallies. ;D
frogtog reply :
QuoteGood ole' Nawth Carowlina.High Rock for largies, Lake James for smallies. ;D
Harris Lake NC also
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteFlorida, Georgia, California, Texas are probably the best four states for bass fishing...
For smallmouth, something closer to home, Lake Erie is on fire!
guest reply :
Texas has a number of great bass lakes.
Problem is that Texas is so big it can take a day to get from one lake to the next.
for quality bass fishing on a number of different lakes all within 100 miles of each other,
well....you just can't beat florida.
flechero reply :
Boatless,
For Largies you should look into Tx, Ca, Fl, Ga. but if Smallies are your thing go elsewhere. We have great smallie fishing in central Tx but they are small fish by your standards. Unfortunately there aren't many places with good lg and sm mouth size and numbers.
If you narrow it to one state, you can get lots of specific help here.
Fish Chris reply :
Their is no doubt that California has the biggest Largemouth bass on the planet, and probably more of them than anywhere else too {and this includes Mexico. Okay, a few Mexican lakes do have a bunch of 10 lb'ers..... But we are talking about BIG bass, right ? Like say, 13 or 15 plus}. So Cal has a couple pound bigger top end. But then up here in Nor Cal, we have a 2000 acre pond (a small lake) that has probably kicked out more 8 lb plus Smallmouths, in the last two years, as all of the Great Lakes, with their hundreds of thousands of acres combined.
However, let me stop right there....... I get e-mails from people all the time, who talk about taking a trip over here to catch some of these fish. Uhhhh..... Okay...... but the last thing I'd want to do, is to mislead somebody into believing, that catching these huge Largemouth's or Smallies is easy. As I often remind people, I've lived here for 40 of my 43 years, and it took me 30 years to catch my first Largemouth over 10 lbs {of course for those first 30 years, I only 'thought' I was fishing for big fish, when in reality, I was fishing for numbers of small to medium fish, and 'hoping' for big ones} ....... and about 35 years to get my first Smallie over 5 lbs.
I know these waters like the back of my hand, and yet I probably get skunked more than anybody that visits this forum ! Granted, if I were fishing for numbers of small to medium fish, I'd almost always catch something, but what would be the point ? With nothing worth taking a photo of, I'd still feel skunked.
Of course fishing is fishing, and as long as your putting a line in the water, anything is possible. Not to mention the fact that their are probably a whole bunch of anglers across this country, who would pick up trophy bass fishing a lot quicker than I did. Maybe even of bunch of guys like this, on this forum.
But anyway, I just kind of cringe a little, every time I hear of somebody taking a trip over here, and 'expecting' to stick a 10 plus bass, in a few days, or even a week on the water.
Hmmmm,
Fish
bighed reply :
QuoteTexas has a number of great bass lakes.Problem is that Texas is so big it can take a day to get from one lake to the next.
for quality bass fishing on a number of different lakes all within 100 miles of each other,
well....you just can't beat florida.
As Avid says, distance is something we deal with all the time in Texas. From Caddo Lake to Amistad would be something like an 12 hour drive. Everything here seems far away! However, within 100 miles of Lake Fork and it's 18.18 pound state record we have:
Lake record lmb
Cedar Creek 14.65
Cooper 15.17
Cypress Springs 13.69
Athens 13.81
Fairfield 13.01 also has BIG redfish
Sandlin 14.31
Monticello 14.09
Quitman 13.62
Welsh 15.23
Lewisville 13.62
Pat Mayse 14.10
Ray Hubbard 14.10
Ray Roberts 14.59
Chambers 14.25
Texoma 7.06 smallie
Whitney 7.72 smallie
There are dozens more lakes I didn't list in the same area with similar lake records. 441 bass over 13 pounds have been donated to our fisheries dept. since 1986 for use in hatching fry with superior genetics. Many, many more were just slipped back into the lake after a quick picture. We're blessed around here to have the qualiy of fishing we have. I think you would be pleased with the fishing experience here as well as the low costs and friendly folks. big
cart7t reply :
If I'm wanting to hit all three species:
Spots, Smallies and LM's I'd probably locate myself around Springfield Missouri or Nashville Tennessee.
