Analyzing The Effects Of Cold Frontal Passage On The Feeding Habits Of Micropterus Salmoides (Largemouth Bass)

Authors

Ethan Lang

Date of this Version

5-2023

Citation

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Ethan Lang

Abstract

For many decades, it has been theorized as to what happens to the feeding habits of largemouth bass (Micropterus Salmoides) when a significant short term weather change occurs. Here in the midwest and all throughout the United States cold front boundaries are a weather phenomenon that occur on a regular basis. They can occur on a very large or small scale and have a rapid effect on the weather locally. These cold front systems have been looked at as one of the main drivers to having an effect on the feeding habits of largemouth. However, up until this point, any conclusions have been purely speculative based on varying experiences from recreational anglers. There has yet been any level of scientific based research applied to this topic. This study uses angling techniques to try and actually apply science to how cold fronts affect these fish and the way that they feed. Cold fronts were forecasted and timed so that data collection could occur prior to and just after the cold front passes. Once the data was collected it was then analyzed so that strong conclusions could be made. Upon reviewing this data it was evident that cold fronts do have a significant effect on the way bass feed. The data provided strong evidence that bass will feed significantly less immediately after the passage of a cold front. It was also noted that the fish that did still feed were typically smaller adolescent fish.