Eric West has a fascinating article on bass genetics and catchability in the new July/August issue of PB magazine.
"Catchability" on artificial lures is a frequent topic here, especially in discussions of Fla LMB vs F1 LMB vs Northern LMB. But Eric cites very recent research that indicates the problem is much deeper. In fact, just by fishing, whether catch & release or keeping, we drive the bass in our BOW toward becoming uncatchable. Worse, the bass pass along this trait to their offspring, along with slower growth.
In time, heavy fishing pressure will cause big problems, even if every fish is released unharmed!
Eric briefly discusses how this problem can be moderated, but it is sobering reading. Hopefully this will be a major topic of discussion at the upcoming meeting in October, I have lots of questions.
PS Did you know that about half of LMB will not bite an artificial lure even before they've ever experienced fishing pressure? Wow!