If you want to add Stripers to the mix along with some decent Walleye, maybe some Big brown trout and rainbows and occasionally a Muskie trip then I'd definitely choose Springfield, Missouri. Decent fishing for just about any of the listed species is available less than 100 miles from Springfield. Trophy size fish too.
crazy4bass1 reply :
dale hollow lake
Its on the border of kentucky and tennesy
The world record smallmouth was caught there
my last trip there i caught 4 or 5 really nice keepers in the 3-6 pound range in only like 2 hours
not saying its the best state but it should be considered
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Whatever state you are in at the moment!!
I prefer the state of relaxed concentration to be the best for bass fishing.
Branuss04 reply :
Well said fishchris. Both norcal and socal have a good rep for big fish. But you can't always expect to catch a hog.
Fish Chris reply :
the OP said > What state should I start looking into for the biggest largies < No lake in Texas has them. Nor Florida. Nor any other state.
Bighead, if I could personally catch a string of bass in 08', like the list you posted, that would certainly be a very good year :-) ....but as for a list of lake records, from any particular state..... Well, let me put it this way, I could show you a list that long, of 17's and 18's from Nor Cal, and 20 plus fish from So Cal.
One thing I've learned from chasing our Cali giants, is that if a place has a lake record of "only" 14 lbs or so, it probably won't produce too many 10 plus fish, with an exceedingly slim shot at a "teener".
You just have to consider how the population curve works. If you want a good shot at a teener, you need to be fishing a place that has a record of at least 17 lbs... preferably 18 plus. A place like this will also give you a "really good shot" at a 10 plus, although it still won't exactly be a giveaway.
Dale Hollow 'used to be' the best place for giant Smallies. So did the great lakes. So did a Nor Cal lake called Trinity. But now its a little lake (or a big pond) in Nor Cal, called Lk. Pardee.
Also, California produced the current world record Spotted bass.
.......as well as the world record landlocked Striped Bass.
Hope nobody takes this personally, but the fact is, Cali has the biggest bass, period.
Peace,
Fish
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteHey folks,I'm from Canada and I'm thinking of taking a trip south to get into so huge largemouth bass. What state should I start looking into for the biggest largies. A region where smallmouth are also abundant, well that would be nice too.
I'd just like to narrow my research down to a particular state cause there's just too much information online without a smaller target area.
Tight lines!
Regarding the original question, it's kinda hard to argue with Fish Chris. :
fishfordollars reply :
Texas: The eastern section with Bass over 14lbs.
Tooledo Bend 15.32
Sam Rayburn 16.80
Caddo 16.01
Bob Sandlin 14.31
Conroe 14.91
Houston County 15.20
Jacksonville 15.12
Monticello 14.09
Murvall 14.89
Nacogdoches 14.02
Pinkston 16.90
Welsh 15.23
Siebert Outdoors reply :
What FC said. CA
Tin reply :
If you dont want to travel too much, head to Ticonderoga,NY. The southern part of Champlain is amazing in the summer months. You wont find many fish over 8 pounds like in Cali but you will find a ton of 4-6 pound largies.
Boatless reply :
Thank you for your input everyone. I really appreciate it. In fact, I didn't expect near as much response!
Let me clarify. I'm not necissarily looking for state records of those 10lb plus fish to be honest. A big bass where I live is 4-5lbs. So anything in the 6lbs range would be great. I've got lots to go on now, and again, I really appreciate it!
Fish Chris reply :
now if your saying, not neccessarily the biggest bass, but rather, just nice 5 to 9's, I'd say this is a lot less daunting. In fact, besides Clear Lk. Ca, or the Ca Delta, there are certainly a bunch of places in both Texas, and Florida, and maybe a few other places as well, where one could "almost" expect to go stick some 5 to 9's on a short trip, at the right time of year, with a little research ahead of time. An experienced guide would certainly be a good idea, regardless of where you chose.
Peace,
Fish
Tin reply :
QuoteAn experienced guide would certainly be a good idea, regardless of where you chose.
Definatley, no matter where you go.
bocabasser reply :
without a doubt---------florida. give mr.welcome a call---he will put you on some toads!
roadwarrior reply :
Quotewithout a doubt---------florida. give mr.welcome a call---he will put you on some toads!
Fishing with George Welcome on Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 would be a treat for anyone. On a bad day you will probably catch a lot of fish, but on a good day you might catch a lot of fish and some HUGE bass!
MALTESE FALCON reply :
Hi Boatless, and welcome to the best fishing site on the net.
With regards to your question, do you know what time of year you would be going? The reason I ask is I'm going to central Florida in early February, and I'm researching guides right now. I think that time of year the LMB will be getting ready to spawn and might enhance your chances of getting a real hog. (I'm hoping anyway)
Good luck with your search.
