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General Information: Largemouth bass are one of Ohio’s most popular fish and can be caught in ponds, streams, rivers, and nearly all inland lakes and reservoirs. Fishing methods in ponds and reservoirs are fairly similar, whereas those in rivers and streams are not unlike methods for catching smallmouth bass in such areas. These hardy, self-sustaining fish are plentiful among a variety of anglers, and particularly popular among tournament fishermen.
State Record: 13.13 pounds, 25 1/16 inches, Farm Pond
Roy Landsberger, Kensington, Ohio
May 26, 1976
Fish Ohio Length: 21 inches
Tips:
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Fish close to cover in muddy and heavily stained water.
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Retrieve perpendicular to cover.
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Dark color baits work well in the spring and lighter colors in the fall.
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Largemouth bass are often located close to or immediately next to cover after a strong cold front.
Tackle: Medium to heavy baitcasting, spinning, or spincast rods with 8 - 17 pound test line. Rod and reel selection will depend on the type of lures or baits being used.
Regulations: see fishing digest for a variety of regulations throughout the state
Where to go:
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Central
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Northwest
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Northeast
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Southwest
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Southeast
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Resthaven Wildlife Area – Pond 8
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Seasonal Fishing Approaches:
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Summer
(June - mid-September)
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Fall
(mid-September - November)
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Winter
(December - February)
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Peak Activity
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Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
Fair |
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Presentation
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Slow to medium fast pumping action to imitate crawfish movement. Use Jig & Pig, creature baits, lizard or tube baits in blue-black or green pumpkin. |
Baitcast gear- Medium diving crankbaits in firetiger and chartreuse. Spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white. Spinning- drop shot or cast small worms. |
Baitcast gear- Medium diving crankbaits in firetiger and chartreuse. Spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white. Spinning- drop shot or cast small worms. |
Jig & Pig, creature baits, lizard or tube baits in shad or silver hues. White spinnerbaits or silver colored shallow diving crankbaits. |
Vertical jigging spoons and slow retrieve of jig & pig. |
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Location
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Secondary points, brushy areas and stumps. |
Secondary and main lake points with rip rap or hard bottom. |
Look for baitfish. Secondary and main lake points with rip rap or hard bottom. |
Fish location strongly tied to presence of baitfish. Backs of coves and secondary points best. |
Deep points and drops with concentrations of baitfish. |
Return to Go Fish! |