Southern Sportsmen: Fishing
Bass Fishing Hotspots In the South
Posted on September 10, 2008
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Bass fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing in the south. The southern states offer a world of spectacular bass fishing and some of best bass fishing waters in the country. Bass come in several varieties, but the most popular is by far the largemouth bass. In fact, the largemouth bass is the official State Fish of five southern states- Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Bass fishing is such a popular sport because not only can the fish grow to a significant weight – up to 25 pounds- but the fish is especially known for the good fight it gives anglers. Fishing lures used to snag the exciting trophy range from live bait to crank and spinner baits, rattletraps, and plastic worms. Living rooms across the south proudly display a kid’s (or dad’s) trophy bass mounted on a wall.
The sport of bass fishing is so addictive to aficionados, one can barely turn on the Sunday outdoor channels on satellite television without watching the latest bass pro reeling in a big one. The daily fishing report, along with local feed times is routinely posted in local papers; and an entire industry of fishing tournaments around the country has sprung up.
The southern states have several hot spots known for their spectacular bass fishing. Florida, which is riddled with lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds, is famous for its largest lake, Lake Okeechobee. In addition, the Florida Everglades are known for having a large bass population. Other favorites in the Sunshine State include Lake Seminole, in the panhandle, and the series of smaller lakes throughout central Florida.
Louisiana is another great fishing state, heralded by the state nickname- The Sportsman’s Paradise. Louisiana’s many bayous, bays, rivers, and lakes are home to many largemouth bass, along with other freshwater fish, including catfish, bream, crappie, and more. From Toledo Bend, to the False River, Lake Bruin, and the Atchafalaya Basin, the wetlands of Louisiana offer a spot for most fishermen to cast a line.
Alabama’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division places such an emphasis on freshwater fishing, the agency manages and stocks twenty-three lakes in twenty counties across Alabama. These lakes are open to the public year round, and are specifically geared to provide quality fishing for families and sport fishermen. Tennessee is yet another state with a plethora of fishing spots for largemouth bass. Boone Lake, Cherokee Lake, Priest, Old Hickory, and others offer a variety of scenic fishing.
Georgia is not to be missed by serious anglers either; it shares with Florida the borders of Lake Seminole, a lake renowned for its fantastic bass fishing (and its alligators!) With other large lakes and good-sized bass in them, Lake Lanier, Jackson Lake, Lake Eufaula, and rivers like the Flint River keep Georgia fishermen busy as well and offer a variety of recreational spots for sport fishermen and families.
Bass fishing is a popular sport throughout the south. The mild southern winters, which allows year round fishing, abundance of clean, clear waters, and the enjoyment of the outdoors have combined to make this one of the most widespread sporting activities around.
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Posted on March 6, 2007
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