Dunnellon - Bass Capitol Of The World

The Rainbow River produces some of the largest bass in the state. This is due to several factors, such as the excellent forage food supply, and the vegetative cover present in the river. Experienced anglers regularly catch largemouth bass in the 10-pound range, and even larger.

  As the population in the area grows, fishing pressure will increase dramatically. This can only have a negative effect on the largemouth bass population in the Rainbow. I believe that it is time for the City of Dunnellon to explore the possibility of enacting strict restrictions on the taking of largemouth bass from the Rainbow.

  While a complete no-take, catch-and-release policy may not be necessary at this time, the city could restrict the number of fish taken, and perhaps impose a “slot” size restriction. This is common practice on many of the nation’s waterways, where conservation-minded people have tried to preserve their resources for the future. While holding up a stringer of huge bass may make for a great photo for the office wall back up north, it could be the death knell for our local bass population.

  A major factor in this proposal is the fact that mostly all large bass are breeding females, and a healthy bass population depends on their survival. Virtually all amateur and professional bass tournaments practice catch-and-release, to minimize the impact of fishing pressure. Many trout streams and rivers also restrict the tackle and catch of anglers. These practices have proven successful all over the country. They could work on the Rainbow River as well.

  With proper management, the “Bass Capitol Of The World” could remain an angler’s dream for many years to come.