Chances of catching a 10 pounder 2024
clh121787 reply :
I read an article that a statistician put together. Took into account averge trips of an avid angler, area, many more variables and figured the avid fisherman in the states has a 3 percent chance in his or her life. I believe he figured 52 trips a year 8 hours a trip. A figured for the whole united states. If you live in Texas your chances greatly increase to 19 percent. I believe he wrote Indiana the avid angler has a .3 percent chance at a d.d. it was very interesting. It got picked apart on the forum but it was cool to read. I wish I could find it to repost.
Senko lover reply :
Get out there and live out your dreams! One day it'll happen for me. I've been extremely blessed to catch one almost 8 and multiple 5+s in the second year that I've been fishing. One day that big momma is going to bite. That's what I fish for.
Catt reply :
As per Toledo Bend Lunker Program
Since 1/2/16 through 4/8/16 or 99 days there have been 89 double digit bass caught!
That number does not include those not entered into the program
Just saying 
NorcalBassin reply :
Wow, sounds like I need to make a road trip!
BassObsessed reply :
True. Texas and Florida the percentage goes up alot. Not so much for my home state.
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 9:45 AM, BassObsessed said:True. Texas and Florida the percentage goes up alot. Not so much for my home state.
Better than in indiana with my whopping 0.3 percent chance of catching a ten pound bass here. 
South FLA reply :
Chances of catching a 10lber is most dependent on the body of water you are fishing. So in theory, I would assume for your best chance you would want to be in California, Florida, Southern Georgia, and Texas . If you expand it to the entire World, you up your chances, by visiting Mexico, Cuba, S. Africa, and Japan.
Raul reply :
I dunno nuthin' 'bout ketchin them beeg 10+ lbers down here in Mehheecuh. 
Eric Montes Polk FL reply :
That statistic has to be flawed. I've gotten over 30 bass 10 plus lbs. It really depends on tour knowledge of the fish. I can nearly look at a lake and pin point the heavy hold areas. Study the area and natural bait then adjust your tackle to suit. Mearly throwing a lure and hoping for big gurls to hit wont do it. If you dont start to catalog events and bites along with water conditions and weather you will never obtain the knowledge necessary to properly pick the bodies of water apart. Using basic bass behavior knowledge then forming your own style is key. I wish you all the best of luck in your chase for a trophy. TIGHT LINES
Nitrofreak reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 10:30 AM, Raul said:I dunno nuthin' 'bout ketchin them beeg 10+ lbers down here in Mehheecuh.
Ima throw a whole dang box of BS flags at you LOL !!
A-Jay reply :
Definition of Statistics: The science of producing unreliable facts from reliable figures.
I will admit to having Zero belief that this or any Statistician could ever come close to quantifying such a thing without making numerous assumptions. Can't be done with any accuracy.
The number one way to improve one's chance to catch trophy fish, is to fish where they live.
Clearly not a guarantee, but if they're not there you have no chance.
Put a dedicated & determined "Average" angler on a body of water with above average bass - you'd be surprised what can happen.
A-Jay
Nitrofreak reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:03 AM, A-Jay said:Definition of Statistics: The science of producing unreliable facts from reliable figures.
I will admit to having Zero belief that this or any Statistician could ever come close to quantifying such a thing without making numerous assumptions. Can't be done with any accuracy.
The number on way to improve one's chance to catch trophy fish, is to fish where they live.
Clearly not a guarantee, but if they're not there you have no chance.
Put a dedicated & determined "Average" angler on a body of water with above average bass - you'd be surprised what can happen.
A-Jay
We are not on that DD list here in Va. but, we do have them and I know they swim around in my home lake, I am like you said determined to specifically target every aspect of what it's going to take to bring one of those to the boat for a photo opportunity with me and I am determined to make it happen this year !!!
A-Jay reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:21 AM, Nitrofreak said:We are not on that DD list here in Va. but, we do have them and I know they swim around in my home lake, I am like you said determined to specifically target every aspect of what it's going to take to bring one of those to the boat for a photo opportunity with me and I am determined to make it happen this year !!!
There ya go
Good Luck
A-Jay
WRB reply :
The states that don't have Florida strain LMB the odds are very low as very few validated DD bass are caught. Your odds go up with Florida strain LMB. Smallmouth and Spotted bass in the DD category are extremely rare fish.
DD bass in California aren't as common as they were a decade ago but still don't raise any eyebrows here, FLMB over 18 lbs gets everyone's attention.
Tom
everythingthatswims reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:21 AM, Nitrofreak said:We are not on that DD list here in Va. but, we do have them and I know they swim around in my home lake, I am like you said determined to specifically target every aspect of what it's going to take to bring one of those to the boat for a photo opportunity with me and I am determined to make it happen this year !!!
Yeah, they do 
scaleface reply :
I dont even fantasize about a double digit bass around here . I have never seen one , nor a picture of one . I hear stories but they are just stories . Now Bluebasser said he saw one in a lake not to far from here , so its possible .
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:20 PM, scaleface said:I dont even fantasize about a double digit bass around here . I have never seen one , nor a picture of one . I hear stories but they are just stories . Now Bluebasser said he saw one in a lake not to far from here , so its possible .
She was bigger than my PB no doubt, maybe even pushing state record size. I've seen one nearly PB from Mozingo as well.
There's 2 lakes in Kansas I know of that have DD fish, but the chances of catching them are remote at best.
Turtle135 reply :
If your state record largemouth bass is less than 12 pounds your odds are a lot worse. Most bodies of water in your state will not contain a single DD bass for you to catch.
blckshirt98 reply :
The study probably omits targeted fish by the angler. There's a few people that routinely catch DD bass, and it's not by luck or by accident. They specifically target those big fish, usually fishing big baits and fishing for 8+ hours hoping for just one or two bites. The majority of bass fisherman are out there to catch bass of any (legal) size, and if a DD latches on to your offering, boom you win the lottery. But if you have a body of water nearby that has known DD bass, and you fish a big swimbait correctly every weekend for 8 hours over the course of a year, your chances go way way up.
WRB reply :
Bob Lusk who manages private lakes to good bass populations will tell you that 10 lb bass are very rare fish and he knows!
Hoping to catch big bass is like a blind squirrel looking for acorns, it's not going find any until it looks under the oak tree.
I was turned onto big bass fishing as a teenager by catching a few DD bass at a young age, before FLMB were introduced to my local lakes. Read everything you can regarding bass behavior and spend lots of time studying the prey source big bass eat in the lakes you fish.
Location is extremely important, like the squirrel find the oak tree.
Tom
PS, In Pursuit of Gaint Bass by Bill Murphy is an excellent book on this topic.
Catt reply :
It takes a rare breed of fisherman using simple techniques to perfection to consistently catch double digit bass.
Raul reply :
My dear friend and fishing partner for decades Pedro has never caught a 10 lber, and we are talking about a person with tons of experience that has been next to me in many occasions when I have caught a big momma, right there elbow to elbow and even fishing with the same bait.
geo g reply :
I believe those odds are right on, unless you are fishing those unique waters that hold an unusual amount of big bass. Places like the Stick Marsh in Florida where double digits are caught almost everyday by someone. Your odds can go way up if you fish those waters.
Senko lover reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 9:32 AM, Catt said:As per Toledo Bend Lunker Program
Since 1/2/16 through 4/8/16 or 99 days there have been 89 double digit bass caught!
That number does not include those not entered into the program
Just saying
And I'll bet a good quarter of them were caught by you
Catt reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 3:43 AM, Raul said:My dear friend and fishing partner for decades Pedro has never caught a 10 lber, and we are talking about a person with tons of experience that has been next to me in many occasions when I have caught a big momma, right there elbow to elbow and even fishing with the same bait.
Know what ya saying!
My partner Pat has fished side by side with me for 35 yrs & has caught 100s of 9s but has broken 10 only once.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
While I agree your odds in certain states go up I don't believe everything in that. Fishing in NC isn't the top rated fishing in the country but there are bigger fish here. I know a guy who is basically a big bass hunter in an old tracker and he catches DD fairly regular. But he goes out and targets them specifically. He fishes where the larger bass are positioned in the lake. He has studied and planned and fished for hours on end. But he literally catches a large fish about once a month or more. The only difference between he and many of the other fisherman that fish the same waters is he is willing to put in the time to learn when how and where and why. He has had many days where 0 fish is the result.
Catt reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 4:26 AM, Senko lover said:And I'll bet a good quarter of them were caught by you
Nah! Had 2 on this year & let wrap me in the tules!
Wasn't on Toledo
Senko lover reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 4:37 AM, Catt said:Nah! Had 2 on this year & let wrap me in the tules!
Wasn't on Toledo
To anyone else I'd say the ones that get away are always DD, but I trust your judgement
Mosster47 reply :
As far as I know there have been seven double digit bass caught in Oregon and a couple of those were the same fish in the guy's private pond.
