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Texas Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is the most prominent
species of fish resident to the Highland Lakes of
Texas. These fish grow up to sixteen inches within
the first three years of their lives. This particular
species of fish has a life span of sixteen years.
The female of the species grow in length up to
29 inches in their lives and are often larger than
full grown males. The largest largemouth bass in
history weighed 25 pounds.
Spawning of these aquatic treasures starts in the
spring season in the state of Texas between the
end of February to May. It is the responsibility
of the male largemouth bass to provide nests.
The females lay up to 43,000 eggs each every
spring. The eggs hatch in as little as 5 days, while
guarded by the male largemouth bass.
The diet of the newborn of these freshwater fish
consists mostly of smaller fish such as shad and
in some cases small shrimp. The adults who
dwell in deeper waters consume larger fish
and amphibians such as frogs, crawfish, and
baby alligators in some areas. The prey of this
dominating fish species can be up to 35% of
its body mass. Of all species in these waters the
largemouth bass is considered to be the apex
predator.
The Micropterus salmoides and the Micropterus
salmoides flordaus are two species of large
mouth bass that are native to Texas. It is the
breed of fish that accounts for a large portion of
freshwater seafood in this area. Catfish is a close
second to this apex predator. Fishing for Texans
is not simply a sport but also a way to supply
food to their families in a poor economy.
With the popularity of bass fishing comes also
the occurrence of bass fishing tournaments.
These tournaments are conducted yearly in the
Texas Lake region. One such tournament is the
Bass Champs Tournament Trail held every May
on the Highland Lakes. A majority of participants
in these tournaments practice catch and release
in order to refrain from depleting the fish
population. These tournaments are required to
follow strict state regulations and guidelines.
The Blue Bonnet
The blue bonnet became the state flower of the
state of Texas in 1901. This was thanks to former
Vice President John Nance Garner, who was a
State Representative at this time. This accomplishment
was thanks also to the help of a special
group of Texan women. This special group of
women, a Texas chapter of the Colonial Dames
of America called upon the aid of a painting
created by Miss Mode Walker. The painting was
presented to Governor Joseph D. Sayers and
other lawmakers backing up Mr. Garner’s state
flower suggestion. This painting captured the
rare beauty that is the Texas blue bonnet and
making a quite compelling argument all its own.
To commemorate the brilliant decision to
choose these blue bonnets as the state flower;
the state of Texas began the Blue Bonnet Festival
in June of 1997. Within this festival are hundreds
of arts and crafts booths amid the blue bonnets.
Live entertainment and children’s activities, as
well as, a food court are provided.
This event is sponsored by the Chappell Hill Historical
Society. This group of volunteers is dedicated
to preserving history of Texas and its historical
buildings.
The festival itself is held every April in the Chappell
Hill, Texas area. People of all ages are welcome.
Enjoy!
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