The beloved largemouth bass, a favorite among anglers in Florida, has officially been recognized as a distinct species and renamed the Florida bass. This change, supported by genetic research from Yale University, reflects the unique characteristics of this fish found not only in Florida but also in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
While the name change affects regulations and communications, it won’t impact anglers’ enjoyment of fishing for this iconic freshwater sport fish.
Read: Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report – July 17, 2024
The scientific names for both bass species have also been updated, with Florida bass now designated as Micropterus salmoides and largemouth bass as Micropterus nigricans.
This reclassification is crucial for better understanding, managing, and conserving these important fish populations, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
For more information about the Florida bass and its new name, visit MyFWC.com and navigate to the “Black Bass Management” section under “Freshwater Fishing.”
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