Moving Bass Around — Negative Impacts of Hybridization Between Species
Mike Tringali
Fisheries Geneticist, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionAll Black Bass Species Interbreed. So What? — Yes, all black basses are capable of interbreeding and hybridizing with each other to produce fertile offspring. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem because bass species have adapted over time to different habitats and have segregated themselves accordingly. Serious consequences occur, however, when they are taken from their native… (Read More)
The Importance of Watershed Conservation to Healthy Black Bass Populations in Rivers and Streams
Tim Birdsong
Chief of Habitat Conservation, Inland Fisheries Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentAlthough the majority of Americans live within a mile of a river or stream, many do not fully recognize the important role that rivers and streams play in maintaining quality of life for their communities. Healthy, naturally functioning rivers and streams provide clean drinking water, flood abatement, habitats for fish and wildlife, paddling, fishing and other recreational… (Read More)
An Understanding of the Biology, Ecology and Life History of Black Bass Species — Why Do We Care?
James M. Long, Ph.D.
Research Fishery Biology, U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitAlthough it has been said that all men are created equal, this does not hold when speaking of black bass. There are currently nine species of black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Florida, Suwannee, redeye, shoal, Alabama, and Guadalupe), and there are even more proposed for species status. Knowing the differences among the species is important… (Read More)
Black Bass Science
Joe E. Slaughter, IV
Fisheries Biologist, Georgia Power CompanyIn February of 1975, a group of managers and scientists got together in Tulsa, Oklahoma to talk about the management of black basses. At the time, there were only six species recognized by scientists (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, redeye, Suwannee, and Guadalupe), and the intent of that meeting was to improve bass management in order to enhance bass fishing. The vast majority of… (Read More)