I had one on my finder in 35ft of water last weekend that I know was pushing 10lbs.
I'll do it here, I'm not sure when, but I will do it. I've caught well over 25 fish that would be 70% or more of the state record fish's weight (non-private pond record) and I'm in my early 30's.
BassWhole! reply :
I fish my local holes a lot, and have a different theory. I think there are enough fish at or over 10 lbs in most places to make it possible for someone who knows what they are doing, and puts in the time. Not to brag, but as a point of reference, I've caught 10 lb fish in NY, MD, and NJ. I've even caught the same one twice. I mostly fish for numbers, but when the windows open for the trophies, I'll commit to that. I think finding good water, then learning it, really learning it, is the key. Sure, if you are lucky enough to live near and have frequent access to the well know large fish waters in the south and west, that's great, and will make it that more likely. But I think too many folks think there aren't any or enough big fish local to them to make the effort worth while. I know quite a few guys that do better than I, most keep it really quiet, lest you get all the DE plates parking in the neighborhood, and the cameras on the head thing...
MikeOGNR reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 10:40 AM, Eric Montes Polk FL said:That statistic has to be flawed. I've gotten over 30 bass 10 plus lbs. It really depends on tour knowledge of the fish. I can nearly look at a lake and pin point the heavy hold areas. Study the area and natural bait then adjust your tackle to suit. Mearly throwing a lure and hoping for big gurls to hit wont do it. If you dont start to catalog events and bites along with water conditions and weather you will never obtain the knowledge necessary to properly pick the bodies of water apart. Using basic bass behavior knowledge then forming your own style is key. I wish you all the best of luck in your chase for a trophy. TIGHT LINES
Eric is actually a disciple of Jesus himself just in bass catching form so that don't count. Lol just kidding nice fish buddy keep slaying umm
SHIMANOFAN reply :
I haven't broken double digits yet but I've gotten within ounces on several occasions. Of course I live within about 4 miles of a boat ramp on the "Best bass fishing lake in Florida". But anyway statistics aside the law of averages reigns if you fish long and often enough you're bound to get a big'un in the boat eventually.
WRB reply :
Where I fish a DD bass doesn't set the bar, I consider bass 15 lbs and up to be giant bass.
We no longer have the big bass populations in SoCal today we had a decade ago, so should reevaluate my 15 lb benchmark!
The vast majority of my giant bass were caught during pre spawn between Jan to March. During pre spawn I fish alone most of the time because fishing for these rare bass requires staying focused and when I fish with a partner my attention gets diverted.
Another odd thing is I haven't caught a giant bass at night, lots of DD's and the same thing is true from May to Dec. I haven't fished at night during pre spawn because our lakes are closed at sundown and don't open for nights until after May.
If you want to catch big bass fish for them!
Tom
BassObsessed reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 5:56 AM, SHIMANOFAN said:I haven't broken double digits yet but I've gotten within ounces on several occasions. Of course I live within about 4 miles of a boat ramp on the "Best bass fishing lake in Florida". But anyway statistics aside the law of averages reigns if you fish long and often enough you're bound to get a big'un in the boat eventually.
Which lake were you referring to?
Catt reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 4:43 AM, Senko lover said:To anyone else I'd say the ones that get away are always DD, but I trust your judgement
When you set hook & they set hook back & go through tules like a hot knife through butter they Hawgs!
WRB reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 10:06 AM, Catt said:When you set hook & they set hook back & go through tules like a hot knife through butter they Hawgs!
When you know a big bass is in or around cover remember they will run against the pressure of your rod, it's up to you to plan in advance where the bass will go and position yourself so they run out instead of into cover....if possible...or you will loose the battle.
Tom
avidone1 reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 3:59 AM, geo g said:I believe those odds are right on, unless you are fishing those unique waters that hold an unusual amount of big bass. Places like the Stick Marsh in Florida where double digits are caught almost everyday by someone. Your odds can go way up if you fish those waters.
Stick marsh does hold lots of bass and the big ones are in there, but it's like any other lake. There are days when even the 'regulars' who have intimate knowledge of the lake and share info with each other have a hard time catching anything let alone dd's.
As for the average visiting angler stickmarsh has broken a lot of hearts
geo g reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 10:47 AM, avidone1 said:Stick marsh does hold lots of bass and the big ones are in there, but it's like any other lake. There are days when even the 'regulars' who have intimate knowledge of the lake and share info with each other have a hard time catching anything let alone dd's.
As for the average visiting angler stickmarsh has broken a lot of hearts
You are right, even the stick marsh is slow at times. I have fished it 4 times and had great days 3 out of the four. The one slow day the wind had blown hard for a week, and the place was super muddy. Another day my buddy, who lives next to the Marsh, had 5 fish between 7,5 and 9.7 pounds. I had a 6.7, 6.5, 6.0. and a couple of 5's.. We caught at least 40 bass total. The big one was not DD, but darn close. Bruce's personal best is over 13. The other decent days were not as big but plentiful. It is a super fishery and if you fished it regularly you would come across a DD soon. Even though it does have slow days from time to time, it is a super place to fish.
hawgenvy reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 9:56 AM, South FLA said:Chances of catching a 10lber is most dependent on the body of water you are fishing. So in theory, I would assume for your best chance you would want to be in California, Florida, Southern Georgia, and Texas . If you expand it to the entire World, you up your chances, by visiting Mexico, Cuba, S. Africa, and Japan.
I definitely want to bass fish in Cuba. Didn't know about it, just looked it up, sounds awesome. Thanks for mentioning that. You been there?
Catt reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 10:18 AM, WRB said:When you know a big bass is in or around cover remember they will run against the pressure of your rod, it's up to you to plan in advance where the bass will go and position yourself so they run out instead of into cover....if possible...or you will loose the battle.
Tom
Sometimes ya just gotta stick em first & then try to figure out how to land em!
scaleface reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 4:55 AM, Mosster47 said:As far as I know there have been seven double digit bass caught in Oregon and a couple of those were the same fish in the guy's private pond.
I had one on my finder in 35ft of water last weekend that I know was pushing 10lbs.
I'll do it here, I'm not sure when, but I will do it. I've caught well over 25 fish that would be 70% or more of the state record fish's weight (non-private pond record) and I'm in my early 30's.
Wait . you can guess the weight of the fish shown on a fishfinder ? I cant even tell what kind of fish they are .
"hamma" reply :
One thing no one has touched upon yet is the fact that double digit bass usually dont follow the "rules" of bass fishing, It appears to me that they dont hold true to the antics of say a bass's reaction to the weather conditions, seasonal patterns (other than spawn), and general active fishing days. They seem to write their own rules in this aspect, at least most of mine were caught on "tough" days, when other bass were lockjawed and I was seeking a pattern on tourney prefish outings, Is this just a northeast thing? I dont think so, these are different beasts than their younger siblings. They even morph into something that looks different, Their backs hump up, their faces get uglier, and some seem stunted for such a heavy fish.
As for chances to catch one? does it vary state to state? of course. As stated before in this thread. If they arent there, you're chances are nil. I think that comes down to forage base, opportunity to grow, and genes.. Up here its the lakes that have a andromoneous (sp?) forage base in the right ponds and lakes that produce huge bass. And I thank god daily that i live where i do. I may dislike the states politics,....BUT,...I know ponds that are just over 100 acres that hold huge bass and giant bodies of water that your lucky if you catch a 7 lber in. To catch such a big fish you not only have to fish lakes that hold them,... but you need everything to go just right. And thats the hook, everything to go "just right".
like Catt wrote; first you got to stick em, then figure how to fight them,... A truer statement i know not.,... Ive caught some dd's that i got lucky with because they headed for the safety of deeper waters.,, and others i had a normandy type battle because they headed deeper into cover. Some of those battles i won, others i failed, with the latter happening more then not.
I can see how some states are going to be less advantageous to the plight of anglers catching dd's. Not all states offer the protein rich multiple forage bases required with the gene line, and opportunity to offer huge fish. i think whats so key is more the forage base than anything else,..it kinda forces the opportunity thing, and offers the gene line to continue as well.. With out it all fails.,..or at least makes it harder for the chance to be there to begin with.
interesting subject
WRB reply :
It goes without saying you got to stick em before you can catch em. If you are fishing a jungle of heavy cover you got use tackle that you a chance getting the bass in the boat. Planning your cast instead blindly casting put the odds in your, sometimes that isn't possible most of the time it is and very few anglers give any thought.
You gotta get bit before you can stick the bass and where I fish that means using light line during bright sunny days in clear water. Most bass are not necessarily line shy but these big bass are wary and spook easily,sometime it takes 10 lb line to get bit.
There isn't a lot of difference detween a 5 lb and 10 lb bass, both are adult females and top predators where they live. The big difference is population density with lots of 5's and very few 10's. The 10 lber isn't smarter, has lived longer and becomes a wary fish that has learned to stay out of harms way and a selective feeder. Predator prey relationship is a critical factor when trying to catch these big rare bass and this is the area anglers need to study where they fish. Big bass are always near the prey they prefer to eat, they don't travel long distance to eat.
