The Hidden World of the Largemouth Bass 

I’ve worked with and kept all kinds of aquatic animals and fish and I love fishing, and I know fish are incredibly intelligent especially predatory fish. But seeing that female recognize you, chase others away, spend time with you…that was truly incredible. Every fisherman should 100% watch this and appreciate how special these fish and all fish really are and to treat them accordingly. Beautiful work man, I hope way more people watch this and get something from this video like I did.

She is “My Large Mouth Bass Teacher”. Loved it!!! Thanks as always for some amazing video and thoughtful and educational commentary!

Watching now on a big screen. Can’t wait! I used to catch these as a kid fishing with my dad.

I love the way the fish look at the camera, it’s kinda cute! Fish are a lot more intelligent than people think they are. There’s this pond near me that has a ton of Rock Bass, and one of them seems to know me. Perhaps it’s because whenever I’m done fishing, I feed the rest of my bait to the fish. The Rock Bass has a small scar on it’s nose, so she’s pretty recognizable (I know it’s a female because it’s bigger than a lot of the others).

Clicked on your bluegill video last night, and now that I've watched a second, I can confidently say that I'm hooked. I grew up fishing on the Mississippi in southern Minnesota, and I really appreciate this glimpse into the world of fish.

I started fishing this year and immediately wanted to catch bass. It took me over a month of studying and learning fishing lures and techniques, I want to say that just last week became a serious time for me to fish for sport and not just hobby. I caught my personal best bass through studying the lake and pin pointing their spots and it’s an incredible feeling. I always appreciate the beauty of the creature with a picture and ALWAYS release it. This video was really neat and made me appreciate bass even more. I think they’re beautiful creatures both in appearance and behavior, I always wondered what it looked like down there. Loved the whole video and learned so much. Thank you. I’ve certainly gained a new respect for these fish and will appreciate them that much more with every catch.

I noticed a lot of boo-hooing in the comment section. This was a wonderful video and gave me a new appreciation for our aquatic friends. Being an angler myself I always try to take the utmost care in landing and releasing any fish. Very insightful and even thought provoking video. Nice job!

I would’ve never thought you would make a video on Largemouth bass. I also live in the north east of United States and in this past year I’ve spent many hours targeting largies but most importantly, I’ve learned quite a bit too. Sometimes using a lure that isn’t very common among the other anglers is key when catching the big fish. In my pond I almost never see anyone using frog lures or realistic swim baits and not many people use jerkbaits. Most people use worms or flukes, I’ve tried frogs and swim baits and have caught very large bass with them. Fish are a lot more complex than we think, there’s a reason they’ve made it this far up the evolutionary chain and still live today. Millions of years of evolution is buried deep within their genetic code, they aren’t stupid and know how to survive. Very cool video my friend, may I ask you which state you’re from? I from New Jersey but you don’t seem to be from Jersey, I’m guessing Connecticut?

I love this immersive style from you. As always, your filming and editing are breathtaking, and your composition skills, even in the wild are mad. Your musical choice is perfection. I think that older female has a crush on you, and I’m glad it is reciprocated. The beauty of the lakebed flora and topography combined with the soft green/yellow cast of the water, the rippling patterns of sun through water…and the remarkable beauty of the fish is mesmerizing. Thank you for these relaxing and informative moments.🖤🇨🇦

Amazing videography as always.

Amazing camera work as usual. Surprised the wild fish let you get close enough to film them.

you dont know how much i love this video man, thank you

Wow Dave, just incredible… that last line choked me up a lil bit! Keep up the great work, we certainly appreciate it.

The part where you said that bass will avoid lures that have hooked them before is so true. There's a pond near my old house that I used to go to and it didn't matter what type of lure I would use I would never be able to catch a bass. One day when I was fishing with my buddy at that place he jokingly said put a piece of beef stick on your hook. About 5 minutes later I hooked into a huge 2 plus pound bass. That's the only best I've ever caught from there

This video is awesome!! I am a bass fisherman. I always treat these fish with respect. I even sometimes thank the fish, depending on size, for giving me a chance to see it up close and personal. I always catch and release bass. Thanks for the video!!