Falcon
David P reply :
If I'm not mistaken, 22 of the top 25 biggest Large mouth bass caught in the USA were caught in California. 2 being caught in Florida, 1 being caught in Georgia.
roadwarrior reply :
Boatless clarified his question:
QuoteLet me clarify. I'm not necissarily looking for state records of those 10lb plus fish to be honest. A big bass where I live is 4-5lbs. So anything in the 6lbs range would be great. I've got lots to go on now, and again, I really appreciate it!
So, with that criteria, the options are many.
I suspect all of our member guides generally meet this expectation.
George: Florida
Randall: Georgia
Tom: Texas
Do we have a guide in California?
Boatless reply :
QuoteBoatless clarified his question:
QuoteLet me clarify. I'm not necissarily looking for state records of those 10lb plus fish to be honest. A big bass where I live is 4-5lbs. So anything in the 6lbs range would be great. I've got lots to go on now, and again, I really appreciate it!So, with that criteria, the options are many.
I suspect all of our member guides generally meet this expectation.
George: Florida
Randall: Georgia
Tom: Texas
Do we have a guide in California?
Absolutely. If any members who are guides feel like PM'ing me any information regarding time of year, costs for your services and other important details, please feel free. I live in Winnipeg and our winters are bitterly cold up here, so a February trip would be a great winter escape. However, I would consider anytime of year except for May-August (simply because fishing in Manitoba durring those months is to die for when fishing for pike, walleye and some of our other popular game fish).
bighed reply :
Quotethe OP said > What state should I start looking into for the biggest largies < No lake in Texas has them. Nor Florida. Nor any other state.Bighead, if I could personally catch a string of bass in 08', like the list you posted, that would certainly be a very good year :-) ....but as for a list of lake records, from any particular state..... Well, let me put it this way, I could show you a list that long, of 17's and 18's from Nor Cal, and 20 plus fish from So Cal.
One thing I've learned from chasing our Cali giants, is that if a place has a lake record of "only" 14 lbs or so, it probably won't produce too many 10 plus fish, with an exceedingly slim shot at a "teener".
You just have to consider how the population curve works. If you want a good shot at a teener, you need to be fishing a place that has a record of at least 17 lbs... preferably 18 plus. A place like this will also give you a "really good shot" at a 10 plus, although it still won't exactly be a giveaway.
Dale Hollow 'used to be' the best place for giant Smallies. So did the great lakes. So did a Nor Cal lake called Trinity. But now its a little lake (or a big pond) in Nor Cal, called Lk. Pardee.
Also, California produced the current world record Spotted bass.
.......as well as the world record landlocked Striped Bass.
Hope nobody takes this personally, but the fact is, Cali has the biggest bass, period.
Peace,
Fish
Chris, I'm well aware that CA is THE place for the biggest bass. I was just responding to Avids post in an effort to make everyone aware that there are many places in this region of the state that produce trophy fish.
LCpointerKILLA reply :
I think that Florida and Georgia would look as good as southern California if using large swimbaits (obviously not rainbow trout) was as popular as it is in Cali. Down here the whole swimbait thing is less popular, and I think there are less people on our top big bass producing lakes throwing big swimbaits all day long looking for a trophy bass.
Cburgerjr35 reply :
I may be overlooking something, BUT....I can't believe not anyone has mentioned ALABAMA..............
Heck.....within a little over 100 mi. in any direction from Birmingham....
You have one of the top 5 Largemouth Lakes in the U.S. - GUNTERSVILLE
THE BEST Lake for Trophy Smallmouth at Pickwick,AND
you've got giant COOSA RIVER, Logan Martin, & Smtih lake Spots !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111
Can Bama get some love , please ?
Even though , I'm an AUBURN FAN !
Catt reply :
If you really want to catch a double digit bass book a trip with Tom Redington, George Welcome or Randall any time between now and the first of March.
Fish Chris reply :
How is Pickwick doing nowadays ??? I used to hear a lot about it, but hadn't heard any mention of it in a long time, until I read your post just now.
Has it been producing any 8 lb Smallies, in the last year or two ? I know our trophy Smallie lake has kicked out probably 20 of them (one of those for me :-)), including our new state record of 9-10, a few months ago !
