NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has certified a new Class A (sportfishing methods) state record Alabama Bass. The 7 pounds, 3 ounces fish was caught by angler Caleb Bell on the Ocoee River and tops the previous state record of 7 pounds, 0 ounces from Parksville Reservoir set by Shane McKee in 2014.
Unfortunately, Alabama Bass are an invasive species that was illegally introduced in Tennessee. Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or health of humans or native species. Alabama Bass currently impact numerous reservoirs associated with the Tennessee River.
As an invasive species, Alabama Bass jeopardize native bass populations, including Smallmouth Bass, through hybridization and competition for resources. Although Alabama Bass have somewhat higher growth rates upon initial introduction to new places, this is typically a short-lived phenomenon, and these fish tend to overpopulate and remain relatively small. They also compete for resources with native species…