As a lifelong angler I have caught and released more fish than I can count. They really have personalities. Some are much smarter than others. Some are meaner lol. Some look you in the eye…I believe in all intelligent species that individual characteristics vary widely. Observation is the best way to learn more, thanks for making the videos!

Great video!! Thank you! Always excited to see what you create next, and never have I been disappointed. Bravo, sir.

I love fishing, and this has helped me appreciate bass even more so than before. Beautiful fish.

As a catch and release fisherman. This gives a new appreciation for the fish I so love to catch.

This is a beautiful video. I'm so glad RU-vid showed me your channel. I know you love fish and would never do this, but imagine you built this years long relationship with these bass, and then one day you just grab a few and carry them out of the lake. Some fisherman has been sitting there all day without getting a nibble, and you just walk out football carrying the biggest bass he's ever seen in his life.

this video just came up on my recommended page, and it is absolutely beautiful. im glad there are some people out there with enough appreciation for this fish and willing to take the time to make such an informative and well crafted video regarding their lives. i would love to see a video on bowfin in a similar style, as they are such a cool underappreciated fish. thank you for your time and effort in this video, youve earned a new sub!

I grew up in Southern Maine. I have always been fascinated with smaller less known freshwater ponds in this area. Largemouth bass fishing was my favorite past time when I was younger. I am now in my 50s and seldom fish anymore. I have found that I now have too much empathy for these wonderful animals and am too afraid of fatally injuring them. I discovered, from experience, that largemouth bass are smarter than we realize and that they also feel pain. I had no idea that they are as smart are you show them to be in this video. Thank you so much for posting this. Great Video!

I am an avid fisherman and would like to tell you i learned a thing or two today and i appreciate that.

What a great video. I'm blown away at your aquatic movements. No detectable disturbance to silt or the waters surface. All around great skills. Hats off

This video and your bluegill video really paints these fishes as more intelligent than I used to believe

Very interesting videos that you produced. Much appreciated. As both a fisherman and a scuba diver, I find your videos both entertaining and informative. Keep up the good work thank you

I’ve been fishing in Austin Texas lately, specifically the south fork of the San Gabriel river. Gorgeous edenic river, crystal clear and full of biodiversity. The bass there seem to hang out in packs not based on size, they have foot and a half ones hanging out with squads of maybe 5 or 6, with usually two significantly bigger ones some of these fish are definitely small enough to get eaten by the bigger ones but instead they stay together. One time I hooked one and the instant I did 4 other ones of various sizes raced over to it and started swimming by its side back and forth as I fought it. It was an odd experience, and appeared to me like some kind of empathy. I know anglers say they’re trying to see what is in their mouth but it really made me see this fish as more human as weird as it sounds. Great content man been binge watching all your videos lately.

Amazing! This really bring such a new understanding for these fish! That female is especially astonishing and so personable!

As an avid bass angler and tournament fisherman i absolutely love this video

Always keen to see your notifications! You never disappoint. 👍

this channel has got to be the most beautiful thing i have discovered :)

This is one of the most interesting videos I've watched when it comes to fish.

Great video, you should make one about trout

This is one of the most incredible videos I have seen. Completely changes my perspective about bass. Absolutely amazing.

Another awesome video!

Your voice is sooooooooooo soothing!!!! I feel like I'm in the pond! Great job, footage, and info..

I learned something else about bluegill in this video. I didn't know they spawn all summer. You could seriously have a video of just underwater footage without any commentary and it would still be a good video. Alot of these are spotted bass. I think. I'm just now getting into fishing and your videos help Alot. Lol

such a hidden gem of a channel

Have any of those bass asked you about your vehicles extended warranty

Best recommended video, I have a B.S. degree in fisheries and I find it how interesting how fish have personalities and just how intelligent they truly are.

