Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Tiger Bass a Beast on Steroids

I am kind of behind on my blogging lately. This past week I have been helping one my fishing buddies stock a new lake that has been built about 15 miles from my home. When I say new lake this is probably more of a large pond. It is about 30 areas with depths of 30 to 40 feet in the deepest area. There is plenty of cover throughout the lake and the Alabama Game and Fish has been extremely helpful in letting the owner know the correct number of species of fish to get the lake fish friendly. I thought 50,000 bluegill was a bit much when it came to perch in the lake but the Game and Fish said that one can never have enough feed fish in a lake when you are dealing with predator fish such as the largemouth bass. The particular bass I am referring to here is the Tiger Bass which grows at a tremendous rate and has a very aggressive attitude. This fish can gain as much as 2 lbs per year in a well managed lake. I have talked to individuals who have fished for and landed the Tiger Bass and they compare it to a smallmouth on steroids. Think about the fight on a 6 or 7 wt. fly rod. I am glad that I will have access to this hot lake in about two years. Who knows guys I may do a post in future years that could have a trophy Tiger Bass image attached.  

20 comments:

  1. That sounds like a fun project. How was the lake constructed? I've always wanted to have my own pond and manage all the fish and forage. Some periodic updates on the progress of the lake would be nice.

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  2. Thats's an impressive fish.
    Two pounds a year, wow.

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  3. You promise to take me with you when you go?

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  4. Jeff
    Jeff
    The lake is wider than it is long. I forgot to mention in my post that the lake is constantly feed with live springs. The springs produce enough water to give a constant flow to the lake all time. A 30” pipe running out at the base of the huge dam lets water flow constant. That 30” pipe extends back up on the other side of the dam through the water surface about 2 ft. It can be regulated to control the flow below the dam. Another great factor here is the creek below the dam can be stocked with trout. The Game and Fish are looking into that for the future. I suggested stocking the lake itself with browns and rainbow since it has the springs running into it at two different locations. They are going to get back to us next week with a report as far as the trout stocking is concerned. I can’t wait for this place to get right in a couple of years. Another thing I forgot to mention; all the bluegill are Coppernose, which means 2 lb and up on bluegill. I will keep everyone posted as to the progress of the lake. Thanks for the comment

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  5. Brk
    These bass look a lot like a Spot--but much more aggressive. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Jay
    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of this trip is this---
    The good I will take you
    The Bad we have to wait two years
    and finally the ugly they turn a popper into an ugly mess, so have a supply. Their teeth are sharper than a traditional bass.

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  7. Sure I'll come check it out... wait was this an invite? =)

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  8. What a fun project. Sounds like you're chomping at the bit in anticipation.

    Mark

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  9. Those Tiger Bass sound like a load of fun, especially if they are like a smallie on steroids and your fighting them on a fly rod! I can say I am extremely jealous Bill! Tight Lines!

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  10. Kevin
    So Kevin you are another fisherman on the two year waiting list. Thanks for the comment

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  11. Mark
    The bass is only one species here, the Coppernose bluegill are awesome on the fly. They can get to be 2lbs in a hurry. Thanks for the comment

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  12. Brian
    I have never landed a Tiger Bass. As stated the are well worth the effort, especially on the fly. Thanks for the commnet

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  13. If there is a 2 year waiting list I better get my name in now.

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  14. Maybe someone can chime in on this: All the bass I have caught have been a solid gold color, but the bass I see in others photos and videos are greenish and or barred. Why is this?

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  15. This sounds like you guys will have a lot of fun working on this thing. I can't wait to see one of these Bass!

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  16. Jeff
    There is a 2 year waiting period because the bass will be a little over 2 lbs by then. 3 years you are looking at over 6 lbs. The Game and Fish said this lake will produce bass in the 12 to 15 range in 7 years.

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  17. Sanders
    A Doctor owns the land where the lake is being built which is about 2000 acres. He is the one who is putting the money into this project. One of my fishing buddies knows him really well and the Dr. appointed Jeff my buddy to handle all the preps to get the lake fish ready. Jeff wanted me to help him out. I fish another lake on the property with Jeff which means I have access to the area. I am really enjoying working on this with him. Thanks for the comment

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  18. Fowl
    My guess is the gold bass have spent a lot more time in shallow water as opposed to the dark green bass that have spent more time in deeper water---I am only guessing here but might be something to this theory. Thanks for the comment

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  19. tiger bass, looking forward to an update on the new secret honey hole down the road

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  20. Blake
    We will find out in about two years if everything works out. Thanks for the comment

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