The Caribbean

Cuba reportedly has the best bass fishing in the Caribbean. When travel restrictions between the U.S. and Cuba were relaxed in the 1970s, anglers streamed to the island to get a crack at bass weighing over 10 pounds, and fish up to 15 have been reported. Puerto Rico also offers bass fishing in several reservoirs, though maximum size seems smaller than at other locations.

Africa

Largemouths have been stocked throughout Africa with mixed success. Stocking began in 1928, along with the largemouth’s typical North American prey, the bluegill. Reports suggest that bass can be found in 10 African countries, with the best populations in impoundments in Kenya, Morocco, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland. Stocking of Florida bass began in 1980 and they have thrived in the warm climate of southern Africa. Zimbabwe now holds the ¬continental record of 18 pounds 4 ounces from Lake Manyame in 2004. Some populations are so healthy that they are holding their own in the face of commercial fishing. On productive waters, 4- to 5-pound bass are common, with 10-pounders not unusual. Bass clubs, including affiliates of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), hold tournaments annually on the larger waters of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Asia and Oceania

Thanks to their mild climate, the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii host healthy populations of bass in reservoirs intended primarily for irrigating sugar cane and pineapples. Bass have also been stocked successfully in the Philippines.

In Japan, largemouth bass have become popular sportfish. They were first introduced in 1925 in Lake Ashineko and then to other waters as food fish. About 15 years ago, Florida bass were illegally imported and released. Their success has stimulated an avid class of affluent young anglers who support four major bass magazines and national tournaments. Recently, however, Japanese fishery authorities have targeted largemouth bass for elimination under the Invasive Alien Species Act.

Due to the small size and clarity of Japanese bass waters, bass have generally become more finicky than their North American cousins, prompting a shift to ultra-subtle presentations among Japanese bass anglers. Their tactics have been adopted stateside as top Japanese pros like Takahiro Omori, Shinichi Fukae, and Kotaro Kiriyama compete successfully in North American tournaments. Japanese tackle and techniques have made major inroads in North America, including the drop-shot rage. Japanese bass are usually smaller than North American fish, though the trophy fishery at 7,000-acre Ikehara Dam produces many fish over 10 pounds. In the spring of 2003, Ikehara produced the ¬Japanese record of 19.4 pounds.

Europe

Northern bass have been introduced into the cool waters of Germany and England, but apparently without success. Southern Europe is the bassin’ capital of Europe. Once introduced into its natural lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, rivers, and canals, the largemouth took hold here and thrived. Today, largemouths can be found throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal, and southern France.

Spain is considered the epicenter of bassdom in Europe. An international tournament that includes North American pros is held annually on Lake Caspé, a 60-mile-long impoundment of the Rio Ebro. Spain’s fishery managers regulate the population, and it shows. Most tackle has been imported from the U.S., but the popularity of bass fishing is now spurring local tackle production in Spain and Italy.

In Italy, Portugal, and southern France, bass fishing is becoming organized, as well. Italy fronted the first European team to participate in the B.A.S.S. Federation Championship in 1998. Portugal has been trying to field its own team. Bass fishing in southern France is still informal, although the organization Black Bass France is promoting bass nationally.

In short, the largemouth bass has become an international star. In southern latitudes, the calendar periods we’ll discuss in the next chapter differ by six months, but spring still means the same thing, even if it takes place in October (the Period for bass in the Southern Hemisphere), presenting new tactics and opportunities for anglers.