What types of fish do the Bass tend to prey on?

The simple answer to this is whatever is available that fits down their throat.  I have witnessed a Largemouth Bass attack a bluegill on my line at least a dozen times.  Typically a Largemouth Bass prefers long slender fish that are easier to swallow but is opportunistic enough to feed on whatever is available.

The answer to this question also depends on where you are fishing.  The key question is what the Largemouth Bass in a specific lake prefer.  Lake Okeechobee bass for instance feed on large wild shiners, generally about five to eight inches long.  Bass in rivers in Illinois generally feed off a much smaller variety of minnows.  Largemouth Bass in Northern Minnesota eat bluegills, yellow perch and smaller bass. In Kentucky Lake they feed from the large population of shad roaming the lake.

The key concept here is to try and match the food the Largemouth Bass naturally eat.  Large spinnerbaits and topwater lures that may work well in Lake Okeechobee are not a good choice for Illinois River bass that feed off small minnows.  The small crankbaits that you use for river bass are not the best choice for Minnesota bass feeding off much larger fish.  Match the lure to the feeding pattern of the bass. Consider both the size of the food and the depth the bass are likely to be feeding at.

Scan the body of water you are fishing for clues to these answers.  If you see schools of shad breaking the water surface you can deduce they avoiding becoming a meal for a bass.  Choose a lure that mimics the action of these shad for success.  Pay attention to your surroundings, it is the best piece of advice a fisherman can follow.

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