Anyway, I'm sure you know how lakes go through cycles, and I think Pickwick has been (at one time) at the top of the list..... But I believe our little Lk. Pardee is holding the belt at the moment.
Just curious,
Fish
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteHow is Pickwick doing nowadays ??? I used to hear a lot about it, but hadn't heard any mention of it in a long time, until I read your post just now.Has it been producing any 8 lb Smallies, in the last year or two ? I know our trophy Smallie lake has kicked out probably 20 of them (one of those for me :-)), including our new state record of 9-10, a few months ago !
Anyway, I'm sure you know how lakes go through cycles, and I think Pickwick has been (at one time) at the top of the list..... But I believe our little Lk. Pardee is holding the belt at the moment.
Just curious,
Fish
Nope.
8's are not "common", but Pickwick produces too many for 8 something to be a big deal. Don't get me wrong, 8 is very special to me, but my partner's 10 (November, 2005) was REALLY something! More than likely, the next World Record Smallmouth will be caught on the Tennessee River.
p.s. Until California produces a few 10's, you guys aren't really in the hunt. Lake Erie is producing huge numbers of VERY nice smallmouth, but until some 10's are reported, the same goes for that region, too.
maxke01 reply :
This post has helped me make a decision as well..looks like a trip to TX is in store for me here very soon. I have some nonfishing friends down there i could visit AND catch some pigs!
Hookem reply :
Come to the state with good fishing and friendly folks.....
You might feel at home somewhat down here. We have all varieties to choose from within a 75 miles.
Smallies - Belton, Stillhouse, Travis, Georgetown (personal best is 5.5lbs from GT)
Largies - everywhere
Walleye - Travis, Georgetown (personal best is 2.5lbs from Travis)
Northerns - Lady Bird (state record of 18+ lbs)
Stripers - Tailraces of Austin, Travis and Lady Bird.
Granted, the walleye and northerns are very scarce and smaller than up yonder but a surprise to catch.
Where abouts in Canada are you from? I have relatives in NW Ontario. Was just up there this past summer.
Randall reply :
Thanks for the mention from the all the guys that mentioned me as a guide in GA in this post. But, I may not have any water to fish next spring if we don't get rain so I couldn't book you for a trip if you are making your plans soon. Right now my best two big fish lakes are closed and I have had to go get a job for a while and just guide part time on weekends vs. full time. :'( As a guide I get the chance to fish with a lot of people who use other guides all over the US and Mexico and many of my clients have fished with both Tom Redington, George Welcome and have taken trips to Mexico. I have never heard anything but good things about Tom and George but have heard some disapointment from those that have fished Mexico. I have fished with neither Tom or George but could recomend both since I have never heard nothing but good things about them from a bunch of different people who have. If you want just big largemouth that would be my picks for guides and lakes for what you are wanting. If you really want big Smallmouth in the mix then you need to go to Alabama and book a trip for one day with a guy named Steve Hacker for smallmouth and another one with one of the Gunterville guides for largemouth. There are a bunch of good guides on Guntersville and Steve Hacker is another one of those guides that many of my clients have used with nothing but good things to say about him. If you decide to go to Alabama PM me and I can get you some info as to which guides I would suggest.
Root beer reply :
You poor deprived people. If you want a quality bass fishing all within short drive of each other. You have to go with Alabama.
Alabama may have less trophy lakes, but it is the best state for bass in terms of quanity and quality fish in the 2-6 pound range.
Screw cali, texas, and florida. I'm sticking to Alabama until the bitter ends. Sure I'll go fishing in florida, texas, cali, etc. But I'm moving and living in state of Alabama. So many quality fishery within reasonable drive. And there many small lakes you dont know about.
Long live the state of Alabama!
Alabama got smallmouth on pickwick, spotted bass on the coosa river, and giant largemouth on guntersville.
Gotta love Alabama.
I dont believe any other state offer trophy bass in all 3 species. By trophy I'm say 5-10 pounds.
You can catch trophy largemouth at guntersville, trophy spots on the coosa river chain, and trophy smallies on pickwick and wheeler.
RoLo reply :
QuoteBest bass fishing state?
That's A Loaded Question :-?
If you're referring to maximal weight (swimming basketballs) then of course you're talking about California (then Texas).
If you're referring to numbers of trophy bass, I don't know of any state that rivals Florida.
Though it flies in the face of popular belief, if I were looking for sheer numbers of bass I wouldn't choose any of those states.
In my experience at least, northeastern United States provided the best action for sheer numbers of bass.
