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View all sponsors Advertise on BassResource.com Bass Biology An in-depth look into what makes a bass tick. Learn about their metabolism and instincts and how this affects the way you fish. Read this if you want to catch more Bass. Bass Habitats Learn about different bass habitats such as rivers, lakes and ponds. Find out how the bass adapts to each habitat and how you should fish it to catch more bass. Finding Bass Finding the fish is often the most difficult part of bass fishing. In this article, we take a look at three fish-holding structures: Wood, weeds and rocks. A Bass Is A Bass Can fishing techniques from another state or country help you find and catch bass at your favorite lake? Or do bass behave differently in your corner of the world? Misconceptions About Bass Discover what is the most important factor in finding and catching bass inside! The Strike Zone What is it and why does it matter to you? We explain exactly what a strike zone is and how it affects your fishing. 'Ambush' Is The Wrong Word To feed effectively and often, bass move out of thick cover to seek, startle, or flush prey along the cover edges in ponds and reservoirs. Understanding pH pH levels affect bass and their behavior. And if it matters to the bass, then it should also matter to you. Find out more about pH inside. Do Fish Have Directional Hearing? Discover how fish "hear" and unlock the secrets of catching more bass! How Smart Are Bass? Can bass learn, or do they simply respond to genetic insticts and conditioning? A point-counterpoint discussion between two highly regarded fishery biologists. Seasonal Habits of the Smallmouth Bass Bass move about a lake, pond, reservoir or stream as the seasons and water conditions change. Find out how to adapt to the movements of the Smallmouth bass as the seasons change by reading this article. Seasonal Habits of the Largemouth Bass Time of year, water temperatures, water levels, weather, light and the availability of food are all contributing factors to the migrating characteristics of the black bass. Learn how the seasons affect the Largemouth bass in order to catch them on a consistent basis. This article will show you how. The Three Species Three main species of bass targeted by recreational and professional bass anglers are the Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted bass. Learn about their differences in this article. Mountain Smallies Smallmouth bass are an exciting fish to pursue. Their aggressiveness, their willingness to hit a variety of lures, and their shear numbers in many of our mountain lakes, make this species a much sought after prize. Understanding Bass Part I Bass need food, oxygen and cover to survive. We talk about these key factors to help you become a better angler. Understanding Bass Part II Continued from part two, we cover the senses of the bass and how they affect behavior. Knowing these principles is critical to catching more fish. The Smallmouth Part One Introduction to the smallmouth bass. Find out what makes them tick, and what bodies of water you'll find them in. The Smallmouth Part Two The mysterious river smallmouth. Learn how to locate them in this article. The Smallmouth Part Three How to catch them. Now that you know about them and where they live, the next step is catching them. Find out inside! Caring For Bass If you want to say you released your fish and they survived, then you better be able to back that up. Here's how. After The Catch While 100 percent live release is the dream of all catch and release anglers, the reality is some fish die and always will. It's heating up in the delayed mortality study ring and anglers who do not wish to be part of the problem must change their attitudes and their willingness to try harder to practice true catch and release. Just remember those fish didn't survive just because you kept water in the livewell, nor because you set them free after you held them all day in it. If they survived, they did so because you took the time to read this article. Reducing Bass Mortality The key to limiting bass mortality is being responsible anglers. Understand the problems and have ready solutions available. Here they are. Tips For Handling Summer Bass Proper care of fish is crucial for their survival if you are to release them alive. During the summer, scorching hot air temperatures elevate livewell water temperatures to create lethal conditions for bass. Here are some critical tips to help them survive. Handling Bass Do you know how to take care of a bass for successful catch and release? You might be surprised at what you didn't know when you read these tips! Fish Care for Catch & Release An in-depth look into how to take care of your fish during a tournament, including a comprehensive guide on air bladder relief with diagrams. You'll want to read this if you're dedicated to true catch & release. Live Well Basics How does your live well stack up? What should you look for in a high quality live well? How do you take proper care of it? Do you have to live with built in problems or can you make it better? Warm water specialist Ed Telders shows you how to transform your live well into a safe and healthy fish motel. The Largemouth Bass Virus A deadly virus is killing off thousands of trophy bass in the southeast region of the United States. Researchers are trying to find a way to stop it. Find out more about it inside. Scientists Discuss LMBV Biologists and scientists gathered to share information and plan