Tom
Raul reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 10:30 PM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:Not all states offer the protein rich multiple forage bases required with the gene line, and opportunity to offer huge fish
You forgot to mention that not all states or place provide the right conditions along with the right forage base and the genes, you simply can not underestimate the environmental conditions, all three work in unison to produce larger fish.
Let me give an example there are this two lakes separated only by a couple of miles, both have the same forage base ( common carp and tilapia ), fish in both lakes have the same gene pool, but one produces 10+ lbers and the other one doesn´t, both share pretty much the same type of water, same soil ( bottom composition ) so what differentiates them ? the one that doesn´t produce big mommas has water hyacinth, the other one doesn´t, the one that produces big mommas is surrounded by chicken farms, the other one is not. Those two environmental differences are the key.
"hamma" reply :
Raul, no disrespect to you but, I consider environmental conditions part of the "opportunity"
Raul reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 3:44 AM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:Raul, no disrespect to you but, I consider environmental conditions part of the "opportunity"
No disrespect to you but as a Veterinarian I´m very well aware that if you just can´t remove environmental conditions from the equation, the right food and the right genes aren´t enough. I can provide with many examples of it.
Catt reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 1:52 AM, WRB said:It goes without saying you got to stick em before you can catch em. If you are fishing a jungle of heavy cover you got use tackle that gives you a chance getting the bass in the boat. Planning your cast instead blindly casting put the odds in your favor, sometimes that isn't possible most of the time it is and very few anglers give any thought.
Tom
I completely understand what you're saying Tom.
But one reason I catch bigger (not necessarily DDs) bass than my friends is because I aint afraid to put my lure where the bass are.
Yea they'll flip, pitch, or punch in the thick stuff but only those areas that offer a high percentage of landing the fish.
This Coonass will make that flip, pitch, punch, or cast others pass on!
They'll ask want do I think my odds are of catching that bass & I answer I know what my odds are if I don't cast!
In the marsh I've been known to exit the boat!!!
SHIMANOFAN reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 9:36 AM, BassObsessed said:Which lake were you referring to?
West Lake Toho in Kissimmee. Not sure it's the best but that's how they advertise and I do well on it usually. ?
"hamma" reply :
I agree, I'm not disagreeing with you by any means,... maybe i should have been clearer on opportunity to begin with,....
The bass's opportunities, (ie) lakes cycle, ph, aquatic biodiversity, and general layout, how its situated, how it meets the sunlight, is it a rocky lake,...muddy,.. weed infested? i forget the scientific terms, is it fed by a river? spring? just runoff? is it a natural lake, or manmade, and if so what was the land before they flooded it? Have the lakefront owners fertilized their fresh green lawns producing toxic runoff? was the lake stocked, and if so was it done correctly? what are the other predatory species present? Does the state stock it now? and if so with what.? Was there a good breeding season for wading birds? is there snapping turtles present? did the winter produce a fish kill last year? the year before? or ever? are there perch present? and thats a biggie! believe it or not. Is it freely connected to salt water, or fish ladder?
these and any other surrounding aspect of the lakes makeup, or environmental impact, I consider ,..opportunity.
The chance that one of the fry I saw two decades ago has to become huge. depends on many actual factors, to list them all would be pointless when one word sums it up so well.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:33 PM, Turtle135 said:If your state record largemouth bass is less than 12 pounds your odds are a lot worse. Most bodies of water in your state will not contain a single DD bass for you to catch.
Bingo! This provides a useful statistic, and a big essentially zero percent chance of a DD for over half the country. You can start running your fancy stats from there (essentially South). Still not sure why BASS "Lunker Club" starts at DD. No one seems to notice??
Catt reply :
According to Texas Sharelunker Biologist bass ten pounds & under may not have the genetics required to grow any larger, which is why they start at 13 lbs.
WRB reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 5:30 AM, Paul Roberts said:Bingo! This provides a useful statistic, and a big essentially zero percent chance of a DD for over half the country. You can start running your fancy stats from there (essentially South). Still not sure why BASS "Lunker Club" starts at DD. No one seems to notice??
B.A.S.S. Original Lunker club started at 6 lbs., still have the decal on my old tackle box.
Tom
A-Jay reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 5:54 AM, Catt said:According to Texas Sharelunker Biologist bass ten pounds & under may not have the genetics required to grow any larger, which is why they start at 13 lbs.
On even the most basic level - that's a little crazy - Good, But still Crazy
A-Jay
WRB reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 5:54 AM, Catt said:According to Texas Sharelunker Biologist bass ten pounds & under may not have the genetics required to grow any larger, which is why they start at 13 lbs.
The Pisces club in 1970 establish a trophy size bass award as a "teener" 13 lbs and up.
I think that is a good bench mark for FLMB strains.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 7:06 AM, A-Jay said:On even the most basic level - that's a little crazy - Good, But still Crazy
A-Jay
On 4/29/2016 at 7:11 AM, WRB said:The Pisces club in 1970 establish a trophy size bass award as a "teener" 13 lbs and up.
I think that is a good bench mark for FLMB strains.
Tom
Most people believe any bass can obtain double digit size, TP&W biologist have observational data showing not all bass can obtain that status. They've shown 7-9 lb bass that never grew beyond that weight & 10-11 lb bass that never grew any bigger.
This is why the Sharelunker program only selects 13 lb bass as their breed stock. Their research also shows the males genes are just as important.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 8:12 AM, Catt said:
Their research also shows the males genes are just as important.
Of course they are.
A-Jay
Mosster47 reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 9:30 PM, scaleface said:Wait . you can guess the weight of the fish shown on a fishfinder ? I cant even tell what kind of fish they are .
Yes. ODFW has ruined the trout fishery in lakes here. There are 8" planter rainbows and bass for the most part. A small number of lakes have German Browns and three lakes have lake trout but none of those have bass. There are only bullheads in lakes and the state record is 4lbs so no luck there.
So, I know what is in the lakes I fish. The little school of turd trout in 15 feet of water are a dead giveaway. Everything else is a bass. Where I was last weekend has planters and LMB. I catch a lot of fish vertical drop shotting with my electronics so I know about how big the line is from experience.
BassObsessed reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 5:06 AM, SHIMANOFAN said:West Lake Toho in Kissimmee. Not sure it's the best but that's how they advertise and I do well on it usually. ?
I'm right there with you on West Toho being the best for giants in Fl.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/29/2016 at 7:06 AM, WRB said:B.A.S.S. Original Lunker club started at 6 lbs., still have the decal on my old tackle box.
Tom
Not anymore; Not for quite some time:
https://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2016/04/lunkerclub_2016.pdf
"Membership in the Bassmaster Lunker Club™ is open to BASS members who catch a largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or more, or a smallmouth bass weighing 6 pounds or more, and who meet the following requirements: ..."
.ghoti. reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:03 AM, A-Jay said:Definition of Statistics: The science of producing unreliable facts from reliable figures.
I will admit to having Zero belief that this or any Statistician could ever come close to quantifying such a thing without making numerous assumptions. Can't be done with any accuracy.
The number on way to improve one's chance to catch trophy fish, is to fish where they live.
Clearly not a guarantee, but if they're not there you have no chance.
Put a dedicated & determined "Average" angler on a body of water with above average bass - you'd be surprised what can happen.
A-Jay
There are three kinds of lies; lies, damned lies, and statistics. - Mark Twain
South FLA reply :
On 4/28/2016 at 11:56 AM, hawgenvy said:I definitely want to bass fish in Cuba. Didn't know about it, just looked it up, sounds awesome. Thanks for mentioning that. You been there?
No my family high tailed it out of there when the Castor regime, came knocking on the door and confiscated all of my father's property (farm, vehicles, and arms) for the the good of the people, so I refuse to go back until they return our property. However, family members I have in Cuba say the fishing is excellent if you are a tourist, as they do not allow locals to fish the reservoirs , unless you are ranking governing official, know someone, or work for the government as a guide.
Bassguytom reply :
Up here in the north we count anything over 8lbs. as a 10lb. bass. That way we are still in the running and can stay in the conversation.
hawgenvy reply :
On 5/12/2016 at 2:44 AM, South FLA said:No my family high tailed it out of there when the Castor regime, came knocking on the door and confiscated all of my father's property (farm, vehicles, and arms) for the the good of the people, so I refuse to go back until they return our property. However, family members I have in Cuba say the fishing is excellent if you are a tourist, as they do not allow locals to fish the reservoirs , unless you are ranking governing official, know someone, or work for the government as a guide.
Well, that's a creepy way to reduce fishing pressure. I think I'd feel uneasy taking advantage of that situation. I have lots of Cuban American friends and I know about the justified bitterness many feel. Anyway, maybe salt fishing if I ever manage to get there -- and good food and music.
