Bass are the end-all, be-all of Texas freshwater sport fishing. They are voracious predators, put up relentless fights, and the big girls come with some serious bragging rights. There are many different strains of Largemouth Bass…but the best one is arguably the F-1 Largemouth.
F-1 Largemouth Bass are a cross between a Northern Strain bass and a Florida Strain bass, and genuinely do bring the best traits of both to the table. In order to fully understand the characteristics the F-1 Largemouth gets from each of its parent species, let’s dive into the details!
Pure Florida Strain Largemouth get considerably large, with sizes ranging from 12-20 pounds. In addition, they tolerate Texas heat very well thanks to their Sunshine State roots, and absolutely thrive in Texas ponds and lakes. Florida Bass are ambush-focused predators that like to lie in wait for bait fish, lures, or anything that fits in their mouth, really.
Pure Northern Strain Largemouth are aggressive predators that will hunt down those same bait fish and lures in open water–the chase is what they’re after. Northern Bass are a bit smaller than Floridas, rarely exceeding that 10-pound mark, but have a solid feed conversion rate that allows them to put weight on quickly if given enough access to bait species. They also tolerate frosts and freezes exceptionally well, which comes in handy during the once-in-a-blue-moon hard freezes that southern Texas experiences.
Now for the show-stopper–the F-1 Largemouth. Harboring the best traits of both the Northern and the Florida parents, F-1 Bass portrays excellent hybrid vigor. They get their size and heat tolerance from the Florida and the aggressiveness and freeze-resistance from the Northern, making them the perfect combination to have in your pond or lake. Keep in mind, though, that in order to possess only the best genetics, it is important to re-introduce F-1 Largemouth every 5-6 years to your waters as to avoid any outbreeding depression from the subsequent generations (F-2’s, F-3’s, etc.). After a few generations, the characteristics and traits become less desirable compared to that of the F-1.
F-1 Largemouth Bass are exceptional fish that check all the boxes when it comes to well-rounded Texas fishing. With the most desirable traits from each of their parent species, you can be sure that your pond or lake will not only meet your fishery goals, but exceed them!
Have more questions about F-1 Largemouth Bass or would like to inquire about availability and pricing? Give us a call today at 361-798-5934 or shoot us an email at info@hennekehatchery.com, and we would be happy to help!
Author: Jordan Moore