Science of the Strike

In Episode 18, we sit down with Bassmaster Classic Champion and Major League Fishing star Ott DeFoe to dissect how his world-class instincts align with the latest in bass biology. Known for his analytical approach, Ott provides a unique perspective on how real-world tournament pressure forces an angler to adapt alongside the fish.

We explore how Ott’s legendary ability to read water and current intersects with the scientific principles of energy conservation and predator-prey positioning. Ott shares candid insights into whether he’s seeing the effects of "Fisheries-Induced Evolution" firsthand, discussing if the fish are becoming more wary...

In Episode 17, we explore the dynamic anatomy, physiology, and biology behind a largemouth bass's metabolism. It turns out that a significant number of misconceptions in the angling community stem from misunderstandings of how metabolism works in largemouth bass.

Expanding on the findings discussed in Episode 16, recent scientific research reveals a direct link between high-pressure environments and a shift toward lower resting metabolic rates in the bass population. By consistently targeting and catching the most aggressive, high-metabolism individuals, we inadvertently leave behind a population of low-energy survivors who are genetically predisposed to be less active and harder to...

Are the bass getting smarter, or are we literally breeding them to be harder to catch? In Episode 16, we dive into a groundbreaking and controversial discovery: Fisheries-Induced Evolution.

Science reveals that heavy angler pressure isn't just making bass "lure shy" for a day. Rather, it’s actually rewriting their genome. We break down the studies showing that the "catchability" of a bass is a heritable trait. When the most aggressive, easy-to-catch bass are removed from the gene pool (or stressed during spawning), we are left with a population of "low-vulnerability" survivors.

Understanding that catchability is a he...

Have you ever wondered if largemouth bass have a "home" in a given lake? In Episode 15, we break down the science behind the hidden world of largemouth bass homing mechanisms and social communities. We reveal the research showing why bass have a strong, loyal "home range," using incredible sensory cues from subtle scent trails to the earth's magnetic fields to return to the same premium spots every season. But the science goes deeper. We explore how bass have distinct "personalities" that create unique, diverse communities that differ not only lake to lake but sometimes cove to cove. Understanding these...

It's time to connect our classroom-style lessons to real-world results. Joining us in Episode 14 is seasoned Major League Fishing pro, Brian Latimer, an angler known for his analytical approach and consistent performance. We'll be diving deep into how the core scientific theories we've explored throughout the series stack up against his years of professional experience.

Brian has made a career out of dissecting fisheries and adapting swiftly to changing conditions. We plan to challenge his insights, asking him to validate or provide compelling counter-evidence to our discussions on largemouth bass vision, responses to moon cycles, the intricate...

It's time to connect our classroom-style lessons to real-world results. Joining us in Episode 14 is seasoned Major League Fishing pro, Brian Latimer, an angler known for his analytical approach and consistent performance. We'll be diving deep into how the core scientific theories we've explored throughout the series stack up against his years of professional experience.Brian has made a career out of dissecting fisheries and adapting swiftly to changing conditions. We plan to challenge his insights, asking him to validate or provide compelling counter-evidence to our discussions on largemouth bass vision, responses to moon cycles, the intricate dance of...

Crappie are a primary target for many anglers, but for a trophy largemouth bass, they represent something entirely different: a high-calorie, high-value meal. In Episode 13, we dissect the hidden predator-prey relationship between largemouth bass and crappie to give you a scientific blueprint for targeting the biggest fish in the lake.Continuing on our prey series, we're going beyond the usual talk of brush piles and jigs. We’ll break down the scientific reasons why crappie are such a critical forage species and how this knowledge can significantly impact your angling strategy. By understanding the scientific necessity of crappie in th...

Have you ever felt a "tick" on your line and wondered what's happening on the other end? In Episode 12, we're pulling back the curtain on the most exciting part of bass fishing: the largemouth bass's strike. This isn't just about a fish biting a hook. Rather, it's a finely-tuned, high-speed biological event driven by a predator's powerful anatomy. By understanding the anatomy, biology, and physics of the largemouth's attack, you'll be able to interpret every signal from your rod, from the most violent explosion to the faintest tick, and turn more of those "bites" into landed fish.