Fisher-O-men reply :
On 5/9/2016 at 10:18 PM, .ghoti. said:There are three kinds of lies; lies, damned lies, and statistics. - Mark Twain
Another: Figures don't lie but liars sure do figure.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:33 PM, Turtle135 said:If your state record largemouth bass is less than 12 pounds your odds are a lot worse. Most bodies of water in your state will not contain a single DD bass for you to catch.
Also you've got to include outliers like my home state of Massachusetts, nobody will ever beat the state record, or even come relatively close for that matter. 15lbs 8oz? Yeah right. Even my dreams are like "1,000 ft Golden temple to the left- 16lb bass? Forget it man."
Turtle135 reply :
On 5/12/2016 at 11:11 PM, Master Bait'r said:Also you've got to include outliers like my home state of Massachusetts, nobody will ever beat the state record, or even come relatively close for that matter. 15lbs 8oz? Yeah right. Even my dreams are like "1,000 ft Golden temple to the left- 16lb bass? Forget it man."
What do you mean? I routinely catch bass in excess of 15 pounds when I ice fish!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/12/2016 at 11:28 PM, Turtle135 said:What do you mean? I routinely catch bass in excess of 15 pounds when I ice fish!
I mean, uh... Yeah. Me too! Twice this week already I just don't want to give away my secret stash! 
"hamma" reply :
If you were to fish the right waters up here, you may be surprised. My biggest in Massachusetts bass weighted 12.5,,.. and since then ive seen bigger fish swim away after following my lure., leave a dock,. and broken off. .And this has happened a few times in different lakes,.... they are here, its just a matter of placement, timing, opportunity, and stealth. Its much like hunting/stalking a huge buck. Eventually it will happen
I'll give you that its going to be a tall order, a 16 lbr in a northern state sounds ify. Would take a long time for a bass up here to get that big.,... But,... there a couple dozen certain waters in our state that have the "secret" ability to produce monsters., And yes,.. im keeping the secret with me till i can officially weight in one at a state certified station. So dont bother asking, badgering, or berating me for it. I wont give it up
Walter's state record fish was stalked by him,. he knew it was there, and he targeted that fish thru the ice and got lucky one cold day. State records show he caught that fish in Sampsons pond. From what talk is,,.. he caught it elsewhere. He just didn't want the true place getting pounded, And if you think about it, Consider how any bass guys are in this state? Just tournament anglers alone?? when I was tourney fishing there was at least 1500,. Mass Bass was booming, as well as Aba. Neba, and a few other t orginizations. And thats not counting the anglers that dont "t" fish
.i cant say i blame him,....... I understand the doubt,....but I strongly believe it can be done
Even if it doesnt get broken? im gunna have fun tryin
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 12:08 AM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:If you were to fish the right waters up here, you may be surprised. My biggest in Massachusetts bass weighted 12.5,,.. and since then ive seen bigger fish swim away after following my lure., leave a dock,. and broken off. .And this has happened a few times in different lakes,.... they are here, its just a matter of placement, timing, opportunity, and stealth. Its much like hunting/stalking a huge buck. Eventually it will happen
I'll give you that its going to be a tall order, a 16 lbr in a northern state sounds ify. Would take a long time for a bass up here to get that big.,... But,... there a couple dozen certain waters in our state that have the "secret" ability to produce monsters., And yes,.. im keeping the secret with me till i can officially weight in one at a state certified station. So dont bother asking, badgering, or berating me for it. I wont give it up
Walter's state record fish was stalked by him,. he knew it was there, and he targeted that fish thru the ice and got lucky one cold day. State records show he caught that fish in Sampsons pond. From what talk is,,.. he caught it elsewhere. He just didn't want the true place getting pounded, And if you think about it, Consider how any bass guys are in this state? Just tournament anglers alone?? when I was tourney fishing there was at least 1500,. Mass Bass was booming, as well as Aba. Neba, and a few other t orginizations. And thats not counting the anglers that dont "t" fish
.i cant say i blame him,....... I understand the doubt,....but I strongly believe it can be done
Even if it doesnt get broken? im gunna have fun tryin
Well I'm not going to sop trying fwiw despite my doubts that I may never break DD in the state ?
Ratherbfishing reply :
To borrow a line from John Candy (in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles), I'd have a better chance of playing pickup sticks with my butt cheeks than catching a ten pounder. Even a five pounder is quite the rare "bird." Fortunately, that has never been a goal of mine.
corn-on-the-rob reply :
Even Ohio's record largemouth is 13.13 lbs, a homegrown private fish. Breaking 10lbs either species in ohio is beyond extremely low, unless it's a test tube bass.
Hog Basser reply :
Arkansas record is 16 lbs. 8 oz. set in 1976 (this was broken, but it didn't count because the guy ran out and bought a fishing license after he caught it), I'm working on growing double-digits in my own lake and may already have some. Maybe I can get one up to record size eventually with a lot of coaxing.
Brayberry reply :
That Massachusetts state record will never be broken. Their record alone is bigger then 39 other states records, and it's the largest bass caught above Virginia I believe.
massrob reply :
It would be amazing to catch a fish that big in Massachusetts i caught a 6lber a couple weeks ago and thats the biggest I've ever caught here. Some places around me seem to have giant fish in them though my favorite spot one year i caught 6 fish over 5lbs and it was my first year fishing so i didn't know what i was doing. I cant wait to get on that pond tomorrow hopefully i break the record haha yea right but we can dream
Slade House reply :
Here is the thing, southern california has the best chance of producing DD bass hands down period. Here is why, take the lake closest to me .
1. The water temperature never gets below 54 degrees and it never ever gets above 76 degrees period . Unlike Florida and Texas where that summer humidity gets the temps up to where the bass slow down. they are in "getting bigger mode" all year long. seriously.
2. Food Food Food. They eat fatty rich ranibow trout, crawfish, redear sunfish, and some of the biggest fricking threadfin shad on the planet. good good diet. plus they are no striped bass in this lake.
the average winning weight in tournaments is around 22lbs. if you get 21.8 lbs you should be good. it used to be 30-45 lb tournament sacks .
besides that lake, they're are 2 or 3 in SO Cal that produce 9-10lb catches on a weekly basis. Here is the thing many DD catches in SoCal they don't report them or let the world know about them. I know of some 12 and 13lbers caught but mums the word.
one more thing, i fished my entire life in Viriginia on the potomac and all the lakes and ponds,and the biggest i could ever catch was 6lbs in 15 years fishing. i catch a 6lb bass a week where i live now (when i was fishing every day in 2014).
blckshirt98 reply :
I know Mission Viejo Lake was a gold mine for DD bass and there was supposed to be a possible state record in that lake. Then the golden algae bloom came around last year and completely wiped that lake out. That was heartbreaking to read, hopefully that lake will recover in time.
BassObsessed reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 4:38 PM, Slade House said:Here is the thing, southern california has the best chance of producing DD bass hands down period. Here is why, take the lake closest to me .
1. The water temperature never gets below 54 degrees and it never ever gets above 76 degrees period . Unlike Florida and Texas where that summer humidity gets the temps up to where the bass slow down. they are in "getting bigger mode" all year long. seriously.
2. Food Food Food. They eat fatty rich ranibow trout, crawfish, redear sunfish, and some of the biggest fricking threadfin shad on the planet. good good diet. plus they are no striped bass in this lake.
the average winning weight in tournaments is around 22lbs. if you get 21.8 lbs you should be good. it used to be 30-45 lb tournament sacks .
besides that lake, they're are 2 or 3 in SO Cal that produce 9-10lb catches on a weekly basis. Here is the thing many DD catches in SoCal they don't report them or let the world know about them. I know of some 12 and 13lbers caught but mums the word.
one more thing, i fished my entire life in Viriginia on the potomac and all the lakes and ponds,and the biggest i could ever catch was 6lbs in 15 years fishing. i catch a 6lb bass a week where i live now (when i was fishing every day in 2014).
You're definitely not talking about Castaic.As you know better than me its loaded with stripers and far from a top lake in that area.
Catt reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 4:38 PM, Slade House said:Here is the thing, southern california has the best chance of producing DD bass hands down period. Here is why, take the lake closest to me .
1. The water temperature never gets below 54 degrees and it never ever gets above 76 degrees period . Unlike Florida and Texas where that summer humidity gets the temps up to where the bass slow down. they are in "getting bigger mode" all year long. seriously.
2. Food Food Food. They eat fatty rich ranibow trout, crawfish, redear sunfish, and some of the biggest fricking threadfin shad on the planet. good good diet. plus they are no striped bass in this lake.
the average winning weight in tournaments is around 22lbs. if you get 21.8 lbs you should be good. it used to be 30-45 lb tournament sacks .
besides that lake, they're are 2 or 3 in SO Cal that produce 9-10lb catches on a weekly basis. Here is the thing many DD catches in SoCal they don't report them or let the world know about them. I know of some 12 and 13lbers caught but mums the word.
one more thing, i fished my entire life in Viriginia on the potomac and all the lakes and ponds,and the biggest i could ever catch was 6lbs in 15 years fishing. i catch a 6lb bass a week where i live now (when i was fishing every day in 2014).
