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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 Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas area is located within USDA Hardiness zones seven and eight. The zones are categorized by predicted low temperatures for winter and timing of the first and last frosts.
Zone seven usually has winter low temps between 0 and 10 degrees F with the average date of the first frost falling between Oct. 29 and Nov. 15 and the average date of the last frost falling between March 22 and April 3.
Overall, these two zones have similar climates and growing conditions, making the options for timing and variety within a garden very similar.
In these zones, cool-season crops should go in the ground in March, meaning that soil preparation should start now.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Lloyd
Vaccinations are a critical component of maintaining the health and well-being of horses, especially in environments where they are exposed to other animals, such as in the sport, show and performance arenas. Horses, like all animals, are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can spread quickly and cause serious harm.
A routine vaccination schedule helps prevent the spread of these diseases by preparing the horse’s immune system.
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.
Having herds on a controlled breeding schedule means that we have a predictable calving schedule, and while it’s only over a couple of months, for us it does fall right after the start of the year. I lobby annually to call ours the “Winter calving season”, but I am outvoted and my husband still refers to it as Spring. Unlike producers in our Northern States, we don’t have to contend with brutally harsh winter weather, and on those rare times we do, thankfully it is not for extended periods. Regardless of whether you have a Spring or a Fall calving schedule, the health of a newborn calf begins with the mother’s health, and the mother’s health is largely dependent on the producer.
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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