strategies for solving the Largemouth Bass Virus. Here is their report. LMBV 2001 Update Though it may have been one of the most frightening events in the history of the sport, it would appear that for some lakes at least, the main crisis has passed. LMBV 2002 Update So what is the take on the status of the effect of largemouth virus on bass populations? Here's the latest. LMBV Information While many questions remain unanswered regarding the Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) after a recent workshop, researchers are more confident than ever that the illness will not destroy Americašs bass fisheries. Largemouth Bass Virus Facts Here is a quick rundown of what we know about Largemouth Bass Virus. Federal Grants Awarded to Study Largemouth Bass Virus Research money is now finally available for the study of the Largemouth Bass Virus. Here's how it's going to help. LMBV Notes While biologists do not believe fishing pressure plays a major role in Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) fish kills, it is possible that we could be spreading the virus without meaning to. LMBV and Chemicals Could there be a connection between the largemouth bass virus and chemical use? LMBV Invades Michigan Largemouth bass virus, a mysterious malady that has caused major fish-kills along the Atlantic Seaboard and throughout the South, appears to be spreading north through northern Indiana into southern Michigan. Fish and Lake Management Managing Bass Fisheries with Size Limits Bass anglers have mastered catch-and-release, but we should move into a new era of selective harvest for better management. Here's why. How Much of a Bass Population Can Anglers Catch? How many bass should you protect? How many, what size, should be harvested? Bag Limits Improper harvest of largemouth bass ruins future fishing in more lakes, probably in all states, than any other cause. We demystify lake management inside. Selective Harvest, Ray Scott-Style How do you maintain quality big bass in a lake? Ask Ray Scott! The Cure For Skinny Fish Why do lakes have different fishing regulations? To produce bigger fish, and more of them. Here's how selective harvesting works. Skinny Fish, Big Reason That thin bass you just caught might not be diseased - you may have caused it! Harvest the Bounty Overcome the emotions associated with harvesting a fish. Do yourself, and your lake, a favor. Thin Bass A Challenge For many pond owners, their chief management challenge is putting weight on skinny bass. Find out how to fatten up your bass inside! Harvest - A Success Story Is catch and release always a good thing? Simply stated: No. Here's why. Weed The Garden So you need to harvest some fish from your pond. How much, how often, and what size range? We help you out inside. Harvest Time Selective harvest may be a foreign language to long time fishermen, but it is absolutely one of the most important concepts to embrace, if you want your fishery to survive, and thrive long-term. Here's what happens. Catch & Release or Selective Harvest Should I keep this fish or put it back? For some people, largemouth bass have become a sacred cow and the answer is obvious. But is it really that black & white? Trade-Offs in Lake Management? This is a classic example of the inter-relationship between largemouth bass and bluegills in small impoundments. Fish Aging How can you tell how old a fish is? Growth information is more difficult and time-consuming to obtain than other population information. However, its value is correspondingly higher as well! The Fish Garden Ever seen a clear lake, lots of small bass, and too much aquatic greenery? Here's how to solve that problem. Largemouth Bass Angling and Catchability Does high fishing pressure negatively affect bass, thus making them more difficult to catch? Now we have scientific prooof that dispels the myths! Largemouth In Ponds: Abundance and Electrofishing Learn about the relationships between bass abundance and electrofishing catches, and discover how biologists use this information to grow bigger bass! Stomach Pumping: What are your fish eating? If you want to build a stomach "pump" to check your fish and match your "hatch," here's how. Looking For Trouble, Before It Starts What activity or duty in pond management is most often overlooked? A panel of leading fisheries managers gave us their candid replies. Dawn Of A New Season Humans seem to rely on a calendar, but nature doesn't always oblige. Here's how to rethink your annual pond management schedule to coincide, plus you'll discover insights that will make you a better angler! Big Bass in Small Ponds Here's how to grow bass in even the smallest of ponds! Why Feed Your Fish? Why put protein pellets in your pond that bass may or may not eat? You'll find the surprising answer inside. ABC's Of Forage As you work your pond management plan, monitor the growth-rates of your bass and modify your forage selectively. You will make more effective decisions if you know how each forage species lives, eats and reproduces. You'll also become a better angler. The Food Chain Most discussions about the food chain begin at the bottom. Today, we start at the top. We look at the largemouth bass. Stocking Gizzard Shad for Trophy Bass A good population of gizzard shad and an effective fertilization program can help your bass realize their full genetic potential. Recruitment 101 Here's how to enhance and grow your gamefish populations in your pond. Shad Not Always the Answer In Small Ponds Are there downsides to adding shad to a