Totally disagree
1. This year alone Toledo Bend has produced 139 DD bass!
2. Toledo Bend has 450-500 lbs of game fish per acre
3. Tournament weights of 22 lbs might not be in the money!
Care to look at the rest of the state?
Slade House reply :
Fshing live threadfin produced the biggest donkey bass in some time at the Ventura County fishery early this past week, a 12-pound trophy for Gordan Keller of Ojai.
12 pounder caught post spawn , not bad
On 5/14/2016 at 8:38 AM, BassObsessed said:You're definitely not talking about Castaic.As you know better than me its loaded with stripers and far from a top lake in that area.
Correct Castaic has fallen off the map cause of the stripers. I caught a 7lber in castaic lagoon and that was a big fish for there. Im talking about the other lake that starts with a C. and who only recently started stocking rainbow trout again last fall. The one to watch is San Vicente Reservoir in San Diego . It has been closed for the last 8 years , no fishing for 8 years, and 8 years worth of spawning . that place may produce buckets of bucketmouths later this summer when it reopens
WRB reply :
SoCal lakes are tiny in comparison to most trophy bass lakes in Texas that have big bass populations that dwarf our trophy bass lakes.
My best day on Castaic was 18 DD bass, best 5 bass limit is 62 lbs, top 5 LMB at Castiac and Casitas lifetime; 19.3lbs, 18.6 lbs ( both exceed Texas state record) 17.6 lbs, 2 @ 17.4 lbs...all those bass were caught over 20 years ago....those days are long gone!
I agree with Catt, only the Delta and Clear Lake compare with today's Toledo Bend...it's on!
Tom
"hamma" reply :
Its amazing to see in font how change is constant. I remember hearing the reports of those huge fish in Cali 20 years ago and wished I could go there and fish them. My bucket list of lakes back then were. Big O in fla, Conroe, Lake Fork, Castaic, Casitas, Lake of the Ozarks, Pickwick, (I love smallie fishing) and finally Toledo bend.
Toledo must be one heck of a lake to still be producing the big bass that it does.
Catt reply :
On 5/25/2016 at 6:18 PM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:Toledo must be one heck of a lake to still be producing the big bass that it does.
Most anglers do not understand the sheer size of Toledo Bend!
65 miles long
10 miles wide
1,264 miles of shoreline
190,000 acres or 289.1 square miles
Fisheries Biologist studies show most large bass found out on the main lake have never been hooked which leads them to believe these bass have never seen a lure!
BassB8Caster reply :
On 5/25/2016 at 8:24 PM, Catt said:Most anglers do not understand the sheer size of Toledo Bend!
65 miles long
10 miles wide
1,264 miles of shoreline
190,000 acres or 289.1 square miles
Fisheries Biologist studies show most large bass found out on the main lake have never been hooked which leads them to believe these bass have never seen a lure!
thats amazing. So given good genetics, good environment, resources (food etc), how big can the bass get in there? Is it fair to say that the biggest fish has yet to be caught or with increased fishing, has the sizes kind of plateaued?
Catt reply :
On 5/25/2016 at 8:36 PM, BassB8Caster said:thats amazing. So given good genetics, good environment, resources (food etc), how big can the bass get in there? Is it fair to say that the biggest fish has yet to be caught or with increased fishing, has the sizes kind of plateaued?
The lake record is only 15.33 but fisheries shock test revealed at least a dozen larger. When asked how much larger one biologist stated "substantially" larger.
riverbasser reply :
Well Catt it seems you need to get on the ball friend.
How would I find some of this information out about my home lake?
Catt reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 12:35 AM, riverbasser said:Well Catt it seems you need to get on the ball friend.
How would I find some of this information out about my home lake?
I'm working on but can't seem to break 9#!
Try Google
riverbasser reply :
I googled but not much new information. Lot of history and things from the 80's & 90's.
I know of a few 10's being caught but none bigger. Eufaula has went threw a lot of changes with drought and diseases. Has good numbers and most tourneys go in the 20's to some low 30's. Who knows.
WRB reply :
I have stated this many times but is worth repeating; northern strain LMB are far more aggressive than Florida strain LMB that are more wary and grow 50% heavier than NLB.
If your lake has NLB population changes of catching DD bass are lower compared to lakes with FLMB populations.
Toledo Bend has a mix of NLB, FLMB and intergrades of the two species. The Florida strain appears to go through a prey preference change as it adapts to being relocated from warm shallow Florida ecosystems to cooler deep structured lakes. FLMB are genetically wired to eat Golden shiners there prime bait fish, if no big shiners are available in their new home they adapt to eat whatever larger slim body bait fish that is available. If no slender body bait fish are availble, then wider body bait like crappie and bluegill if under 4" wide, wider may prey can get stuck in their throat.
Not sure if TB has herring, believe it does have both Threadfin and gizzard Shad, young carp and bass. Crawdads makes up a high protein food source. Birds,worms, frogs, snakes, lizards, mice and rats make up the food source big bass target regularly.
Don't know if swim and wake baits are used on TB, they should be.
My preferences are hair jigs with 4" pork trailer, 9" to 13" T-rigged worms, 5" slow sink crappie and bluegill swimbait, trout, carp colored and baby bass swimbaits, 8" to 11" and 4" to 5" body rat wake baits with 7" to 9" tail for targeting DD.
Tom
"hamma" reply :
Thats an impressive list of baits to pick from, using big baits will get strikes from bigger fish im sure of. But have you ever considered trying live bait when big bass hunting, like they do on The Big O?
Now I know most of you fish tourneys and they dont allow live bait,... but if you are just out fun fishing for big bass on "such a lake", doesnt it ever cross your mind? I fished wilson and pickwick about 10 years ago with a aol chatroom outing, (was a blast) But most of the southern anglers used 55 gallon drums with a 750 gph bilge pump or bigger as a baitwell and a large throw net to catch live shad near the dams, then use the shad for stripers and smallies. I thought it sacreledge being a older t angler,....By the end of the week i bought a net and they taught me to use it, i put a few in my livewell and tried their livebait technique,..it worked well,.but i felt kinda funny fishing live baits for stripers in freshwater the same i do up here in salt, due to the size difference, using bass gear. for schoolie sized fish
Is it that you prefer to use lures instead to fool them?
Those stats on toledo bend are astonishing, I still want to fish it, maybe even more now. But,... It must be a bit more than overwhelming,... My hats off to you for attempting such a body of water as your "home" lake. Id love to try and figure out patterns out there. I imagine that would be a daunting task and a challenge I admire, and aspire to attempt. I also imagine that my small 16 ft deep v with a 40 hp would be at a disadvantage on such a lake.,. thinking more like a big fast multi species rig like the new ranger, new nitros, or champions version, would be ideal.,... waters that big must be a tough fish in the wind. limiting most to stick by the ramps on days when the wind kicks in the afternoon. Much like the great lakes and Champlain.
Kudos to you that fish it, Im even more intrigued now that i read them stats,... thanks Catt, I now feel like the little kid banned from the candy store,....lmao,....just kiddin around.,.... I am impressed though
WRB reply :
Using live bait is a personal decision and not for me.
I learned to fish live bait during the 60's for big bass and caught a lot of them. Having always been a catch and release angler, long before it became wide spread, my experience with live bait fishing was tainted by meat anglers who harvested every fish they caught. During the spawn these meat anglers decimated the big bass populations in our small lakes. I stopped using live bait in 1971, considering the use of water dogs, golden shiners, mud suckers, crawdads ( illegal trout) during the spawn cycle as being unsportsmanlike like tactic.
Live Shad bait fishing is very popular and every guide goes to this presentation during post spawn when Shad spawn and stay with it as long as the Shad can be dip netted, throw nets are illegal in California fresh water.
Tom
Catt reply :
@WRB no northern strain in Toledo Bend!
There were a native strain of largemouth but their genetics is long gone.
What is stocked is from California, Cuba, & Florida genetics. The is Stripped Bass, White Bass, & Spotted Bass
No Herring!
Threadfin, Gizzard, Blue Gill, Warmouth, Redear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Spotted Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Dollar Sunfish, Bantam Sunfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Carp, Gar, Catfish, & Pickeral
riverbasser reply :
And huge gators.
Catt reply :
@Keith "Hamma" Hatch my current ride
Fished Toledo for years out of a 15' Jon converted to bass boat with a 25 HP Suzuki!
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"hamma" reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 11:49 AM, Catt said:@Keith "Hamma" Hatch my current ride
Fished Toledo for years out of a 15' Jon converted to bass boat with a 25 HP Suzuki!
