Phenomenal Growth Rates of Largemouth Black Bass in Louisiana Waters

Abstract

Reported growth-rate studies show that largemouth black bass grow faster in the South than in the North. Southern fish make their fastest growth in length during their first year, northern fish during their second year. Fish in virgin waters grow faster than fish in more mature waters. A specimen taken from a newly dug borrow pit in Louisiana grew at the average rate of 2.5 ounces per month. The rates of growth of various fast-growing individuals reared in captivity at the Louisiana fisheries stations as well as some northern records are given. The largest increment in a first-year Louisiana fish was 7 ounces per month during a 4-month period and in a second-year fish, 8 ounces per month during a 7-month period.