I've lived in Georgia for 6 years (92 to 98) and have been living in Florida since 1998.
Regardless, the best action fishing I've ever encountered was on northern waters such as Greenwood Lake, NJ, Black Lake, NY,
Lake Champlain, VT, St Lawrence River, NY, Rideau Ferry, Ontario and Georgian Bay, Lake Huron (with bass they're loaded)
Roger
Micro reply :
QuoteHope nobody takes this personally, but the fact is, Cali has the biggest bass, period.
Peace,
Fish
That's cuz you guys feed them trout and bon bons.
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteYou poor deprived people. If you want a quality bass fishing all within short drive of each other. You have to go with Alabama
Well, Birmingham was voted by Bassmaster
subscribers as "The Bass Capital Of The World!".
Last year's Classic was held at Lay Lake.
NOT coincidently, BassResource.com chose
Guntersville for this year's outing.
Alabama ROCKS!
Hope to see ya'll in March!
Hawg Bass Assassin reply :
Fish Chris said it all in 1 word California.
Having lived their for over 20 year's...It's a lot easier catching 10+ pound bass,Then it is here in Oklahoma.
I have landed over 20+ 10 pounder's or better from California & 4 here now in Oklahoma.
My choise's would be...
1st California
2nd Florida
3rd Texas
4th it's a toss up on Oklahoma & Georgia
H.B.A.
paul. reply :
i agree with everyone else! cali, texas, fla., ga., al., and even alaska! ANYWHERE BUT TENNESSEE!!!!!!! we don't have ANY big bass here. take it from me. don't even bother to look. no need to fish here at all. you'd just be wastin' your time. trust me. i wouldn't steer ya wrong. i promise. :
luckyinkentucky reply :
I'm just glad Kentucky hasn't gotten that much publicity. ;D
No offense, but I don't want a bunch of Trophy hungry fishermen tearing up my Honey Holes.
I have a fisherman in my lodge that I have witnessed breaking the state record on several attempts. He has caught several 15+ lb. largemouths, and 11+ lb. smallmouth. He has photographic proof w/ digital scales visible. There is a reason why we like to see the state records stay the same since 1984. Less publicity = less traffic.
So, keep fishing California, Alabama, and Texas. ;D
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteI'm just glad Kentucky hasn't gotten that much publicity. ;DNo offense, but I don't want a bunch of Trophy hungry fishermen tearing up my Honey Holes.
I have a fisherman in my lodge that I have witnessed breaking the state record on several attempts. He has caught several 15+ lb. largemouths, and 11+ lb. smallmouth. He has photographic proof w/ digital scales visible. There is a reason why we like to see the state records stay the same since 1984. Less publicity = less traffic.
So, keep fishing California, Alabama, and Texas. ;D
Ooh...I smell something that doesn't remind me of rose petals...
The "2nd largest" smallmouth EVER caught held the title of The World Record for many years while David Hayes' fish was disputed. The WR is 11 lb 15 oz, the next largest is 10 lbs 14 oz. Both fish were caught at Dale Hollow.
luckyinkentucky reply :
QuoteQuoteI'm just glad Kentucky hasn't gotten that much publicity. ;DNo offense, but I don't want a bunch of Trophy hungry fishermen tearing up my Honey Holes.
I have a fisherman in my lodge that I have witnessed breaking the state record on several attempts. He has caught several 15+ lb. largemouths, and 11+ lb. smallmouth. He has photographic proof w/ digital scales visible. There is a reason why we like to see the state records stay the same since 1984. Less publicity = less traffic.
So, keep fishing California, Alabama, and Texas. ;D
Ooh...I smell something that doesn't remind me of rose petals...
The "2nd largest" smallmouth EVER caught held the title of The World Record for many years while David Hayes' fish was disputed. The WR is 11 lb 15 oz, the next largest is 10 lbs 14 oz. Both fish were caught at Dale Hollow.
Look at the traffic on Dale Hollow!
FishinDaddy reply :
Let's see....
Today, December 14, it is 83 degrees......
I guess florida wins!!!!!!!!!!!!
surfer reply :
QuoteLet's see....Today, December 14, it is 83 degrees......
I guess florida wins!!!!!!!!!!!!
That and Florida being voted top 3 by this pole, I guess I am on vacation every weekend. ;D
In honest though, there are well over 100 fishable lakes within a 1.5 hour drive of Orlando where I live.
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