A number of states nationwide are joining forces with Maine to solve the smallmouth bass invasion.
The smallmouth isn’t native to most of the fishing holes in which it is now found.
“Smallmouth are one of the most problematic fish in the country,” reports Joe Cermele, fishing editor of Outdoor Life.
“Anglers love smallmouth because they smash lures and fight hard,” Cermele says. “But these fish also have a dark side.
”Because smallmouth are so fun to catch, “it’s easy to forget they actually don’t belong in many of the places we catch them,” he said.
“Despite our general love of the smallmouth bass, the reality is that they are one of the most destructive and disruptive fish in the country, causing more worry in many regions than even dreaded invasives like snakeheads and Asian carp,” according to Cermele.
Fish that have been dropped into waters in which they are not native threatens the species that are.
“Maine has spent countless time, money, and resources attempting to eradicate errant bass from systems that foster wild trout reproduction,” Cermele said.
“Eradication efforts are also taking place in Manitoba, Oregon, ponds in Montana…I could go on.”
“The lesson here is that just because a fish is deeply engrained in our national fishing culture doesn’t mean more is always better,” he said. “Likewise, a fish’s popularity shouldn’t allow us to ignore the problems it may be causing. Most of us wouldn’t see any issue with catching a nice smallmouth in a stream or river where you’ve never caught one before, but doing so could actually be cause for alarm.”
Wonder what poison they’re dumping into the water, surely it’s no danger to the other species or us humans.