Too cool that mama bass took you under her wing and chases off other fish. It’s definitely not a game, she’s got a crush on you!!

it's always pretty neat to see something like this in the wild... the fact she is _protective_ of you is quite intriguing. whether it's just innate curiosity or she's possessive by nature, it still must feel pretty special to know you have a guardian who is constantly looking out for you while you're there, and _looking_ for you while you're away. wholesome stuff.

I love the native fish so much. I always stop to admire my catches.

Amazing video! The visuals were stunning as always and I learned so much!

wow. this video made me cry. thanks for your soothing voice, it made me feel better :) (I'm sick with strep)

I hope you’re doing well and thank you for the lovely video. It really makes me appreciate the fish I love to catch.

I totally dig your work. You've earned another subscription.

Excellent! I really enjoyed this documentary

These make me feel like im a kid again watching animal planet or natgeo nature documentaries i love it

dave i can’t believe you’re responding to comments 2 years later thanks for this masterpiece my buddy and i are fascinated by the species we fish for. we love knowing how they behave and live in the waters beneath us

This video has been a eye opener for me, thank you for posting it 🙂

Keep these videos going! I love how in depth and close you get to the fish :)

What a great video, I'm so proud to have a Largemouth Bass as a pet, I have a 125 gallon native tank with 3 Bluegills, a Yellow Bullhead and a 5 inch baby Largemouth, this fish is the smartest fish I've ever had and they are extremely intelligent I can hand feed him and everything also this fish follows me everywhere even after feeding it seems to like when I'm by the tank very interactive, I love my native tank and plan to upgrade it as the fish grow!!☺️

I discovered you last night and I love the relaxing tours of these waters. So nice seeing the light refracting through the surface above

I caught a smallmouth bass in the James River back in 2018, and a largemouth bass in the Appomattox River back in 2021.

Great video! Thanks :) I love bass fishing, but it’s nice to see them in a more calm state as well

You deserve 100x more subs than you have! ❤️

I love bass fishing, and I absolutely respect them and other fish. I think I love fishing for them bc they really are smart and are a challenge to catch, and it forces me to research more about them which in my opinion results in me having more respect for them.

I love fishing for largemouth!!! California has some good spots ! Caught my PB this season !

Amazing as always , beautiful video great job Dave 👌✌️

this makes me wanna play the BEST fishing game ever - Bass Master Classic Pro on the SNES 😂 AWESOME video sir!

Amazing video, so much crazy information. That fish that follows you is unreal, this just blows my mind.

had a largemouth in my pond that would sit and watch me fish for bluegill from about 4 feet out . always raced to try and intercept an easy meal when i threw one back . lightning fast reaction time .

You are quickly becoming one of my favorite channels :) Thank you for showing us your beautiful work!

Awesome video, please keep making stuff like this if you enjoy it!

Beautiful footage, and your voice is so calming! I’m amazed by the female bass following you and not letting anything else go near you. Thank you for making these videos, as they’ll be my new go-to when I’m anxious ❤

Its so fascinating that Bass and Bluegill are all in the same family. I guess its like having lions living amongst domestic kittens!

Incredible job, this is my type of documentary. You have such a calming voice and I appreciate all of the little details especially when you talked about the male bass cleaning the eggs, I thought that was super interesting! Along with the fact that the fish recognize you showing how smart they truly are.

Came to see how bass operated, left a new man.

This was so cool, thanks for taking the time to make this!

love it. very majestic

As a fisherman I was able to get a new perspective on these awesome fish Bravo!

The world is crazy for bass! Here in Harford County, Maryland we have large and smallmouth bass and of course our state fish, the mighty Striped Bass, or Rockfish as it’s best known around here. Shoot, even the Japanese have had bass shipped over to Japan to fish and they’ve become about as crazy about bass fishing as we are here in the States. Rockfish are delicious, but I don’t personally enjoy the taste of large/smallmouth bass so I’m strictly catch and release when it comes to them. But catfish? Mmmmm I love me some tasty catfish. Do you have a video like this but featuring catfish? I’d love to watch it!

