What we'll fishing for this spring: Largemouth Bass

We will focusing on fishing for both fresh water and salt water fish this spring. At the top of the list for freshwater fish will largemouth bass.

Know for its explosive strikes and exciting leaps, this fish is sought after by millions of freshwater fishermen across the US, including those right here in New York City and the surrounding area.

The fish shown here was caught near New York City on Long Island in a relatively small pond - on a live night crawler worm at about 6:30 AM.

The largemouth bass is the largest member of a family of fish known as black bass, which also include smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass are distinguished from other species by a jaw that extends beyond the eye. All bass belong to the sunfish family, but are different because of their longer body.

Largemouths vary in color depending on the type of water they live in. Bass from clear waters are darker while those from murky water like the lakes in Central Park are pale. All bass have a black lateral band that runs from their head to tail. This lateral line can pick up underwater vibrations like those coming from swimming bait fish. This sense helps bass detect lures even in the murkiest water found in New York City.

Bass can see in all directions except directly below or behind them. They can also see objects that are above water. So in order to avoid spooking them - we recommend that when you fish you wear neutral colored clothes that will blend in with background in the park.