My unpopular opinion about largemouth bass...
A lot of interesting comments above, and I have no disagreement with most. But, back to "is it overrated?" That's a difficult question to answer, but in my mind, years ago at some point bass fishing kinda got to be the "in" thing; the new "trendy" following in freshwater fishing. Then, after a time big business recognized it's popularity growth and saw a golden opportunity. Bass fishing would have always had a serious following, but I personally believe it would seem insignificant compared to today's popularity without the intense focus on commercializing it.
About 50 years ago I got to know an old gentleman that was hell bent on bluegill fishing. I can still hear him today declaring that "if a largemouth bass could fight as hard pound for pound as a bluegill, he would turn your boat over".
While not exactly romanized fishing, grass carp on a 5wt fly rod can’t be beat! Imagine an angry pig crossed with a torpedo and you have an idea of the strength and speed of that species of fish.
Most of my fishing is for LM bass, but I like to try and fish for all species every year. My wife keeps me on the bluegill and white bass. I think nice size white bass are the fightness freshwater fish and the most fun to catch.
Haven't you guys ever caught a smallie?
Greenjeans;
In fishing for LMB in our state (Alabama) you have the opportunity to hook into a Spotted Bass or even a Smallie. It's all part of the trip your taking. If you never hooked into a spotted bass or a Smallie you have no idea what a fight you would have doing so. We are fishing for all 3 species and refer to it as going bass fishing not specific largemouth.
LMB are aggressive but sometimes hard to catch and figure out.I have been fishing for them for over 65 years and still enjoy the excitement of a top water strike....beats all other fishing.
Smallies are better fighters than LM>
This is true.....smalles are my favorite fish to catch.We have a good population of them in the Susquehanna River and catch them on tubes and stick baits.
I am 89 yrs old and have been fishing 83 of those years and have fished many of the foreign fishing holes and now spend my time fly fishing here in Oregon for steel-head and salmon. About 30 years ago I tried fly fishing and found it so much more satisfying that I never looked back except for sturgeon. SC
Fly Fishing is also my favorite way to fish for trout and some saltwater species, but largemouth and smallies still hold a special place in my heart.I fished many a bass tournament and did well.I forgot more about bass fishing than most fishermen know.....still love catching them though.
I try to make it to Arizona every winter for the sunny weather and the many bass fishing lakes and ponds.
Being a fly-fisherman I do a lot of catch and release but when I go out my wife would say catch and release all you want but bring the blue gill home.
Every generation has its trends. Some 70 years ago, I was 10 years old. At that time bass fishing was not all that popular, and I wasn't all that interested in fishing. I was about 30 when I started fishing at the invitation of a neighbor, and that was for crappie. I don't really remember what got me turned on to bass, but I liked the challenge. Then came Bass Pro, etc. My interests in techniques and new lures picked up. It is now a trend that I have followed and enjoy. Today I use a computer and a cell phone, but they are just things I use. I am not into them like I am into bass fishing. With me it's a matter of enjoyment. Cheers!
--- Richard
There are far less catfish, bluegill, carp and other types of tournaments than bass tournaments. Your opinion is a great one from your own stance. I`ve always been a saltwater fisherman and recently a friend of mine started me to freshwater fishing and it`s a lot of fun and thrill not only catching the bass but catching the small ones also. Fish On My Friend!!! Fish On!!
I totally agree with Richard SMC
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