How Old Is That Fish? Older Than You Might Think

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Published: 16 February 2024

By Louie Stout

These big smallmouth that Neil Vande Biezen caught were likely 10 years or older. It takes Michiana fish longer to reach quality length than most people realize.

Regardless of the kind of fish you pursue, it takes years to produce keeper sizes in Michiana waters.

Indiana and Michigan fish researchers maintain charts listing average fish lengths at various ages based upon historical records. Charts are used to compare growth rates of fish in a given lake with state averages. In Indiana, those comparisons are based on northern Indiana glacial waters and not the impoundments found in the southern half of the states. Although not an exact science, it gives researchers a means to determine the health of fish in a given lake. Faster growth indicates a balanced fishery with a good forage base. Slower growth could indicate overpopulation or inadequate forage base.

Fish are aged by collecting scale samples and examining them under a microscope. Rings seen on the scale are much like rings on a tree. Each ring represents a year of growth.

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Zona Among 12 Nominated for Bass Fishing Hall of Fame

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Published: 02 February 2024

BFHOF Report

Mark ZonaMark Zona is one step away from his contributions to the sport of bass fishing being validated by his peers.

Zona, a TV personality who hosts Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show and co-hosts The Bassmasters, is one of 12 nominees for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Other nominees include:

• Fred Arbogast, lure designer of the Hula Popper, Jitterbug and others.
• Don Iovino, angler
• Mike McKinnis, JM Associates, producers of Bassmasters and Bassmaster Live
• Andy Morgan, angler
• Takahiro Omori, angler
• Skeet Rees, angler
• Lynn Reeves, tackle designer
• Bill Taylor, retired FLW tournament director
• Clark Wendlandt, angler
• Mike Whitaker, Operation Bass Founder
• Alfred Williams, first black Bassmaster Classic angler

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