Florida Largemouth Bass Habitat
Largemouths thrive in a variety of habitats, and even with it’s distribution increasing because of introduction to countries around the world, those habitats have not changed.
The Florida Largemouth Bass is not very different to other bass species, related or not, in the habitat that it seeks.
They are always surrounded by some sort of structure such as drowned brush piles, logs, stumps, old creek beds, changes in bottom formations, ledges, submerged islands, deep points, docks, bridge supports, etc.
Florida Largemouth bass are attracted to irregular objects ranging from changes in bottom composition to uncharacteristic underwater formations. They especially like structures that offer shade and security.
“You may find structure without bass, but you will never find bass without structure.” quoted by many anglers
The only time you will find the Florida Largemouth away from structure is at night as they more freely roam their surroundings.
Hydrilla
The Hydrilla is an invasive plant to Florida. The plant was released into the Florida waterways in the 1960s and has spread considerably over the past 50 years. Unfortunately it’s spread throughout much of the North American waterways. Waterways are being clogged causing reduced water flow and adversely affecting waterflow in reservoirs.
There are many anglers who consider the thick dense perennial weed to be a major plus for the Florida Largemouth Bass. We looked into this possibility and while there is evidence to support this theory, it’s not complete and is flawed.
Some areas do benefit the Florida Largemouth, but many other areas suffer as the plant exceeds 30% coverage.
Electronic Equipment
Electronic equipment such as sonar, is helpful for finding underwater formations likely to attract large concentrations of fish. Other fishing hot spots include brush piles and other underwater structures.
Remember, structure means object, and the more irregular the object, the greater the potential of the object to attract, and hold, legions of Florida Largemouth Bass.
When fishing deep water conditions, or in water not so clear, usually sonar devices are a great help.
However when dealing with Hydrilla sonar may prove to be ineffective as the dense plant will create sonar shadows and prove ineffective in high densities.
The best approach to use when fishing in highly dense Hydrilla areas is to look for paths in the water ways.
You’re likely to find the bass in these areas of less dense Hydrilla.