Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Least Concern
Florida's most popular game fish. The Florida strain grows larger than any other bass subspecies, with state records exceeding 17 pounds.
Behavior
Ambush predator. Hides near structure — lily pads, docks, fallen trees. Most active dawn and dusk.
⚠️ Safety
Watch for treble hooks when handling. Support the fish's belly when lifting for photos.
Fun Facts
- Florida's official state freshwater fish
- Can live over 15 years
- Can eat prey up to half their body length
- The Florida subspecies holds 9 of the top 25 all-time state records nationally
Where to See
Lake Okeechobee
lakeFlorida's inland sea — the largest freshwater lake in the southeastern US. World-class largemouth ba...
St. Johns River
riverOne of the few north-flowing rivers in North America. 310 miles of diverse ecosystems from marshes t...
Lake Kissimmee
lakePart of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Outstanding trophy bass fishing. Connected to the northern Eve...
Lake Tohopekaliga
lakeTrophy bass lake near Kissimmee. Regularly produces 10+ pound largemouth. Part of the Kissimmee Chai...
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Largemouth Bass from similar species.
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