Sunshine bass in Florida

Meet the species

Sunshine bass
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Morone chrysops × morone saxatilis

Overview

Sunshines occur where they are stocked by the fwc--typically in community lakes or waters with an abundance of shad.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 20 inches or 5 lbs

At a glance

Regions
Statewide freshwater
Water
Freshwater
Bait
Live threadfin or shrimp are by far the most effective bait for sunshine bass. Artificial lures such as crankbaits, bucktail or feathered jigs & spinners and spoons also do well.

Florida fishing record

Weight
16 lb 5 oz
Location
Lake seminole, jackson county
Date
May 9, 1985
Angler
Thomas elder
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

16.31 lb; by thomas elder; on 5/9/1985; at lake seminole, jackson county

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Good months from FWC 'late fall through spring' hybrid/striped tailwater fisheries; peak months blank (no single statewide peak stated for sunshine bass). Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide freshwater

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Sunshines occur where they are stocked by the fwc--typically in community lakes or waters with an abundance of shad.

More locations and access

How to catch

Live threadfin or shrimp are by far the most effective bait for sunshine bass. Artificial lures such as crankbaits, bucktail or feathered jigs, spinners and spoons also do well. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

Live threadfin or shrimp are by far the most effective bait for sunshine bass. Artificial lures such as crankbaits, bucktail or feathered jigs & spinners and spoons also do well.

Lures

Artificial lures such as crankbaits, bucktail or feathered jigs & spinners and spoons also do well.

Videos

Sources

Fishing videos from local voices

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.