The tournament fish. Ambush predator of the vegetation.
SIZE
12–20 in
MAX
25+ in
WEIGHT
Up to 15+ lbs
HABITAT
LakesReservoirsPondsRivers
Weed edges, timber, dock pilings, creek arms.
DIET
Bluegill, shad, crawfish, frogs, small mammals if desperate.
BEST BAITS
Plastic worms · Jig & craw · Topwater frogs
SEASONAL PATTERN
BEST🌱SPRING
☀️SUMMER
🍂FALL
❄️WINTER
Summer: Deep structure at dawn, shade at noon.
ANGLER INTEL · RIGHT NOWWORTH THE TRIP
DEPTH
10–18 ft
shade lines & points
TIMING
Dawn & last light only
TOP LURE · LURE
Jig & craw
moderate conditions — work the cover
TACKLE
Medium-heavy baitcaster, 14–20 lb line
TECHNIQUE · Deep crankbait on ledges at dawn
ANGLER STATS
SPAWN 60–75°F
BITE
82
FIGHT
88
STEALTH
55
FUN FACT
A guarded bass nest is so ingrained that a male will charge a bait fifteen times before eating it. Sight-fishing the spawn is equal parts aim and patience.
STATUS
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae
PFG SIGNAL · EST80°F · Lake Chicot● GO 75
YOUR CARD · ACTIONSNOT YET COLLECTED
🪪 ID marks
Upper jaw extends past eye
Broken lateral stripe
Olive-green body
💡 Tips
Flip the thickest cover
Slow down in cold water
Target the shade line
🌙 Lunar profile
MEDIUM Lunar ImpactBest phases: Full Moon
☀️ Daytime
Cover-oriented (laydowns, docks, vegetation). Moderate lunar influence; spawn timing and temperature outweigh lunar cycles.
🌙 Nighttime
Some topwater activity near Full Moon. Black or dark lures along weed edges and dock perimeters.
🔗 Source: Lukas & Sass 2011 — telemetry study showing limited but present lunar correlation
Regulations
Always verify current rules at agfc.com before keeping fish.