Bass Species Overview

Collectively, bass are some of the most pursued fish on the planet, with the primary targets being largemouth, spotted, whitebass and striped bass. They are freshwater fish that live in many different types of habitats: lakes, ponds, streams, reservoirs, marshes and swamps. Some can even tolerate salt and brackish water. There are two main groups, the black bass (largemouth and spotted) and the true basses (striped, white and hybrid striped).

They are pursued for their edibility, but more importantly for the sheer fun of the sport. A catch and release tradition has developed for most bass fishermen, though biologist urge anglers to eat all they want within the limits because angler retention is a calculated management tool. It is the accessibility of bass fishing that makes it so popular and this helps drive the staggering numbers of people who participate in bass fishing.

Louisiana has an amazing amount of freshwater draining down through the state. The LDWF takes and active role in not only managing natural stocks of bass, but they also hatchery-raise millions of bass to be released throughout the state. Many big name tournaments are held in Louisiana because of the incredible fishing here. Come see for yourself and tap into Louisiana's rich freshwater fishing opportunities.