Largemouth Bass: 7 Facts About Georgia's Official State Fish

The state of Georgia shares its official fish, the largemouth bass, with neighbors in Tennessee, Alabama, and nearby Mississippi. Anglers fishing in Georgia can enjoy many spots for seeking this popular game and trophy fish.

"Do you want to fish big reservoirs? There are lots of choices. Prefer river fishing? No problem. Or would you like to go to some smaller lakes managed for fishing where there are no pleasure boaters and it is much more peaceful? Our public fishing areas are all over the state," says Game and Fish magazine.

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Before heading out fishing for largemouth bass, consider these facts:

1. Bass, including the largemouth, are a favorite of fishermen and women seeking a challenge. They are famous for the way they attach a lure and tug the line. The fish are noted for their airborne antics while they give a good fight to stay in the water.

2. Bait options include worms, small frogs, and small fish such as minnows and golden shiners. Live bait is a great alternative to artificial lures, especially during temperature extremes in summer and winter. Water-top poppers can also help get the attention of sluggish fish.

3. Location, location, location. Largemouth bass can be found around weeds and other water cover. Before heading out, anglers may benefit from studying maps of where they plan to drop line. Notes about fish cribs or sunken objects might be clues for finding bass populations. Consider places the fish might use for shelter.

4. Many sportsmen and women support a catch-and-release attitude for fish over 14 inches. These have the capacity to reproduce and support future fishing.

5. The species is noted for its intelligence. They have been observed learning to avoid certain lures after having survived an experience with that enticement.

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6. Bass can be found in every state in the U.S. except Alaska. They are also seen in many places around the world, including Mexico and Central America.

7. Plans for a bass fishing outing in Georgia can focus on many areas, including several favorites. Consider Lake Seminole on the Florida/Alabama/Georgia border, Lake Thurmond north of Augusta, and the Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area in Floyd County.

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