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.
“ it’s easy to forget they actually don’t belong in many places where we catch them “
YOU MEAN LIKE SOMALIS .
The St John river ecosystem has been completely upended since the introduction of black bass. They have 100% taken over. All native species are disappearing and the state does nothing to protect them. It is a disgrace how IF&W has bumbled Maine fisheries. They have no clue how to respond to any invasion besides destroying the environment to eradicate one species. It is inherently idiotic. Smallmouth are here to stay. Any effort at this point is a waste of resources.
I have records of people catching small mouth bass in Maine in the 1930’s if a fish has been there for 100 years. It’s not in invasive anymore. It’s part of the ecosystem. Also bass spawn and reproduce in maine waters. Most trout do not and need to be stocked. Seems to me the bass are a more natural fit. The state of Maine also has a record of ruining fisheries by messing with them. They should just stop
They’re fighting a losing battle. As an angler, I’d rather catch a wild-born smallie than an artificial stocked trout that will be fun for a couple of weeks and then die when the water warms.
When birds cruise the shallows they pickup fish eggs as well, similar to a boat with milfoil. Game people know this but the environmental wackos always blame man. You’re not ever going to stop it. Quite jacking up my fishing license price to try to fix a normal process..
Maybe we could dump some of that PFAS laden municipal sludge waste in the water .
They told us that was great stuff in The 80’s …..” a truckload for every lawn “ ….
Maybe that would kill the pesky Bass .
Small mouth bass are no where the problem fish compared to the walleyed pike. Pike, are the fresh water version of a barracuda They get huge,and crowd out any native fish available to them and what a fighter once hooked.