When we discuss bass fishing, water is our universe, and understanding its fundamental forces is essential for success. In Episode 11, we're exploring the often-overlooked yet crucial roles of water levels and current. These aren't just environmental factors. Instead, they are the driving forces that influence largemouth bass behavior, from their feeding patterns to their locations. By understanding the "why" behind the water's movement, you can predict where bass will be and how they'll behave, giving you a scientific edge over others. Stop reacting to water conditions and start anticipating them.

In Episode 10, we're bridging the gap between the lab and the lake. We’re joined by one of the hottest young pros on the Major League Fishing tournament trail, Drew Gill, to discuss how his on-the-water experience aligns with the scientific principles we’ve been exploring.Drew has built a reputation for his mastery of cutting-edge technology and his ability to quickly "read" a fishery. We'll put that real-world knowledge to the test, asking him how his observations of bass and their prey confirm—or even challenge—the science of nutrition, predator-prey dynamics, and seasonal behavior that we've covered in our s...

Continuing our mini-series on largemouth bass prey, Episode 9 spotlights the humble yet vital bluegill. More than just a panfish, these sunfish are a cornerstone of nearly every freshwater ecosystems and a primary food source for largemouth bass. We’ll break down the scientific reasons why bluegill are so vital, from their territorial spawning behavior to their seasonal movements, and reveal how understanding their lifecycle and feeding habits will dramatically improve your largemouth fishing strategies. As always, if you understand the prey, you'll dominate the predator.

Largemouth bass anglers spend the majority of their time trying to answer one critical question: where are the fish. In doing so, we consider a myriad of variables like water temperature, prey availability, structure, and much more. Scientific studies reveal that the vast majority of anglers are overlooking the most significant variable when trying to locate largemouth bass: dissolved oxygen. In Episode 8, we dive into the science behind dissolved oxygen and water turbidity so you can be more effective and efficient with your time on the water.

For too long, the common narrative has dismissed fish as creatures of simple instinct. Episode 7, we confront these long-held misconceptions. Recent breakthroughs in brain research and meticulously designed behavioral studies unequivocally demonstrate that fish not only possess the capacity to learn, but also to retain that knowledge. The truth is, largemouth bass are far more intelligent, adaptable, and deserving of your credit than most anglers have ever dared to imagine.

Continuing our mini-series on bass prey, Episode 6 spotlights the ubiquitous gizzard and threadfin shad. These prolific baitfish undeniably shape largemouth bass behavior and distribution. We'll break down the scientific reasons why shad are so vital, from their nutritional value to their schooling dynamics, and reveal how understanding their behavioral differences from region to region can dramatically improve your fishing strategies.

In Episode 5, we uncover the reality behind what largemouth bass can actual hear and feel using their lateral line. So frequently, we hear professionals talk about lures or techniques that implicate a bass's sense of hearing or trigger their lateral line. After digging into the science-backed research, we've uncovered that the vast majority of anglers have a great misunderstanding of what bass can actually hear and feel.

As anglers, we spend the vast majority of our time trying to understand bass behavior, but often neglect to understand the prey that makes up a bass's diet. Starting with crawfish, episode four kicks off a mini-series focused on understanding the science behind the ecological food web that makes up a largemouth bass's diet. If you understand the prey, you'll understand the predator.

In episode 3, we go over how and why you should be considering both the barometric pressure and moon phase before hitting the water. While the science may be debated, there are clear correlations that can and will make a significant difference while on the water as it relates to these two often overlooked topics.

In this episode, we discuss the role of scent in our tackle box. As with color, there are critical misconceptions promoted in the industry which are clearly negated by science. Listen in to learn what simple changes you can make that will scientifically improve your odds on the water.

In our first episode, we dive into the science behind a largemouth's vision. After having analyzed a number of scientific studies, we uncover the reality of what bass can actually see. We discuss colors, distance, the effects of water clarity, and more.