Growth of adult Florida largemouth bass in two small impoundments in Tennessee

During an 18 month study, population and growth data were taken from 485 captures of Florida largemouth bass in two small Tennessee impoundments. Population densities of bass greater than 15.0 cm were estimated at 15 per ha in York Lake and 74 per ha in Lake Dickerson. Age analysis revealed the year-classes 1975 through 1980 in York Lake and 1976 through 1980 in Lake Dickerson. The mean back-calculated lengths achieved by York Lake bass (48 fish) at annuli 1 through 4 were 15.6 cm, 30.2 cm, 38.2 cm, and 42.6 cm, respectively. Mean back-calculated size at annuli and annual increments in both length and weight were greater for York Lake bass than Lake Dickerson bass (145 fish) at each age. Annual instantaneous growth rates, the von Bertalanffy growth coefficient (K), and the coefficient of condition (C) were all greater for York Lake bass than Lake Dickerson bass.

The growth of the Florida largemouth was compared to published reports of northern largemouth bass growth in Tennessee and surrounding states. Apparently, population density in relation to available forage was the major limiting factor on the Florida largemouth growth, rather than the shorter growing seasons and colder temperatures of Tennessee.