A review of state’s waterbody management plans show that an estimated 1,264,533 Florida-strain bass were released into Lake Verrett, Grassy Lake and Lake Palourde areas between 1993 to 2011.
The largest Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries-recorded bass taken in these waters weighed nearly 12 pounds.
In terms of genetics, samples obtained in 2016 indicated the Florida genetic influence in only 6 percent of the bass.
Today these areas follow the statewide limit of 10 bass, with no size restrictions.
“Most anglers were satisfied with the lifting of length restrictions here, once data was presented supporting the decision,” LDWF’s Brian Heimann said.
Heimann said his agency is beginning the final year of a three-year study on these waters, so much more information will be available to anglers.