The Florida strain largemouth bass is recognized for its genetics, particularly its growth potential and ability to reach larger sizes compared to the northern strain of largemouth bass. The Florida strain largemouth bass is now referred to as the “Florida Bass” and it is found in many waters throughout the country, not just Florida.

The Florida strain bass grows much faster, thrives in warm water and very shallow waters. They are known for growing to weights over 10 pounds, potentially reaching sizes upwards of 20 pounds. They have a higher winter mortality rate when compared to northern or native Largemouth.

The larger Florida Bass are usually not nearly as aggressive as their northern counterparts, which can make it frustrating for anglers that are trying to catch a big bass with artificial lures. Slowing down, fishing during the peak time periods and using live bait are some of the ways that anglers succeed in consistently catching larger Florida Bass.

Do Up North Techniques Work For Florida Bass?

For anglers that live up north, it can be a total shock when they come down south to fish for Florida Bass. While everything that works up north for largemouth bass will also work for Florida Bass at times, you will realize that many of these techniques and lures will not work well most of the time. This can be totally frustrating, but there are definitely some things to learn if you want to consistently catch nice-sized Florida Bass.

Live Shiner Fishing

The easiest way to catch good numbers of Florida bass and large Florida bass is to use live shiners. If you are used to fishing up north and you think it is similar to fishing with lively minnows up north, you have no idea. There are so many situations where anglers can catch similar numbers if not even more largemouth bass than someone who is fishing with live minnows up north.

Learn more about live shiner fishing for Florida Bass

Cold Fronts are the Worst

Fishing for Florida bass can be very challenging after a cold front, especially a severe cold front that drops water temperatures down quickly. Florida bass can really shut down after some of the more severe cold fronts pass through during the winter months. After a cold front, Florida bass may shift to deeper water or areas with heavy cover. While some bass may still feed, they may not be willing to move as far to eat a bait, so your casting window to catch them can be quite small after a cold front.

Learn more about Florida Bass & Cold Fronts

Use Lures That Swim

Florida bass chase down live shiners daily in Florida’s lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. There is something about the swimming action of a lively shiner that drives Florida bass crazy. If you can present some lures with an excellent swimming action, you have a shot to attractive some bass to actually bite your lures.

Learn more about using lures that swim for Florida Bass

Flippin’ & Punchin’

Flippin’ and punchin’ are both effective bass fishing techniques used to target Florida bass in and around cover and sometimes very heavy cover. At times, these techniques will out fish all other techniques when it comes to quality bites in a day. For many anglers, their biggest bass of the day will come from these techniques while fishing in Florida.

Learn more about flippin’ & punchin’ for Florida Bass

Slow Down

This one is easy to say, but much harder to do. Slowing down is one of the biggest tips that anglers will get when they ask the bait shops questions about catching more and bigger bass. The first tip will most likely be to fish with shiners. After you do a couple shiner trips and you’re tired of using live baits, it is time to come back to the “slow down” tip.

The problem with slowing down is that if you’re fishing unproductive spots, you’re going to spend a lot of time not catching bass. If the bass are not in an aggressive mood and you’re fishing fast, you’re not going to catch too many bass either, so slowing down is usually a good tip most of the time when you’re fishing for Florida bass.

Learn more about slowing down for Florida Bass

What Lures Work Best?

While any lure may work in Florida at times, there are definitely some lures that work better more consistently for Florida Bass. Take a look below to learn more about these baits.

Use Realistic Looking Baits

There are so many baits on the market that look very realistic. Try using baits that look very realistic and you’ll get more bites. We’re talking about swimbaits, glide baits, big crayfish baits and more.

Most realistic-looking baits to target Florida Bass.