Fishing for Sea Bass - History of Bass Fishing in United States

Fishing for sea bass is a favorite activity among anglers in North America. Bass is in fact a name that is shared by many different species of popular game fish and includes both freshwater and marine species. The most well known basses are temperate basses and black basses, which are actually colloquial terms. Striped bass and white bass are temperate basses while largemouth, smallmouth and spotted basses are categorized as sea basses. Fishing for sea bass has emerged as one of the major sports under recreational fishing. The popularity of fishing for sea bass can be gauged from the fact that the black bass is the second most sought after game fish. Most of the development of fishing for sea bass has been independent of angling developments in Europe. In the 19th century, with the expansion of the railroad network a large number of ‘tank’ ponds were built by damming creeks that intersecting rail tracks for providing water for the steam engines. The black bass was hardy fish that could be transported in buckets and the sea bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, moved from its natural habitat to lakes and rivers. Largemouth bass was introduced in ‘tank’ ponds and over time more impoundments were made to accommodate the species to promote commercial use. Smallmouth bass was introduced in northern rivers as they had become too warm for the native trout due to rapid industrialization. Slowly, fishing for sea bass became a popular sport with anglers like Charley Soares.

Fishing for sea bass became an institution in its own right in early 20th Century. The artificial fly and fly fishing tackle had outlived its utility and bass fishing came to be dominated by bait casting rod and reel. In late 50s and early 60s the development of specific angling tools helped in increasing angler success.

Specific tools for bass fishing include monofilament nylon fishing lines, fiberglass and graphite composite fishing rod, electric trolling motor, fish finders and artificial lures and baits. Having lived on the east coast Charley Soares has made it his life’s mission to promote healthy fishing practices among anglers fishing for sea bass.

Popularity of recreational fishing for sea bass and the concept of catch and release have led to overpopulation of sea bass in many places. However, some other species can be mistaken for sea bass. Black sea bass has a basic color of dark brown or black. The dorsal fin has stripes of white on black.

Even with latest tools meant specifically for it, bass fishing has certain elaborations. Without proper understanding of bass behavior it may be too difficult to locate sea bass as it is a structure loving fish. Charley Soares is an expert and his books, lectures and seminars can be of great help while fishing for sea bass.