Maryland’s beloved largemouth bass has undergone a major makeover in the science world, thanks to a groundbreaking study that set it apart from its Florida cousin. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dropped this bombshell news on May 23, 2025. The American Fisheries Society has given its official stamp of approval to the Florida bass as a distinct species from the largemouth bass. What does this mean? Well, Maryland’s bass, previously known as Micropterus salmoides, now goes by the name Micropterus nigricans.
A recent study from Yale University, published in 2025, delved into the genetics of 394 fish and confirmed that there are clear differences between bass from Florida and coastal Georgia and those found in other regions, including Maryland. This study backed up findings from 1949 by black bass experts Carl Hubbs and Reeve Bailey. These early researchers noted physical disparities like scale counts and coloration patterns, but it wasn’t until modern genetic testing that these differences were solidified.
For the fishing enthusiasts in Maryland, this reclassification doesn’t alter the game much. The bass, still affectionately called largemouth bass locally, continues to be a fan favorite for its size, fight, and the abundance of tournaments held across the state’s waters. But, with the scientific name change to Micropterus nigricans, Maryland’s fishing regulations are due for an update, as suggested by the DNR. In Florida, what was once lumped in as a largemouth bass is now classified as the Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides).
So, what’s the big deal with this species separation? According to a DNR spokesperson, recognizing them as separate species actually helps natural resource agencies, like the DNR, manage and protect these fish more effectively. The genetic differentiation allows for tailored stocking and conservation plans based on each species’ specific environmental needs. Largemouth bass in Maryland are better suited for cooler waters and shorter growing seasons, while their Florida counterparts thrive in warmer climates with longer growing seasons.
The distinction in species also sheds light on behavioral and growth variations. Florida bass are known to reach impressive sizes in their native habitat, benefitting from warmer waters, but may not see the same growth potential in Maryland’s chillier environment. On the flip side, largemouth bass are prized for their feisty nature and adapt well to northern waters. Introducing Florida bass into Maryland could lead to decreased catch rates or lower reproductive success, caution DNR fisheries biologists.
Despite the change in scientific names, Maryland’s stocking strategy remains unchanged. Bass for tidal waters, such as the Potomac River, will still be sourced from local largemouth bass broodstock to ensure optimal survival and reproduction rates. This aligns with practices in states like Arkansas, where Florida bass are stocked in warmer regions and largemouth bass in cooler zones.
Even with the name switch-up, the thrill of bass fishing in Maryland remains as strong as ever. Anglers can still chase largemouth bass in the state’s various water bodies, from Deep Creek Lake to the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries. The state continues to host numerous tournaments that draw in thousands of participants each year, with largemouth bass continuing to steal the show. Information on fishing spots and stocking programs can be found on the Maryland DNR website.
This reclassification isn’t just another fish tale; it signifies a milestone in fisheries science, showcasing how genetic research fine-tunes species management. The funds generated from fishing licenses, tackle sales, boat purchases, and marine fuel support Maryland’s conservation efforts, ensuring healthy bass populations for generations to come. So, while the scientific name may have changed, the joy of reeling in a largemouth bass in Maryland’s waters remains unchanged.
