The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater gamefish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.
Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn.
Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. The best live bait is a golden shiner, fished under a float or free-lined. The plastic worm is the most dependable artificial bait for largemouth bass. Most plastic worms are worked slowly along the bottom or through cover by raising the rod tip a few feet, then allowing the worm to sink. The line should be kept fairly tight to feel the strike.