A good bass net should measure at least 17 to 20 inches and be able to hold fish of at least 5 pounds. Landing your bass with a net is both safe and great for fish care, which is especially important when catch-and-release fishing for bass.
When fishing for clear water smallmouths, always keep things natural! Use baits that look and move like the bass’ local forage, and stick to deeper, darker water and shallower areas with heavy cover.
Smallmouth bass mainly prey on small fish like minnows, shads, and chubs. They also love to eat crayfish, insects, and tadpoles. Cannibalism among juvenile and adult fish is common in waters with low food abundance and high competition from other predators.
If you’re unfamiliar with these bass grounds and don’t know the best hot spots for Florida bass, heading out with a local fishing guide can be an excellent idea.
While the average size of most peacock bass in Florida is between 12 and 17 inches and 1 to 3 pounds, this fish can reach a maximum size of approximately 28 inches and 15 pounds. Florida peacocks are, however, somewhat smaller.
While striped bass have an average size of about 25 to 35 inches and 10 to 20lb, they can reach a maximum length of up to 60 inches and a maximum weight of about 120lb. A trophy striper starts at a weight of around 20 to 30lb.