Dang! Your rig is much like the boat one of my former club members had. And I thought he was brave for fishing Lake Winnepeasaukee with it? Which is much smaller than Toledo Bend
Basswhippa reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 11:40 AM, Catt said:@WRB no northern strain in Toledo Bend!
There were a native strain of largemouth but their genetics is long gone.
What is stocked is from California, Cuba, & Florida genetics. The is Stripped Bass, White Bass, & Spotted Bass
No Herring!
Threadfin, Gizzard, Blue Gill, Warmouth, Redear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Spotted Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Dollar Sunfish, Bantam Sunfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Carp, Gar, Catfish, & Pickeral
While I believe it's a blend, dominated by Florida strain, I would bet there are far more native strain genetics than you believe. If it is 100% Florida strain, I would like to see that documented. I do know at Chickamuaga there are much higher Florida Strain blends than they were shooting for.
Catt reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 7:04 PM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:Dang! Your rig is much like the boat one of my former club members had. And I thought he was brave for fishing Lake Winnepeasaukee with it? Which is much smaller than Toledo Bend
The only issue I have is inclement weather & the main lake!
There are some areas on Toledo you can not access in a big boat.
I fish a local marsh known for DD bass that has a 40hp restriction.
On 5/26/2016 at 8:07 PM, Basswhippa said:
While I believe it's a blend, dominated by Florida strain, I would bet there are far more native strain genetics than you believe. If it is 100% Florida strain, I would like to see that documented. I do know at Chickamuaga there are much higher Florida Strain blends than they were shooting for.
I've spend years working with, talking to, reviewing the biologist research while the bass may not be 100% Florida strain they are pretty high.
Here's one link
http://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/sharelunker/background/
Basswhippa reply :
Catt, I have been reading more and more of your posts. While there are many great posters here, you and WRB are among my favorites. Thanks for the link.
Guntersville used to be stocked regularly with Floridas. It is my view that the genetics are heading back to northern strain, albeit slowly. There is a push right not to get back to stocking, like Tennessee is doing with Chick, KY Lake, etc. I've heard a solid source that a gill netter netted three in the 20 pound class back in the 90's, when the stocking was going strong. This was before everyone had cameras on their side. It could be a fish story, I realize, but the TN River is fertile and the bait biomass is amazing. I am hearing of sightings of 16 to 18's in Chattanooga, by guys who have caught 12's. They could be slightly off, so maybe they are 15's to 17's. No telling what is swimming around the Bend.
Catt reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 8:18 PM, Basswhippa said:Catt, I have been reading more and more of your posts. While there are many great posters here, you and WRB are among my favorites. Thanks for the link.
I'm just a simple Cajun sharing his love of this sport!
There's a couple dozen members here who are just a knowledgeable as Tom & me.
"hamma" reply :
Great link! To bad all states dont take the same approach to management as Texas does. I surfed that site for a while, what i found interesting was that it stated that the bass they reproduce in captivity and release into the wild grow bigger, faster. And that it takes "normally" produced bass 8-10 years to reach 13 lbs. Thats some interesting facts right there, I understand that they are talking Texas bass. I wonder what the munbers are for Floridain, cuban, and mexican bass.,.. And if those Texas share lunker program fry could help states that have smaller record fish. Even if those states have biodiversity issues, maybe the strain from share lunker could still bring the record numbers up, seeing that the strains themselves are of higher quality.
just a thought
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
On 5/21/2016 at 8:31 AM, WRB said:SoCal lakes are tiny in comparison to most trophy bass lakes in Texas that have big bass populations that dwarf our trophy bass lakes.
My best day on Castaic was 18 DD bass, best 5 bass limit is 62 lbs, top 5 LMB at Castiac and Casitas lifetime; 19.3lbs, 18.6 lbs ( both exceed Texas state record) 17.6 lbs, 2 @ 17.4 lbs...all those bass were caught over 20 years ago....those days are long gone!
I agree with Catt, only the Delta and Clear Lake compare with today's Toledo Bend...it's on!
Tom
It's always sad to hear that the golden days are gone. Is it because of fishing pressure? What caused a lake or waters that were that great at producing to die off? Do you ever think those days will come back? Seems doubtful due to the # of people fishing and the damages done
I have always wondered why other states do not adopt a share lunker style program. Now the weight qualifications would obviously be different for the states but in NC its not uncommon to hook bass 8lbs and up. We have a couple lakes in the top 100 (as of my last check) and there are a ton of bass clubs in the state and ton's of bass fisherman as well. I'm sure it would be a hit and would bring $$ in as the Texas program does for conservation and wildlife programs.Guess its just wishful thinking
"hamma" reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 11:58 PM, CarolinaBoy4Life said:It's always sad to hear that the golden days are gone. Is it because of fishing pressure? What caused a lake or waters that were that great at producing to die off? Do you ever think those days will come back? Seems doubtful due to the # of people fishing and the damages done
"Could" be those lakes are cycling and its possible they may comeback. If Texas bass take 8-10 years to reach 13 lbs. it may take 14-18 for California lakes to grow more 20lbers,.. thats a long time of fishing pressure,.. so say maybe 25- 30 to rebound? ,....just guessing
From what I read years ago those cali fish are feeding on "kokanee? trout", Rainbow trout are stocked here and theres some big bass in most of those ponds, but the biggest bass here arent feeding on trout, its another protein rich baitfish combined with the right environment thats key. But my point is , if the bass got to those sizes before,.. why wouldnt they again? Maybe the strain is compromised? Fishing pressure can do some damage im sure. But big fish dont get big by being stupid, they've been caught and released before.
Now that its being discussed and I think of it!!!
Here we have alot of,... ummm,... "foriegn bobber fisherman" that are meat fishing with shiners, and once a lake is said to hold big fish? You can bet they will be lining the shores, taking every pig they catch home for din din. Im 100% positive those same ethnic fisherman live in Cali as well. Therein may be the issue to begin with, and if so,.. eventually the powers that be out there will have to set slot limits and patrol them before things rebound.
Thats what its taken to "somewhat" rebound the striper fishing here.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I fish Toledo Bend a lot. I live 2 hours away, so I don't get up ere as much as I wish, but make the trip almost weekly. One thing I am noticing lately is that the same DD bass are being caught from the same areas. Ere are community holes such as the Indian mounds, housen bay, and Magee flats that are fished hard and that's where the majority of these big bass are being caught. What I try to do is find unnoticed spots near the Sabine River and fish for bass that hasn't seen a thousand lures already. By doing is, I have caught 3 DD bass, but there is no telling how many more are swimming around in the 100,000 acres of the lake that never gets fished.
blckshirt98 reply :
Out in Cali I know some of the waters that have produced larger bass in the past have had their ecosystem tweaked - like stripers taking over Castaic, or a total end or severe reduction on trout stocking in MANY places up and down the entire state. Coyote Reservoir in Santa Clara county has been known as the best shot at a local DD, as it produces a few each year, but once they completely stopped stocking trout the DD numbers have plummeted.. As the larger fish die off the smaller fish either never make it to DD age or the forage just isn't there for enough to get to DD size.
WRB reply :
It's hard to imagine how small SoCal trophy bass lakes are; 1,000 to 2,000 acres at full pool. All these lakes are within 1 hour drive from big populated cities and local bass tournaments every weekend along with general public recreational fishing. The term high pressure fishing discribed these lakes year around.
California doesn't manage bass populations, no bass hatcheries, no restocking program bass are on their own outside of a 12" minimum length and 5 bass limit state wide. When a new lake is created bass are transplanted from a existing lake.
The Florida bass in CA came from Cypress Gardens Florida area back in 1959 by Orvile Ball the city manager from San Diego to improve the city lakes bass fishing, the state DFW had nothing to do with the introduction of FLMB.
Our lake have always experienced boom & bust cycles due to over harvesting and drought that lose year classes from draw down during the spawn cycle, very little cover ....our lake primary use is water storage for consumer use.
Northern CA is like a different state, lots of water, bigger lakes with lower fishing pressure, the bass populations do a lot better, however colder water than SoCal.
Stripe bass have severely impacted some SoCal lakes like Castaic, not enough biomass for both predators to grow well combined with no trout stocking over the past 6 years. Trout stocking has resumed on a limited bases this year.
When I was fortunate to catch a lot of giant bass was during the late 80' to early 90's when the populations were good and fewer knowledgable bass angler targeted those big bass.
Still catch a few DD each year, just not Giants over 15 lbs since 2006.
Tom
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Seems strange that they wouldn't invest in the bass fishing in the state known for big bass. I'm sure the state draws $$$ from the thousands of anglers fishing for trophy sized bass.
Catt reply :
There are other states that are implementing a Sharelunker type programs.
Louisiana is one but the minimum requirement is 10 lbs instead of Texas's 13 lbs. These fingerlings are also going back into Toledo Bend along with the fingerlings from Texas.
