Black Bass in Lake Chapala

So it is true, there are Black Bass in this lake. My friend went out with some guides last week and caught a few right in front of the Chapala malecon.

The second pic looks like a Florida Largemouth Bass to me. I've never seen a black bass but the fish in the first pic's fins and coloring look different?  Hummm, guess I will have to go with them all being largemouth bass. Which, if they are, could mean mucho dinero for lakeside.

I remember reading an article a few years back and they had stocked 500,000 Florida black bass in the lake

They look like the same bass that come out of Agua Milpa which as far as I know are black bass.

Maybe it is time to bring your boat here elgringo!!!

Can you share the name of the guides?

I sure will as soon as I get the info from my friend. It understand he is also taking them to the Ajijic Fishing Club meeting at Dona Lola restaurant at 9:00am on Monday.

The fish shown are Micropterus salmoides Lacépède, 1802 (Largemouth black bass).

It is the same fish that Teddy Roosevelt introduced into Lago Atitlan, Guatemala that decimated the local fish population.

Thanks to senora Google and a quick read apparently all fresh water bass are in the black bass family. I think there are about 8 types with the Florida being the largest to the smallest being about perch size. In the above pics the fish Chris is holding has different fin details than the second fish. I would bet Pedro's reputation that the second fish is a Large mouth.

Sounds like it's time to get a boat.

CanuckBob wrote:Sounds like it's time to get a boat.

You bet, and some gear. I'm wondering if those few guys caught so many bass in one day there must be a ton of them out there. Which begs the question, Are the gill netters getting any? Has anyone one seen any bass at the fish mongers?

If you need bass gear the best place is De Todo Para La Pesca in Guadalajara.

http://detodoparalapesca.com/

And remember as soon as you step into a boat anywhere in Mexico (fresh & salt) you need a fishing license.

You can get one on-line here: http://www.bajasursportfishing.com/

Bass are notorious for preying on the fry of other fish in the same lake.

Bass are notorious for preying on fry, juvenile, adult, including their own, and any other insect or thing that swims in their waters. If they can possibly stuff it in their mouth they will swallow it. In the states it is illegal to fish for Large Mouth Bass with any kind of live bait. ('cause it ain't fair) It's also the reason why the L.M bass are the biggest. In the states it's is a multi billion dollar annual sport. And with a little management it could be that way here too.

Just picture it. The line up on the weekends at local marinas. The fighting for the best fishing spots on the lake.
Not to mention the already over burdened traffic.

Gamina wrote:Bass are notorious for preying on the fry of other fish in the same lake.

Good point Gamina and the fear is they would wipe out the the stocks of existing fish. The fact is large mouth bass live in every lake in the states and have never wiped anything out. They just happen to be the baddest boy on the block. If the fishermen here raised bass like they do talipia they would have much larger market and more profitable. The bass are prolific, grow fast and compared to talipia much tastier.

Hello all,

My wife and I are coming down in December. I’d love to get a halfday of largemouth bass fishing. How can I pull that off??

Thanks everyone

David Rodwell

I know nothing about freshwater fish but I have a question.. do you guys eat black bass?
I once had a Chinese housekeeper who fixed me a delicious fish dinner with something called mung chow.. or something like that, the fishmongers told me it was black bass but their English was iff so I am wondering if the black bass can be eaten and if they are good.

A firm, white , light tasting flesh. Great any way you prepare it.

SunFan

yes that is what google says but fish is one of those whose names can be very confusing and there are differnces between the area.. Do people eat it here? If there are so many in the lake and it is good eating why don t we see them at the tianguis?

Firstly the bass live under the lirio where the nets can't get them. Secondly I understand the locals don't like eating them. Why? I have no idea.

The bass definitely like structure and cover. When possible they prefer easy access to deeper water for safety. Probably not an issue with you. They love to hide under docks, weeds (lirio) and fallen trees. They will hang on the shadow side of most anything.

I will be there in December but it looks like fishing is not on the menu.

Give me a call, great bass fishing in chapala, this was caught today

What's your number and what is your rate?

Are they good eating? What about toxicity, are they bottom feeders?