07-22-2010, 11:00 AM
[cool][#0000ff]First of all...a disclaimer. The writeup was mainly focused on the fish from Utah Lake. The actual colors of catfish from other parts of the country may vary. It will be affected by genetic strain, water clarity and chemistry, food sources, depth of water, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as telling the gender of a bass, that is more difficult. Female bass get bigger than males so in some waters any fish over 3 or 4 pounds is most likely female. Under that size you have to guess. Of course during spawning time the females get large bellies on them and their "vent" becomes swollen and reddened. Males are thinner and if they have been involved in making and protecting a nest they will have torn up tails. But, for most of the year it is difficult for even a biologist to just look at a smaller bass and quickly determine "boy or girl".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, don't let that slow you down in conducting your own research. Keep on fishing, catching and guessing. Who cares if you don't get it right all the time?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as telling the gender of a bass, that is more difficult. Female bass get bigger than males so in some waters any fish over 3 or 4 pounds is most likely female. Under that size you have to guess. Of course during spawning time the females get large bellies on them and their "vent" becomes swollen and reddened. Males are thinner and if they have been involved in making and protecting a nest they will have torn up tails. But, for most of the year it is difficult for even a biologist to just look at a smaller bass and quickly determine "boy or girl".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, don't let that slow you down in conducting your own research. Keep on fishing, catching and guessing. Who cares if you don't get it right all the time?[/#0000ff]
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