Repeat Catches

[Fried Lemons]

Now that winter has truly set in and I’m suffering from cabin fever I find myself looking back at old photos. One thing that fascinates me is repeat catches. One- because they show the fluctuation in size of the fish and two- because they suggest that there aren’t as many big fish in some of the lakes as we think there are. 

Fish #1

First catch was October 29 2021. She weighed 5lb 4oz.

Second catch December 3 2023 weighing 4lb  15oz. No improvement in weight probably meaning the pond can’t really support a bigger fish. 

 

Fish #2

First caught April 2024 weighing 6lb 7oz.

 

Caught again later in the same year July 2024 at 5lb 11oz. Typical summer weight loss.

Fish #3 

Caught March 2023 at 7lb 10oz. 

And again March 2024 at 8lb 4oz. Pictures are a bit misleading, fish measured 22.5” the second time. Didn’t get a precise measurement the first time but I don’t think it changed much. This one has by far the most potential I’ve seen in a fish. Notice the relatively small head and lack of any blemishes compared to the second fish. That and the relative weight lead me to believe this is a relatively young, fast  growing fish which could one day reach dd status. These fish were from the same lake as well so there is probably a genetic component.

[papajoe222]

Years ago I did an unauthorized tagging of big bass in my club's waters. There's maybe 80 acres of water in those pits. Not only did I catch the same fish on multiple occasions, the location was within ten yards of the previous catch during the same season of the year. One year, I caught the same fish in Oct. and again in April, completely different location. There was only 8oz. difference in her weight even though she was full of eggs. The first time I caught her she was 19in. the last time she was 23in. 

I think the odds of catching the same fish more than once are in direct correlation to size of the lake. A lake I fish more frequently is close to 1000 acres and I've yet to catch the same fish, as far as I can tell, more than once.

 

 

[softwateronly]

@Fried Lemons I'm pretty sure this isn't scientifically accurate, but fish number 3 has a lateral line pattern that looks very FLMB to me.  The ones up here never seem to fully break up and show the double diamond pattern.  Basically I'm hoping to see the April 2026 pic of the DD.

 

scott

[Fried Lemons]

1 hour ago, papajoe222 said:

Years ago I did an unauthorized tagging of big bass in my club's waters. There's maybe 80 acres of water in those pits. Not only did I catch the same fish on multiple occasions, the location was within ten yards of the previous catch during the same season of the year. One year, I caught the same fish in Oct. and again in April, completely different location. There was only 8oz. difference in her weight even though she was full of eggs. The first time I caught her she was 19in. the last time she was 23in. 

I think the odds of catching the same fish more than once are in direct correlation to size of the lake. A lake I fish more frequently is close to 1000 acres and I've yet to catch the same fish, as far as I can tell, more than once.

 

 

Small lake definitely increases the odds. However I do have some anecdotal evidence that big fish are creatures of habit. The first fish came from the same water inflow pipe during a high water period both times. The third fish came off the same tree both times. I know of a 9lber from a nearby lake that was caught three times in the last 2 years off the same spot as well.

[Team9nine]

I have photo documented catching the same 5 pound bass (give or take depending on time and condition) from a small pond 14 times between March 2020 and July 2023. Likely a few big fish I lost there over the years was the same one, too - wouldn't surprise me. No telling how many times someone else might have caught her, either. Your comment about not as many big fish in some waters as we think is interesting and probably not far off. The smaller the body of water, I would think the less likely it can support any kind of numbers of big fish. Some of these little waters might only house one or two dominant fish in them. 

[Swamp Girl]

Great thread. Thanks for starting it, @Fried Lemons.

[Logan S]

Many years back I caught a 6-3 in a CWR tournament and a buddy of mine also caught a 6-3. After weigh in we joked it was the same fish, then got to talking...Same point, same depth, same bait - about 3 hours apart.  Compared pics and sure enough, same fish.  It was July, so it wasn't a bed fish situation, fish was in about 18' of water and we both caught it on a 1/2oz jig on the end of a popular point.  We both tied for lunker in that tournament and funny enough it held up all year so we also tied for the lunker-of-year award that season 😄.

 

I think it happens more than we realize.  Its one of several reasons I consider CWR tournaments fundamentally different than traditional tournaments.  

[Fishing_Rod]

Greetings All,

The thought of repeat catches is interesting for sure. My personal experience this topic is limited but I'll share. When the regional weather is too windy to be on the water I'll seek alternate angling destinations such as the urban lakes / ponds where shore fishing is the alternative.

 

At one of the urban lakes there are rock features that typically hold bass and a properly presented soft plastic will do the job at this popular location. I recall catching a young adult bass with a unique busted right side jaw. During the three consecutive weekends I managed to find this fish in a 10 meter area. While not deliberately seeking it out, I was gratified to find it for each of those times.

The second time I caught it encouraged me to realize why it is important to respect and handle with care.

 

Be well, Cheers!

[bassmedic46]

Great Thread, I’m not sure if I’ve caught the same fish. I bank fish on a small pond. Will pay more attention now. 

[Swamp Girl]

On 1/27/2025 at 10:29 AM, Fishing_Rod said:

The second time I caught it encouraged me to realize why it is important to respect and handle with care.

 

Amen!

[Bluebasser86]

I caught this 7 1/4lb fish twice in three weeks, her weight only changed a few ounces and she only moved about 50 yards. Blind in her left eye and missing a chunk from the top of her tail.

First time on a shakyhead and mag finesse worm, first week of January '21

Second time the 3rd week of January '21 on a crankbait.

 

 

[Bazoo]

Interesting thread. I have undoubtedly caught the same fish multiple times from a pond I fish. Who knows from the city lake a I fish.

 

I was fishing down at the river one day and a guy there described catching a small mouth with a bump on his lip. I had caught the same fish a couple days prior and happened to have a photograph on the phone. I showed him and he confirmed it was the same fish.