It all depends, and it all depends on several factors. In general once LMB reach maturity at 12"-13" in the northern states, their growth generally slows down. They are growing pretty good in most waters if they gain 1" and 1 pound a year after they reach the 14"-16" mark. Bass with unlimited food and the right sizes of food will grow twice as fast or more in exceptional conditions (see my post below for bass growth in MS). Exceptional conditions are rare. Bass in many waters usually end up becoming too numerous/acre with too little food in most waters; thus they rarely reach their potential size. In the south with longer growing season and proper food, growth can be even faster 3"-4" per year until they reach 18"-19"; then expect the 1"-2" annual increment.
Here are good bass growth rates presented by Greg Grimes (Aquatic Environmental Services) consultant that grows big bass for clients. Greg is based in Georgia.
""To let you know for our clients (in the SE, lower altitude)wanting "good" bass fishing I expect:
1 yr- 11 inches
2 yr- 15 inches
3 yr- 18 inches
4 yr- 20 inches
5 yr- 22 inches
>6 yr ?- we get growth rates much better than this routinely"""
Greg has sampled his client's ponds and some are seeing whopping bass weights of 3 lbs to up to an amazing 5 lbs after one year of growth from stocking fingerlings with excellent genetics and using a well designed stocking plan that produces unlimited forage fish featuring proper sizes for optimum bass growth. A lake in AK has been his most recent example of producing fast growing bass. It can be done if done properly. Greg has proven it numerous times.
My best guess for age of the 11 lb bass in MD was they were around 10-13 yrs old; gaining on average 1 lb/yr. In the south a 11 lb bass could be 7-9yrs old.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 03/25/14 07:04 PM.
