Bass Fishing – The Humble Beginnings of A Popular Sport

Despite its tremendous popularity today, the story of bass fishing is not a particularly old one to the surprise of many. It is a sport associated with the common man and the increase in leisure time has spurred its rise.

Bass are actually members of the Sun Fish family. The term bass is used for several species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky or spotted bass, and several other less common types. They are currently the second most common target of fisherman in the United States. The tale of bass fishing begins in fairly recent times. The decline in trout populations due to pollution and rising water temperatures in the Eastern rivers close to large populations centers led to a search for a replacement species that would better adapt to these conditions.

The bass proved to be a much hardier species and thrived in the trout's former habitat. At the beginning of the 20th Century, there was a wide spread stocking program as bass were grown in fisheries and introduced into rivers and lakes. The practice of stocking continued westward and bass especially seem to thrive in the warm waters of the south. Whereas fly fishing was often seen as the choice of the "Gentleman Angler", bass fishing was, from the beginning, the sport of the common man. This association has remained to this day despite rich tournaments and expensive bass boats.

In the days following World War II, there was a sport fishing boom in the United States and bass fishing began to become even more popular. Technology was largely responsible as new materials made possible new types of fishing line, and fishing rods and reels. The popularity of the flat bottomed Jon boat led to the development of a very unique type of fishing boat with a relatively flat bottom and a powerful engine. The new boat style was called a bass boat because it was ideal for pursuing this fish in it new habitats.

Another spur to the growth of bass fishing was the tournament. Bass tournaments began modestly, but soon a professional fishing circuit developed and such events as the Bass Masters Classic began to attract a dedicated following. The media helped as outdoors shows on television spread the techniques and captured the thrill of bass fishing. From the very beginning, there was a strong push to use "catch and release" fishing. Tournaments penalized fisherman for dead fish, and all fish were carefully returned to the water. Bass fishing was something done mostly for sport as opposed to putting fish in the frying pan.

The catch and release mentality has led to an increase in bass populations in many impoundments. This has come despite tremendous fishing pressure. The increase is not totally a good thing as overpopulation has led to smaller and smaller fish as the competition for food increased, but slot limit programs which remove fish of a certain size are helping to bring the populations back to ideal levels. Bass fishing is a very American sport. It is one of the few fishing methods that does not owe its origins to England or Europe.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about hunting and fishing for HuntingandFishingStores.com.