Bass-tastic! Top 5 Bass Fishing States
Bass fishing is one of the most popular and exciting outdoor activities in the United States. Bass are found in almost every state, but some states offer better opportunities than others for catching these hard-fighting fish. Whether you are looking for largemouth, smallmouth, or striped bass, you will find plenty of options in these top 5 states to bass fish in.
1. Texas Bass Fishing
Texas is a huge state with a huge variety of bass fishing lakes. From the legendary Lake Fork, where you can catch trophy largemouths over 10 pounds, to Lake Texoma, where you can catch monster striped bass over 20 pounds, Texas has something for every bass angler. Texas also has some of the best spotted bass fishing in the country on lakes like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and O.H. Ivie. Texas bass are known for their size and aggressiveness, so be prepared for some epic battles.
| State Record Largemouth | State Record Smallmouth | State Record Spotted Bass | State Record Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.18 lbs | 7.93 lbs | 5.56 lbs | 35.12 lbs |
Most Popular Bass Fishing Spot: Lake Fork
Types of Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped
Average Bass Weight: 3-5 lbs
Other Texas Bass Fishing Lakes
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir
- Lake Travis
- Lake Conroe
- Lake Palestine
2. Alabama Bass Fishing
Alabama is another state that boasts some of the best bass fishing in the country. Alabama is home to Lake Guntersville, one of the most famous and productive bass lakes in the world. Lake Guntersville regularly produces largemouths over 10 pounds and hosts many professional tournaments every year. Alabama also has some of the best spotted bass fishing in the country on the Coosa and Alabama Rivers, where you can catch spots over 7 pounds. Alabama also has some great smallmouth fishing on lakes like Pickwick, Wilson, and Wheeler.
| State Record Largemouth | State Record Smallmouth | State Record Spotted Bass | State Record Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.5 lbs | 10.5 lbs | 8.27 lbs | 69.9 lbs |
Most Popular Bass Fishing Spot: Lake Guntersville
Types of Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped
Average Bass Weight: 2-4 lbs
Other Alabama Bass Fishing Lakes
- The Tennessee River
- Wheeler Lake
- Pickwick Lake
3. Michigan Bass Fishing
Michigan may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of bass fishing, but it should be. Michigan has access to four of the five Great Lakes, which offer some of the best smallmouth fishing in the country. Lake Erie, in particular, is a smallmouth paradise, where you can catch bronzebacks over 6 pounds on a regular basis. Michigan also has thousands of inland lakes, rivers, and streams that hold largemouths and spotted bass. Michigan bass are known for their fight and their beauty, as they often have vivid colors and markings.
| State Record Largemouth | State Record Smallmouth | State Record Spotted Bass | State Record Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.94 lbs | 9.98 lbs | 3.75 lbs | N/A |
Most Popular Bass Fishing Spot: Lake Erie
Types of Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted
Average Bass Weight: 2-3 lbs
Other Michigan Bass Fishing Lakes
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Huron
- Lake Erie
- Lake St. Clair
- Saginaw Bay
4. Florida Bass Fishing
Florida is the ultimate destination for big bass hunters. Florida is where the world record largemouth bass was caught by George Perry in 1932, weighing a whopping 22 pounds and 4 ounces. Florida still holds the potential to produce another world record bass, as many lakes have abundant forage and warm water year-round. Florida also has some excellent peacock bass fishing in South Florida, where you can catch these exotic and colorful fish that were introduced from South America.
| State Record Largemouth | State Record Peacock Bass |
|---|---|
| 22.4 lbs | 9.08 lbs |
Most Popular Bass Fishing Spot: Lake Okeechobee
Types of Bass: Largemouth, Peacock
Average Bass Weight: 4-6 lbs
Other Florida Bass Fishing Lakes
- Lake Okeechobee
- The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
- The St. Johns River
- Lake Seminole
- Lake George
5. Georgia Bass Fishing
Georgia is the state where the world record largemouth bass was caught by George Perry in 1932, weighing a whopping 22 pounds and 4 ounces. That record still stands today, and Georgia still has the potential to produce another world record bass. Georgia has many lakes that offer excellent bass fishing, such as Lake Lanier, Lake Seminole, Lake Oconee, and Lake Sinclair. Georgia also has some great river fishing for shoal bass on the Flint River and for spotted bass on the Chattahoochee River.
| State Record Largemouth | State Record Smallmouth | State Record Spotted Bass | State Record Shoal Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.4 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 8.2 lbs | 8.3 lbs |
Most Popular Bass Fishing Spot: Lake Lanier
Types of Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Shoal
Average Bass Weight: 2-4 lbs
Other Georgia Bass Fishing Lakes
- Lake Lanier
- Lake Hartwell
- Lake Oconee
- Lake Sinclair
- Lake Allatoona
Conclusion
Bass fishing is a fun and rewarding sport that can be enjoyed in many states across the country. However, some states stand out for their quality and quantity of bass fishing opportunities. Texas, Alabama, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia are among the top 5 states to bass fish in, offering a variety of bass species, sizes, and habitats. Whether you are looking for a trophy fish or a relaxing day on the water, you will find it in one of these states.
