The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently celebrated a milestone in its Trophy Catch largemouth program, checking in the 100th bass over 13 pounds since the program began. As an effort to increase awareness of this fact and the program itself, a group of biologists compiled information on each catch, obtained through the initial submission process and further interviews with successful anglers.

This information was used to check for patterns. Factors like time of year, moon phase, live bait and lures were entered into spreadsheets, so that we may all learn the secret formula for catching monster bass.

Results were compelling, to say the least. If you’re a lunker-hunter like me, you’ll want this info.

First, consider the best period to catch a huge fish. Over 60 percent of the charted fish were caught in February or March (which comprise only 16 percent of the year). That’s a pretty heavy statistic, but may be weighted. Consider the vast majority of bass-fishing effort in Florida occurs in the cooler months, and we can expect a bit of sway. Also factor in the size of pre-spawn females, and we understand even more. However, scientific evidence suggests that bass may not actually weigh more in early spring than they do, say, in the fall. Egg development takes away from fat reserves, and it’s thought that many bass are heaviest following summer feeds. Maybe there’s an X-factor, or simply magic in the cooler months.

One thing’s for sure; there is, indeed, magic in the moon. This is something myself and other big-bass junkies have preached forever. If you ignore the lunar influence on the biggest members of the species, you’re making a big mistake. Consider this: More than half of all the 13-pound-plus fish were caught during periods of full or no lunar illumination (very near the full or new moons).

Considering weather, clear skies and light winds produced the best results. Here, we have to be careful, again, of effort. In Florida, far more people fish on nice days than those with foul weather. This is likely a factor of Florida’s overall pleasant climate – most anglers aren’t forced to fish when it’s nasty. The season never ends; why force it? Naturally, those days would skew the results.

But also consider that the time day producing the best results was afternoon, when many anglers have left the lake. I’ve personally found that, even on very warm, windy days, fishing seems to get better in the afternoon. It may sound crazy, but give me 90 degrees and windy over low-light periods anytime in Florida. The Florida giants seem to truly be sun fish.

Geographic region information was incredible. Of all 100 fish, the vast majority came from a six-county area in north-central Florida. Sure, we hear of massive Lake Okeechobee or the newest lakes in southeast Florida when researching big bass. But those waterways produced less than five fish over 13 pounds. Instead, the old-school waters in and around Putnam and Marion counties reign supreme.

Also of note seems to be an actual precedence for mid-state waterways to produce big fish, rather than those near the coast. Landlocked counties were the lunker zones. Florida’s geologic features include a massive artery of freshwater within this zone, and soil types unlike other places within the state, forming a high-ground ridge. I wonder how that plays in? Could there be a magic water type, pH or hardness that spells H-A-W-G?

Or perhaps weather plays a role when making a trophy lake. In much of Florida, the ocean buffers coastal areas, resulting in a moderate climate. Yet, the previously mentioned lunker belt features some of the most drastic temperature swings in the Sunshine State. Something to consider.

Now, more on finding the magic spot. Seventy-five percent of the fish checked in were caught in less than 10 feet of water. OK, not fair, I know. Heck, 75 percent of Florida waters are less than 10 feet deep, right? To some degree. However, consider a few other factors. One, most of the lakes that gave up huge fish in the north-central region do, in fact, contain deep water. And second, the best zones were reported as being “more than one cast from the bank.”

Hmmmm.

Also, consider that the best cover/structure was reported, in order, as weed cover (medium or heavy), followed by open water, followed by wood, then manmade cover items, rip-rap, docks and fish attractors. More from open water than all the rest, besides weeds? That’s pretty wild, considering very few people seem to fish open water in Florida.

When we get to the catching, lures accounted for about two-thirds of the fish. That seemed off to me, at first. Nearly all guided trips in Florida are done so with live shiners, and they account for the bulk of the big fish.

However, the artificial lure argument gains ground when we consider that 87 percent of all the checked fish were caught by Florida residents, not out-of towners on a guided trip. In fact, guided trips accounted for less than 5 percent of the big fish checked in the program.

And the lures that caught the monsters? Plastics; worms and “other”. Soft-plastic offerings accounted for 70 percent of the fish.

Pretty eye-opening, considering the numbers of Rat-L-Traps, ChatterBaits and spinnerbaits being whizzed around.

I applaud the Florida FWC for putting this info out. Sure, it goes along with my fishing interest, but the underlying message of the Trophy Catch program still applies.

To qualify, all bass must be released.

(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)