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The Big Deal About Bass
By Russell A. Graves
In mythology, it is said that Helen of Troy was the face that launched 1,000 ships. In reality, however, it is the face of the largemouth that’s launched millions of bass boats.
There’s no mistaking it: largemouth bass are the nation’s most popular game fish. At the heart of a multi-billion dollar freshwater fishing industry, largemouth bass are the ultimate prize. More dollars are spent on managing the fish, chasing the fish, and dreaming about the fish than any other species in the United States. Second place isn’t even close.
According to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, over 160 million days are spent bass fishing each year. Crappie (a distant, second place rival) accounts for about 95 million fishing days. That intense interest in a game species puts the largemouth on par with other game animals.
“In Texas, the appeal of largemouth bass to freshwater anglers is what the white-tailed deer is to our hunters,” says Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Professor and Extension Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist for Texas Agrilife. “In our private waters, the largemouth bass is the apex predator sitting atop the aquatic food chain. Its appeal is evident to many anglers whether they fish with heavy tackle, ultralights or flyfishing gear, from the bank, wade fishing or via kayak or boat.”
What’s the fuss?
“Largemouth bass are a big deal south of the Mason-Dixon Line because they are considered the ‘bully of the waterways,’” says Bob Lusk, renowned fish biologist and private water consultant from Whitesboro, Texas. “They are a big deal because, where they thrive, they are usually the top end predator. Anglers love to do battle with a largemouth bass because they know when they tie into one, there will be a fight. It will be a fight between a man and a beast, in the beast’s environment.”
Each cast thrown is one that’s shrouded in a bit of mystery. When a lure plunks in the water, it may be just the cast that brings a big one from the deep. Until you get it landed, you’re really not sure how big it is.
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To read more pick up a copy of the May 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Krista Lucas Wynn
Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tony Dean
Snow on the Mountain is an annual forb that is part of our landscape almost every year.
It is adapted to most of Texas and grows north to Montana and Minnesota and south to Mexico.
Although is seems to be most adapted to clay soils, this plant can be found on a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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