Most people including biologist believe that any bass is capable of obtaining DD status but the Sharelunker's genetic testing has proven that to be false.
Here's an interesting story from the Houston Chronicle:
In December 2004, Jerry Campos was fishing for bass on Falcon Lake in Laredo and he caught a 14-pound largemouth bass, later named the ShareLunker 370.
Nine years later, Allen Lane Kruse of Nacogdoches set a water-body and catch-and-release record for Lake Naconiche when he caught the 12.54 pound bass. DNA testing showed that the recent catch is the son of ShareLunker 370, which spawned at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Campos had entered his fish into a "ShareLunker" program, which allows catchers to share their prize fish with others. Fingerlings from the program that spawned have stocked into more than 60 reservoirs across Texas.
According to the story, the Lake Naconiche fish has all sorts of connections to the Texas Sharelunker program, including a father that was caught at Lake Fork in 2000, a grandmother caught from Lake Fork in 1994 and a great grandmother that came from Gibbons Creek lake way back in 1988. The Lake Naconiche record fish's mother produced over 12,000 fingerlings that were stocked all over the state, but the fish caught at Naconiche was actually one of 173 adult bass that were released into the lake in 2009
"hamma" reply :
On 5/26/2016 at 11:58 PM, CarolinaBoy4Life said:On 5/27/2016 at 1:20 AM, WRB said:It's hard to imagine how small SoCal trophy bass lakes are; 1,000 to 2,000 acres at full pool. All these lakes are within 1 hour drive from big populated cities and local bass tournaments every weekend along with general public recreational fishing. The term high pressure fishing discribed these lakes year around.
California doesn't manage bass populations, no bass hatcheries, no restocking program bass are on their own outside of a 12" minimum length and 5 bass limit state wide. When a new lake is created bass are transplanted from a existing lake.
The Florida bass in CA came from Cypress Gardens Florida area back in 1959 by Orvile Ball the city manager from San Diego to improve the city lakes bass fishing, the state DFW had nothing to do with the introduction of FLMB.
Our lake have always experienced boom & bust cycles due to over harvesting and drought that lose year classes from draw down during the spawn cycle, very little cover ....our lake primary use is water storage for consumer use.
Northern CA is like a different state, lots of water, bigger lakes with lower fishing pressure, the bass populations do a lot better, however colder water than SoCal.
Stripe bass have severely impacted some SoCal lakes like Castaic, not enough biomass for both predators to grow well combined with no trout stocking over the past 6 years. Trout stocking has resumed on a limited bases this year.
When I was fortunate to catch a lot of giant bass was during the late 80' to early 90's when the populations were good and fewer knowledgable bass angler targeted those big bass.
Still catch a few DD each year, just not Giants over 15 lbs since 2006.
Tom
I have a better understanding now Tom,..Thanks
that really puts it in perspective, its unfortunate that they dont pay more attention to the bass fishing industry,..its a big industry that boosts alot of money and generates alot of tax dollars.
On another note
I find it amazing that, Texas big bass lakes are gigantic impoundments. Californias are 1-2 k acres,(signifcantly smaller),..... Up here? I think the largest lake I've caught a 10 lb fish in was no more than 600 acres, with the smallest being no more than 100,.. But then yet Cali and Texas, dont have the forage base/biodiversity we do. We may have a much shorter growing season, therefore a shorter fishing opportunity. As for numbers of anglers? Boston and surrounding suburbs? More anglers than you'd think in such a small area. Im not touting NE bass, or its anglers compare by any means, it just amazes me the way nature works. Our fish are smaller, but seemingly more elusive.
but to really put it into perspective?
the shear size of your bass,....simply incredable. My pb 12.5 lb was a monster (in my opinion) I put both my fists fit in its mouth before my buddy held the scale up, and it looked morphed, almost not bass like, huge hump on its back, grimacing jawline, and a full belly, that looked like a small grocery store plastic bag filled to its brim, ready to burst. I can only imagine what a 18, or 22 lb bass looks like.
Poolshark reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 8:48 AM, clh121787 said:I read an article that a statistician put together. Took into account averge trips of an avid angler, area, many more variables and figured the avid fisherman in the states has a 3 percent chance in his or her life. I believe he figured 52 trips a year 8 hours a trip. A figured for the whole united states. If you live in Texas your chances greatly increase to 19 percent. I believe he wrote Indiana the avid angler has a .3 percent chance at a d.d. it was very interesting. It got picked apart on the forum but it was cool to read. I wish I could find it to repost.
The odds are slim anywhere. I live in florida and have logged every bass ive caught in the past two years and have caught one bass weighing over 10 pounds and two bass weighing 9 and change. This is out of hundreds of bass caught. I will say this... Ive noticed alot more big bass on 10+ inch worms and big spinnerbaits when i can get them to hit. Also, im sure that live bait can increase your odds. 19% seems like a high estimate to me. Unless you are specifically targeting the giants.
Gilgamesh reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 11:33 PM, Turtle135 said:If your state record largemouth bass is less than 12 pounds your odds are a lot worse. Most bodies of water in your state will not contain a single DD bass for you to catch.
Wow thats really rough. Never realized there were whole states w/out d.d bass in them
d-camarena reply :
No texas?
Yeajray231 reply :
Caught my PB in ohio. A little over 8 pounds and 23 inches long . Out of a 3 acre farm pond.
missouribigbass reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 10:40 AM, Eric Montes Polk FL said:That statistic has to be flawed. I've gotten over 30 bass 10 plus lbs. It really depends on tour knowledge of the fish. I can nearly look at a lake and pin point the heavy hold areas. Study the area and natural bait then adjust your tackle to suit. Mearly throwing a lure and hoping for big gurls to hit wont do it. If you dont start to catalog events and bites along with water conditions and weather you will never obtain the knowledge necessary to properly pick the bodies of water apart. Using basic bass behavior knowledge then forming your own style is key. I wish you all the best of luck in your chase for a trophy. TIGHT LINES
I don't believe those statistics are flawed. May seem that way to a Florida fisherman. Come north and you'll see the pursuit of a DD bass here is much different than in Florida.
hoosierbass07 reply :
I caught a 6.1 pound a few weeks ago here in Indiana. I consider that bass my version of a ten pound bass. I figure my odds of catching a real DD bass is zero.
joeblowwwww reply :
On 4/27/2016 at 8:48 AM, clh121787 said:I read an article that a statistician put together. Took into account averge trips of an avid angler, area, many more variables and figured the avid fisherman in the states has a 3 percent chance in his or her life. I believe he figured 52 trips a year 8 hours a trip. A figured for the whole united states. If you live in Texas your chances greatly increase to 19 percent. I believe he wrote Indiana the avid angler has a .3 percent chance at a d.d. it was very interesting. It got picked apart on the forum but it was cool to read. I wish I could find it to repost.
what about California?
Mr. Aquarium reply :
its crazy to see how many big 5 6 and 7lbsers are caught from my home state of Massachusetts! yea thats small compared to down south but for up north thats great!
a lot goes into producing a DD, food and weather are huge. most people think of the north as cold and snowy! but on the coast of MA, we are lucky if we get snow and ice! last year we didnt have any ice and snow! so the bass could keep growing! we have many lakes with herring golden shiners and trout! we also have ton of deep woods remote ponds that are not accessible.
theres alot more 10lbser out there then we think! but they dont get to be 10s by being stupid!
A-Jay reply :
On 8/6/2016 at 3:42 AM, swamp hawgs said:its crazy to see how many big 5 6 and 7lbsers are caught from my home state of Massachusetts! yea thats small compared to down south but for up north thats great!
a lot goes into producing a DD, food and weather are huge. most people think of the north as cold and snowy! but on the coast of MA, we are lucky if we get snow and ice! last year we didnt have any ice and snow! so the bass could keep growing! we have many lakes with herring golden shiners and trout! we also have ton of deep woods remote ponds that are not accessible.
theres alot more 10lbser out there then we think! but they dont get to be 10s by being stupid!
Although I'd agree that the largest Bass are often the wariest, in places where DD bass live - they are caught.
I grew up there (MA) ~ until we start seeing a few MA DD bass hanging or sitting on a certified scale - you're assertion is just that - an assertion.
A-Jay
soflabasser reply :
Great subject.I have been very fortunate in bass fishing and have caught a few bass 10 pounds or bigger(weighed on a scale).What has helped me the most is putting in my time on the water using what I know to the best of my ability.Anyone has a much bigger chance of catching a 10 pounder if he/she puts in their time wisely in locations where there are 10 pound bass.Its all about being in the right place,at the right time,using the right tactics.With that said,I know many bass fishermen down here who have fished much longer than me and haven't caught a single bass over 8,let alone a 10,so 10 pounders aren't as easy to catch down here as some may think.
HeavyDluxe reply :
I think that statistic, as a national average for all anglers (regardless of skill), sounds about right.
