New Name, Same Fish: Largemouth Bass Are Now Florida Bass
Genetics studies confirmed what many anglers and biologists have believed for a long time – Florida bass are special! Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish has a new name. The American Fisheries Society established the Florida bass as a separate species from the largemouth bass. This means that in most of Florida (except the western Panhandle) what was known as a largemouth bass is now called a Florida bass.
This name change will affect how the fish is referred to in regulations and other communications. However, it will not affect anglers fishing for this iconic freshwater sport fish.
According to the recent research publication by Yale University, the study used advanced genetic analysis and determined Florida bass to be its own species. The research also identified the range of Florida bass to be larger than once believed, including not only Florida, but also parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
The scientific names of these two bass also changed. Largemouth bass, previously Micropterus salmoides, is now the scientific name for Florida bass. Largemouth bass are now Micropterus nigricans.
Understanding and conserving fish species is crucial for sustainable recreational fishing and biodiversity preservation. The classification of species plays a key role in these efforts. Black basses (Micropterus spp.) are well-known freshwater fish and highly popular for recreational fishing. This new understanding of black bass diversity, distribution and classification provides a critical foundation for better managing and conserving these important and iconic fish. It will aid in ensuring their continued conservation and sustainable use for future generations.
To learn more about the Florida bass name change, visit MyFWC.com, click on “Freshwater Fishing,” select “Black Bass Management” and click on “Florida Bass.”
Be On The Lookout For Divers-Down Flags
Boaters and divers: practice safe boating and diving habits by maintaining 360-degree awareness and adhering to all divers-down flag regulations.
Divers-down flags and buoys are crucial warning devices used by divers and dive vessels to signal the presence of divers in the water. These devices must feature a divers-down symbol — a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe — and must be prominently displayed whenever divers are wholly or partially submerged and using a face mask, snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.
“When navigating near a divers-down flag, boaters must operate at idle speed within 300 feet in open water or within 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “And divers need to stay within 300 feet of their properly displayed flags on open water and 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels.”
The divers-down symbol must measure at least 12 x 12 inches when displayed from the water, and at least 20 x 24 inches when displayed from a vessel, positioned at the highest point to maximize visibility. Flags must be constructed to remain fully unfurled, even in calm conditions, while buoys must display the symbol on each of their flat sides.
“In the summertime there is a lot going on out there and these regulations are important for divers to remember whether they are diving for scallops in north Florida, lobster in south Florida or recreationally throughout the state,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Vessel operators should be aware of what is going on around them at all times and be on the lookout for divers-down flags nearby. It’s also good to remember to take the dive flag down and wear a life jacket while underway. This is not just responsible boating and ensuring the safety of divers and the boating public – it’s also the law.”
Every year, the FWC responds to incidents where a diver was struck, injured or killed by a vessel. Working together, vessel operators and divers can each play a part in preventing tragedy on the water this summer.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/boating, click on “Boating Regulations,” and select “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
Boating violations may be reported anonymously to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the location and violation.
The Emerald Coast Poker Run, August 9-10
Get ready to make waves for a great cause at the Emerald Coast Poker Run! Whether you’re cruising in a powerboat or soaking in the excitement from shore, this event is your chance to be part of something truly impactful.
For over 25 years, the Emerald Coast Poker Run has been a beacon of hope for children in our community, raising over $2.5 million to support local youth charities. This volunteer-driven initiative ensures that every dollar raised goes directly to those who need it most – our kids.
By participating, you’re not only enjoying an exhilarating weekend filled with poker, parties, and prizes, but you’re also contributing to a brighter future for Northwest Florida’s youth.
Choose Your Experience:
VIP Package ($349):
2 Poker Hands for the Grand Prize
Entry for 2 to the Poker Run Party with Preferred VIP Area, Buffet & Open Bar
Entry for 2 to the Captain’s Party with Buffet & Open Bar
2 Event T-shirts
Weekend Stay at the IP Casino, Biloxi, MS
ECF Ambassador Package ($449):
Everything in the VIP Package, plus:
Weekend Stay (2 nights) at the IP Casino, Biloxi, MS
1 Ticket to the Emerald Coast Drawdown for a chance to win $10,000
2 Entries to the 2024 New Year’s Day Pelican Plunge
Can’t Make the Run? Join Us for the Party!
Party Tickets Available at $95 each, including entry to the Poker Run and Captain’s Parties
Together, we can make a difference!
https://emeraldcoastpokerrun.com/register-now
Catch the Next State Record Bass In Florida, Follow These Steps
Be prepared if you catch a bass large enough to be the new state record.
This is what a lucky angler needs to do when they reel in a potential catch of a lifetime:
Contact the FWC: To properly certify a new Florida state record freshwater fish, the angler must contact the FWC via an online form or by calling an FWC regional office listed on the FWC website (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). An FWC biologist must confirm the fish species and potential record weight.
Obtain certified weight: To establish a new record, an FWC employee must witness the fish being weighed on a certified scale. Staff will provide directions on how to best accomplish this.
Once an angler contacts the FWC, a biologist will coordinate to provide direction on how to best work through the certification process. False alarms are common! Be prepared to provide a photo of the entire fish on a scale with the weight legible when possible.
The current state record bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, anglers and biologists alike are asking when the next state record will show up based on recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch citizen-science program.
You do not need to reel in a state record to earn recognition for your trophy-sized bass catches! Participate in FWC’s TrophyCatch program and win prizes for catching and releasing bass 8 pounds or larger. Learn how to participate at TrophyCatch.com.
Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record.” Good luck Florida anglers!