small pond? There can be. Here's why. Raising Trophy Bass There are many myths and misconceptions about raising trophy bass in small ponds. Here are the facts to producing huge largemouth. Just What IS A Trophy Bass? A true trophy largemouth bass is a rare creature. For some, growing that fish, within their own private waters, is as important a part of the process as actually catching it. Trophy Bass Prey So you think you want to grow trophy bass? If so, get ready to feed them, feed them well - and this may be more of a challenge than you realize. Big Bass Live Where They Are Here's three shining examples where good lake management has paid off. Growing Trophy Largemouth Habitat, Food Chain, Genetics and Selective Harvest. Solid fisheries management. Here's how to put it all together. Fish Genetics: Hope or Hype? Florida-strain bass always produce trophy lakes, right? That depends. In the case of Florida bass genes, they may be a huge plus for some lakes, a hindrance for others. Stocking The Right Fish How can you tell a Florida strain bass from a northern? Find out inside. Which Fish To Stock How do I stock a small pond? How should I manage it? Here's solid advice for ponds smaller than an acre. Balancing Act Stocking strategies to create fish populations in harmony. Bucket Biology: Why Grandpa Was Wrong Discover how anglers unwittingly destroy their favorite lakes, ponds, and streams every year. You may even be one of them! Largemouths and Smallmouths In The Same Pond? Can you both manage both largemouth and smallmouth bass together in a pond? Discover the answer in this article. Thinking Small... Smallmouth Bass, That Is It may be better to have smallies without largemouth present in your lake. Here's why. Mortality Rates Whether fish are harvested from a water body or not, all fish populations will exhibit a typical total annual mortality rate. A certain percentage will die each year regardless of whether any were harvested by anglers. So what is normal? Stocking Forage How many fish should you buy? And what size? We tell you, and save you about $300 in the process! Know Your Sunfish As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to catch sunfish and toss them into your favorite pond to "help" the bass grow. If you don't know the fish, don't be surprised to learn the hard way, several years from now. The Secret Life of Bluegill Fish truly have complex social behaviors, and we are just now starting to understand some of them. Here's some amazing facts on bluegill reproduction. Prime Time for Stocking Fish Here's how and when to stock your pond Stocking Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass are something special. There's a variety of management scenarios to consider when using smallmouth bass. This is an excellent article for pond owner and angler alike! Stocking Adult Bass If you choose to stock your pond with adult bass, do so carefully, in small amounts. Here's how. Smallmouth Bass in Pond Management? Let's explore the biology, habitats, behaviors and several myths about this glorious fish. Calling All Catfish Catfish in general may not be as pretty, or fight such a spectacular fight as trout or bass, but they can play a positive role in a pond management program. Pike in Pond Management If you choose to use pike in your lake management plan, be prepared to take corrective action. It won't be easy. Pondmeister Profile From land purchase to fully-stocked pond, here are the successful steps a pondmeister took to create the pond of his dreams. Tony Stewart's Lake Project Tony Stewart needed some guidance how to build habitat, structure and cover to create the best bass lake he can have. Here's what happened. Richmond Mill - A Legacy in the Making Imagine a private lake designed by Ray Scott as the centerpiece for an exclusive world class fishing club. Richmond Mill Takes the Next Logical Step See how one company is defining a new cutting edge paradigm in pond and lake management. Feeding Program at Richmond Mill Lake There's a lake in North Carolina setting the pace for cutting edge technology while using proven methods to nurture a budding bass lake. Startup Strategy There's a lot of legwork between an empty plot of land and the day your new pond fills with water. The design of a pond can be more important, and just as tricky, as the actual construction phase. Thoughtfully Building a Pond Before building your pond, take time to plan. 30 days of homework pays off at the bottom line. Planning helps ensure project success. Here's what you need to know. Planning Your Plan Before you begin building, read your maps, shoot elevations, check your soils. Discover what this means inside. When Do You Need Help? When it comes to building a pond, know your goals, then find those people most helpful to get you where you want to go. Here's how! Talking Dirty: Soils for the core trench You've explored maps, elevations and dug into the best soils for collecting water on the surface. Let's go deeper in your lake project, and talk dirt. Building A Real Lake Take your time before you let the dozer start moving stuff, make sure you understand the impact to things other than just what has fins and gills. We explain inside. Pond Construction You've evaluated your site, mapped the area, dug your test holes, found good soils and you have flagged the eventual shoreline. In between, have walked over and over your site, figured your elevations and water depth. Now, it's time to get the shovel and turn some dirt. The real fun begins. Creating Fish Cover