Do the biggest male bass get the best spawning spots?

[PondHoppinPete]

I fish a pond with very little cover. However there are these 6 nets scattered around the pond that I always see fish spawn next to. These fish tend to be the biggest compared to other males that have beds with no cover around them (only the edge of the pond as a "wall"). In your experience, if there were limited ideal spawning grounds, do the biggest male bass get the best ones first? 

 

Edit: to clarify, these are not just regular nets. They are hard nets made of mesh in the form of rectangles (not sure why they're there) 

[Catt]

11 hours ago, PondHoppinPete said:

Edit: to clarify, these are not just regular nets. They are hard nets made of mesh in the form of rectangles (not sure why they're there) 

 

What ?

[BrianMDTX]

Most likely some sort of anti-erosion mat. 

[Basser2021]

2 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

Most likely some sort of anti-erosion mat. 

I would say it's either that or  he also didn't mention if it was 3-D so it could be a snapping turtle trap.

As far as the bass go, I have noticed the same thing. And I'm no bass expert so I have no clue why that happens.

[WRB]

Regarding your question big males spawning with big females is the law procreation of the fittest. However with that said bass are opportunist regarding spawning when size can matter or not. Bigger females usually initially spawn early and deeper the average size bass. Keep mind female bass don’t lay all their eggs in 1 nest making a few egg laying trips.

The wire mess could be traps if bare metal or spawning beds set out by anglers if filled with gravel.

Tom

[RDB]

On 6/11/2022 at 12:08 PM, WRB said:

The wire mess could be traps if bare metal or spawning beds set out by anglers if filled with gravel.

It could be this or since you said there is very little existing cover, it also might be some sort of homemade artificial habitat for fry/baitfish.

[PondHoppinPete]

On 6/11/2022 at 6:31 AM, Catt said:

 

What ?

Described the cover terribly, here's what it looks like 

[PaulVE64]

On 6/13/2022 at 10:06 PM, PondHoppinPete said:

Described the cover terribly, here's what it looks like 

Fishy water,   hmmmmmmmm

[the reel ess]

What I generally see is a lot of very average bass on or near beds and few big females. This leads me to believe most male bass don't grow much beyond the 2-3 lb. range, at least where I fish. of course, most people fall into the average range as well. That's why it's the average.

[WRB]

Interesting study is what are the biggest male bass where you fish?

My known largest Male LMB was 25” 6 lbs from San Vicente in1969 and verified by Larry Bottroff SD fisheries biologist. 

Tom

PS, I may be able to find a photo of this bass.

[PondHoppinPete]

On 6/16/2022 at 8:30 PM, WRB said:

Interesting study is what are the biggest male bass where you fish?

My known largest Male LMB was 25” 6 lbs from San Vicente in1969 and verified by Larry Bottroff SD fisheries biologist. 

Tom

PS, I may be able to find a photo of this bass.

Good question. Based on your 6lber and The Reel Ess, I'm not sure if this is a male anymore. I figured it was because I saw it alone near one of the nets I described guarding a bunch of fry. I've seen similar sizes to this one near other nets with fry. No scale on me, but I'm guessing 4lb? 

[geo g]

I have not seen a lot of info on big males and their preference for locations on a lake.  I am as curious as you on any studies on the subject.