Just do the math on how many fish likely see your lure on any given day and choose, for whatever reason, not to bite. Catching a DD bass in any place is a pretty decent achievement. One only needs to watch the reaction of very seasoned and/or professional anglers when they hook anything we'd call "big" to know that's the case.
Of course applying some keen, human smarts to the task of hunting big fish will help massage the odds for you. But it still won't make it common or 'normal' (mathematically speaking). If you've been to Vegas enough, you'll eventually see someone make an unusually crazy string of wins at the craps table. That's statistical anomaly that washes out in the big picture, not skill.
blckshirt98 reply :
DD bass are not easy to find/catch! Keep in mind the Elites and FLW guys catch tens of thousands of bass every year and you would be lucky to see one DD bass a season between the two circuits. I think the last DD bass I remember is Chris Zaldain's at the Elite CA Delta tourney last year. Anyone have any stats on how many DD bass have been caught on the pro circuits the past few years?
"hamma" reply :
No Idea how many are caught on the circuits, But consider the pros are "usually" cruising the shore with the trolling motor on 10, both lcr's on, searching for a hit. Not many of them are actually being stealthy about their approach. Big fish see that stuff coming a mile away. Of course it could happen,... but highly unlikely. Any pig I caught was caught in "the perfect scenerio" no lcr's ticking away, the trolling motor only used for direction,(using the wind to move) sun to my back, most using a previlant baitfish patterned lure,.. with ton of luck added in there,.. and so on, the only exception to that was my biggest came on a spinnerbait. ( along with all the other criteria).
I can see how many would doubt the availability of such a big bass being present in "any" lake, Its not a common thing. But the truth is there is just as much chance of one being there then not. Most anglers are doubtful due to the lack of evidence in their face, or a pic. Consider most bass anglers arent fishing in such a manner to produce such a fish. They are rushing along down the bank with the tm on high, tossing a bait "they" like at any visible cover (that gets pounded daily) probably flipping or pitching all the while touching the bait with their hands and not adding any scent. a lcr on high sensitivity ticking away like a old grandfather clock in a quiet room. dropping stuff on the boats deck and slamming hatches in a hurry to catch that big fish they heard was released after weighed. with the sun in their face and wearing a bright orange t shirt.
I got news for ya,....if this sounds like you? The chances of you catching a 10 pounder are greatly deminished.
Did you ever watch a wading bird seeking minnows? He's not thrashing about in the water, hes quiet, he searches correctly with the sun to his back, using the weeds to mask himself, his strike is quick and quiet. and he is patient. this is how he feeds and its what works. big fish need the same dedication, and delicate approach.
So what have we learned? 1) tournies arent optimum times for a 10 pounder to be caught to begin with. Being patient is a huge requirement for a dd fish,.2) .in a t your actually "racing" against the clock. you kinda need the lcr on at all times to help figure out a pattern, you kinda need to search out the fish on highspeed. maybe you can slow down and turn off the lcr once you figured out the pattern,. but to figure one out within just an hour or two is a stroke of luck. 3) dd bass are a different breed, they need to be fished in a different manner to be tricked so easily into hitting a "lure".
Just because you havent caught one doesnt mean they arent in your lake, they very well could be. if you really want to catch a dd bass,...fish where they are, put some consideration into the equation, and most of all be stealthy about it. the moment you drop them needlenose pliers on the floor of your uncarpeted johnboat,..you're done. Once you alert them your there,..you're done.,...once you decide to fish in the wrong direction,..you're done. Leave the lcr off, only use the trolling motor when need be. and at that??? as slow as possible. And by all means use a bait thats known for big fish. I go with a jig and pig.,... if there are no crayfish there,.. use a baitfish pattern thats actually in that lake.
Big fish are smart, if you're not? sorry,... your chances are nil,....lol
Fish411 reply :
1st post on BR so I'll do push-ups after posting but "Hamma's" post was spot-on and wanted to share my experience ref stealth for lunkers. For the past five years my son and I have fished very intently for LMB from kayaks and have enjoyed what I would call "better than average luck". He has caught 1x 10.7lbs, 2x >9lbs, several well over 8lbs all on artificials and in just five short years from lakes in NC and most recently in IL where he is going to college . I have watched him patiently stalk a bass boat waiting for them to leave a brush pile empty only for him to pull 7, 8, or 9 pounders off of it as the bass boaters scratch their heads in disbelief. I have tried to determine what it is that he/we are doing different and I can attribute much of it to the stealth of a kayak (pedal not paddle) and lack of electronics (motors, FF, etc). He certainly reads a tremendous amount on bass fishing (zoology major) and goes about lure selection very analytically and apparently with much success but to pull bass of those age groups from public waters out of a kayak in states no further south than NC or west than IL he's doing something right. Another observation is that those bass are actually in heavily fished public lakes, nothing special or out of the ordinary outside of the kayak. Would be interested if others have experienced the same, obviously many DD LMB are taken from boats of all sizes with various electronics but the numbers he is putting over the yak gunwhale seems, at least from my perspective, as a bit abnormal.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/9/2016 at 10:58 AM, Fish411 said:1st post on BR so I'll do push-ups after posting but "Hamma's" post was spot-on and wanted to share my experience ref stealth for lunkers. For the past five years my son and I have fished very intently for LMB from kayaks and have enjoyed what I would call "better than average luck". He has caught 1x 10.7lbs, 2x >9lbs, several well over 8lbs all on artificials and in just five short years from lakes in NC and most recently in IL where he is going to college . I have watched him patiently stalk a bass boat waiting for them to leave a brush pile empty only for him to pull 7, 8, or 9 pounders off of it as the bass boaters scratch their heads in disbelief. I have tried to determine what it is that he/we are doing different and I can attribute much of it to the stealth of a kayak (pedal not paddle) and lack of electronics (motors, FF, etc). He certainly reads a tremendous amount on bass fishing (zoology major) and goes about lure selection very analytically and apparently with much success but to pull bass of those age groups from public waters out of a kayak in states no further south than NC or west than IL he's doing something right. Another observation is that those bass are actually in heavily fished public lakes, nothing special or out of the ordinary outside of the kayak. Would be interested if others have experienced the same, obviously many DD LMB are taken from boats of all sizes with various electronics but the numbers he is putting over the yak gunwhale seems, at least from my perspective, as a bit abnormal.
Hello and Welcome to Bass Resources ~
In places where Big Bass live, they can and are caught. Sounds like you're experiencing some of that.
And Now, It's Picture time.
A-Jay
scaleface reply :
I just heard of another 10 lb bass being caught from a local lake .I'll believe it when I see it . At least a photo .
Nice_Bass reply :
What are my chances...?
a hell of a lot better this weekend when I drive over to Missouri!
hoosierbass07 reply :
On 8/9/2016 at 4:32 AM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:,.. with ton of luck added in there,..
And that is my key ingredient. Luck!
WRB reply :
Chances of catching a 10 pounder that being a largemouth bass is only possible if bass that size are living where you fish. IF your lake has Floridia strain LMB the odds are greatly improved.
Northern strain LMB at 10 lbs is equal to Floridia strain LMB at 13 lbs. My personal bench mark is 15lb FLMB to be considered a trophy size, 13lbs or teener is the Texas Share a Lunker benchmark, let's go with that.
What are the chances of catching 10 lb Smallmouth or Spotted bass? Obviously 10lbs is too high a benchmark for both smallies and spots, so let's change 10 to 7 lbs.
Everyone can play when the benchmark is achievable.
Most anglers over estimate bass weight, 10 lbers become 7 to 8 lbs when weighed.
Tom
Fish411 reply :
Thanks for the BR welcome A-Jay, here is a pic of the 10.7 caught December 2012 when he was 15 y/o 
-- I break out in a rash when I watch the video!
You know why the Coast Guard wears light blue shirts? So they know when the water is too deep...just a little retired Navy humor A-Jay, couldn't help myself! Thanks for your service.
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A-Jay reply :
On 8/10/2016 at 8:49 AM, Fish411 said:Thanks for the BR welcome A-Jay, here is a pic of the 10.7 caught December 2012 when he was 15 y/o
You know why the Coast Guard wears light blue shirts? So they know when the water is too deep...just a little retired Navy humor A-Jay, couldn't help myself! Thanks for your service.
Nice Bass and an even better smile.
Had to be a real thrill.
A-Jay
BassB8Caster reply :
On 8/10/2016 at 8:49 AM, Fish411 said:Thanks for the BR welcome A-Jay, here is a pic of the 10.7 caught December 2012 when he was 15 y/o
You know why the Coast Guard wears light blue shirts? So they know when the water is too deep...just a little retired Navy humor A-Jay, couldn't help myself! Thanks for your service.
That tank must have pulled that kayak all around. I fish out of a kayak and 3 to 4 lbers pull me around quite a bit. No doubt about it, she was eating well. Good job.
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