The final details are critical - reading and fine tuning existing soils, and building the proper fish habitat. Little Duck Lake Building a pond or lake is a delicate balance of engineering, biology, business and art. Here's how to achieve that balance. Renovating A Pond If you intend to clean out a pond, and remove silt, follow these steps for a successful renovation. Down To Earth Whether building a brand new lake and dam, or dealing with erosion issues from an older site, hot summer months can be the best time to fix maintenance issues that seem to plague too many landowners. From The Bottom Up If you're a pond owner and hope to raise giant bass, you need to create an environment in which bass will thrive. Here's how! No Time To Rest If you want to grow bigger fish in a healthier environment, roust yourself from the hearth. Your best summer of fishing could begin to take shape right now. Curing The Structureless Syndrome Take local materials and put them to use in your pond to create the perfect fishing hole. Habitat & Simple Structure, After the Fact Too many folks think they can simply add some Christmas trees in the pond bottom and all things become good. Think through this process rather than just tossing something into your pond. Here's how. Spruce Up Your Pond Consider using discarded Christmas trees as a source of fish habitat. Here's how to do it right! Building A Better Brush Pile If you really want to get serious about setting out brush piles, here are some valuable tips that will help make your project a success. A Tool For Habitat Here's an effective tool for pond owners that can manage nutrients and improve fish survival and growth-rates. Is Clear Water Good? Gin clear water seems devoid of necessary phytoplankton which is the base of the food chain. Without it, nothing up the ladder can flourish. So why can you catch bass in super-clear water? Mud In My Pond's Eye Wind and wave action or excess rain can roil your pond, creating muddy or cloudy water. Here's how to clean it up. Clearing Muddy Water Off-color water is a common problem among pond owners. Here's how to fight it, and not harm the fish in the process. Straight Shooters How do you choose the fisheries consultant and fish supplier you can trust? Here's how to avoid costly mistakes. Water Chemistry How do pH levels affect fishing? Learn that and more inside! Analyzing Water Fish adjust to gradual changes in their environment, and can live in different types of "normal" conditions. But, when "normal" changes rapidly, watch out. What's My Fish Caught? What's that blemish or worm on the bass you just caught? Is it sick or diseased? We explain inside. Fish Only Die Once Your lake environment may be suitable one day, then bad the next. When you see dead fish, it's too late. Here's a brief water quality primer that explains the nature of fish kills. Water Quality Problems: The Most Significant Factors that Impact Water Quality Balance is critical to the aquatic ecosystem. Without a balanced environment your pond or lake will stiffer. Preventing Fish Kills So there was a large fish kill on your lake. What happened? Perhaps it was just mother nature. When water absorbs more than it should, bad things happen. Here's how to prevent it. Oxygen Saturation How do oxygen depletions occur in your lake? At what point to fish start to die? Discover the answers inside. Winter Oxygen And Your Fish What causes winter fish kills, and which fish species are most vulnerable? Find out inside. Destratification: An insurance policy for your lake Discover how you can prevent sudden and devastating fish kills. Move Water To Clean It Let's examine a pond micro-ecosystem and see how it relates to your lake. Aerating Old Ponds If you must aerate an old pond in which the bottom is covered with deep sediment, exercise caution. Quite by mistake, you might start a devastating fish kill. New Studies Highlight Native Plants Non-native aquatic plants tend to dominate a reservoir, to the detriment of the entire ecosystem - including bass and other gamefish. Experiments with native species have sparked hopes of learning how to fill a biological niche that intrusive exotic plants are threatening to occupy. Dealing with Runaway Vegetation Even well managed ponds can be victimized by several species of invasive plants. Here's how to control them before they become a problem. Biological Plant Controls Got runaway vegetation? Better act now. By July or August, it's tough to safely deal with obsessive greenery. Cormorants Cormorants can have adverse impacts on fish populations. Recently, the Feds released an impact statement that will guide development of a nationwide management strategy for double-crested Cormorants. Golden Algae Killing Bass If watching for low dissolved oxygen and largemouth bass virus were not enough to keep you busy, pond owners and anglers must guard against yet another potential fish-killer - golden algae. Algae - Such A Simple Plant What is algae and how can you control it? Here are the answers! Algae Alert Pond owners: When it comes to taming the toughest challenges, filamentous and blue-green algae, there's a new non-traditional treatment method available. Find out inside. Bacteria May Treat Algae Do you have bubbly, green, smelly scum floating on the surface of your pond? Discover what it is and how to fix it inside! Copper Compounds and Algae If you're a pond owner, you've had to deal with problem algae blooms. We explain how to properly use copper compounds to combat this nuisance in this article.