All across America, bass fisheries abound. And if tapped at the right time, just about any of them can produce quality catches…even some true trophy-sized specimens.
But what about those times when conditions are far less than ideal, such as during brutal cold fronts or when angling pressure is off the charts? What’s a hardcore angler to do then?
Many will go anyway, hoping to make the most of a bad situation. Others, however, will go where they know they can catch them.
By the Numbers
If you want guaranteed results — both numbers and size — then few public fisheries can compete with those that require admission.
Hidden away here and there, particularly in the southern states, are private fishing resorts — places where the bass always bite. And they often produce ridiculous numbers of better than average fish … not to mention double-digit trophies.
Among these storied destinations are Bienville Plantation in north Florida, Grosse Savanne in Louisiana, Camelot Belle in Texas and the Giant Goose Ranch in Illinois — all pay-to-play locations that provide year-round bass fishing, lodging and meals with guided or non-guided trips.
Why are they so good? Simple — all of them practice strict management of the habitat and their fish stocks.
Just as quality hunt clubs manage their game, these elite fishing destinations utilize stocking programs and selective harvest. That, along with habitat enhancement and restricted access, is what sets them apart. And those anglers with firsthand experience of these special fisheries know how truly productive they can be.
My Own Experience
I’ve visited a few of these exclusive properties, and all have either met or exceeded my expectations. Not only was the fishing clearly better than what you would find in nearby public waters, the hospitality was impressive too.
The closest to me, Bienville Plantation, is located near the headwaters of the Suwannee River, at the town of White Springs, Fla. Like many other pay-to-play destinations, they offer far more than just superior bass fishing. You can target other species of fish or choose to participate in a wide range of shooting sports.
Besides the chance at huge bass, what’s also appealing is that many of these destinations feature numerous bodies of water — each with its own look and feel. So getting water to yourself is never a problem, even in the springtime when public waters are often overwhelmed with angling pressure.
I’ve attended plenty of junkets at Bienville — some with outdoor media, others with sponsors during catalog and video shoots (Rapala, Shimano, Raymarine and Ranger Boats have all held events there).
Each time the fishing has proven reliable and productive. Even after severe cold fronts, their lakes seem to produce spectacular catches. And that’s hugely important when these groups spend thousands of dollars and devote so much time and effort to their projects. Success is essential.
How They Work
Some of these pay-to-play fisheries require annual memberships. Others do not.
Bienville Plantation, for example, offers annual lake leases for groups and/or individuals, or single-day rates for those simply wanting to sample their waters. Guided trips are optional. You can also fish from your own boat. You can even fish from a canoe or kayak, if you choose.
This is consistent with many bass fishing resorts, and the costs are surprisingly reasonable…especially considering the potential return.
To learn more about fishing at Bienville Plantation or any of the other resorts mentioned, simply start with a Google search. Wherever you end up, I’ll bet you find the trip well worth the investment.