Your videos are so frickin top quality and greatly informative. Thanks for taking the time to make them! 👍🏻

5:25 "and will agressively defend the nest if anyone comes too close to the eggs" *states down the camera at point-blank with a dead a$$ stare*

I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you!

13:43 “the largemouth bass are the intellectuals in this crowd” the bass proceeds to make a very grumpy and nosy face

I can't imagine how you get such great footage. When fishing I have attempted to use underwater cameras, but all of them have LEDs that shine straight ahead, causing particulate matter to appear as snow which blinds the view. I have had some success using an auxiliary light rigged up on the cable at an angle and keeping the camera lights off. Your in-depth information on the bass and the bluegill are spot on. I have seen bass spawn on stumps in 18 feet of water. They are very adaptive, and learn quickly to adjust to fishing pressure as well as certain baits. It is believed they can actually pass some of this info on to their fry. I have witnessed very successful baits become useless...as you pointed out. Great video. You have done your homework. :)

I tell ya, I've thought a lot about the pain thing. A lot. I think there's no way a creature is made to be in pain every day when it eats. Bass crush live crawfish whole in their mouths and eat spiny bluegills and other fish. I think the spines are simply to prevent being swallowed, not to cause pain. Their nervous system just isn't set up like humans. It's a whatever though. We all have our opinion. I agree they're very smart. I've kayak fished at the same river most weeks of the year for some time now. I think they don't eat the lures bc they know it's a waste of energy and potentially life threatening. I do catch the same fish sometimes. I think some of them just don't care! Crazy fish. Lol 🤣 Especially some Spotted Bass. They are flat out nuts. Great video!! 👍👍

Incredible videography! Try to do a video on chain pickerel next, very difficult to capture on film.

Very nice video, I like to catch large mouth bass. I put them back and I know that I have caught the same bass 3 times. I caught one twice in 4 days on the same plastic worm. 😇🙏

Phenomenal video as always

Wow what a beautiful video/ piece of visual and auditory art!! I am a bass fisherman and i love and respect these fish soo much, the part about the daddy bass protecting the beds makes you respect these fish even more, i hate the fact that bass fishing tournaments happen during the spawn i wonder how many daddy bass die after being caught just from shear exhaustion 😢

Again an amazing video Dave. Your camerawork and easy listening voice made me feel like I had a short vacation! More natural habitat videos please! Thanks..!

Good video

This video is amazing. Aquatic life is so interesting. Your channel does a great job at showcasing these amazing creatures. I think another creature you should showcase is the crayfish. I think they're super cool!

Good grief, if I fished in water that clear I’d never lose another lure to sticks. But in all seriousness, I’m glad to find such informative videos on the fish themselves. It helps me be a better fisherman! I’ve been chasing bluegill because they’re easier, but maybe I’ll try bass in the future.

Simply excellent. Thank you. Yes fish have feelings like we do.

5:30 that bass really tried to rizz up the cameraman

Visually stunning & research on point- Beautiful work!!!

Honey! Dave just posted

As a bass fisherman this video changed the way I look at them. I always respect the fish and do catch and release. This video helped out a lot!!!

great video man. bass rule !

Waaaw !! Another great and informative video as always 👍 In France we called them Truite d’Amérique. You speak so well that the translation is perfect ! It was a pleasure 🤗

As a bass fishermen this was cool to watch

If i need help falling asleep i will play this....this guy has the most soothing voice

I’ve always thought that if I died I would spend all my time left too stay on the bottom of the sea exploration the deepest part without fears of death because it would be a spirit

The life of a bass sure isn't easy learned so much about them thanks Dave 👍

Amazing videos man immediate subscription keep it up

Your channel is wonderful. I just started diving in my local lake as a workout, and to find and identify the wildlife. Whenever I've tried to look for a catalog or something, it's all about fishing and doesn't get as personal as id like. Your channel is exactly what I needed. Thank you!