Spawning Largemouth bass breeders can be collected from wild sources or purchased from commercial pro-ducers. Wild fish will usually spawn during the first year of captivity but may not be as dependable as bass adequately fed in culture ponds. A thick tail, relatively small head and chunky appearance indicate good body condition. Good condition isessential because spawning and nest protection for several weeks without food is severely stressful. Broodfish commonly lose 10 to 30 percent of their body weight during this period.
Adequate food is essential, when the eggs are developing in the fall prior to spring spawning.
About 3 pounds of live forage per pound of body weight is needed for annual maintenance and 5 pounds is needed for growth. Bass will eat almost any fish that they can swallow but tilapia, goldfish and carps are commonly used because they can be produced in larger quantities at lower cost. Tilapia cost less to produce and don't normally transmit parasites but are not as available in the winter and spring. Contrary to popular myth, broodfish held in impoundments that can't be seined can be collected by electro-fishing without causing reproductive damage. Sexing is easiest in early spring prior to spawning.