According to research published at “In-Fisherman” magazine, electronic tracking studies clearly show that bass typically establish home ranges, learn their territories, and rapidly return if displaced short distances.  Long displacements, however, can disorient fish and turn homebodies into migrants.

In one project, 33 to 43 percent of largemouths displaced nine to 13 miles eventually returned to their capture area.  Those captured in spring returned within three months.  Others released late in the year did not return for up to two years.

Tagged bass have traveled 20 miles or more in one direction, but few home ranges are as wide as one or two miles.  Such long directional movements could be returns to known areas or merely wanderings.  Sick, injured, or starving bass are known to increase movement, apparently attempting to solve problems before they become incapacitated.

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