Top Splittail Bass Fishing Countries

The Splittail Bass, while not a globally recognized species under that exact name, may refer to regional names for bass-like fish with a distinct forked tail, such as the Sacramento Splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) in California or certain Asian cyprinids. However, if we consider popular bass species with similar features, such as the Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), the top countries for bass fishing are the United States, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa. The United States leads the world with a robust recreational bass fishing industry, especially in states like Florida, Texas, and California, supporting both tourism and local economies. Japan has cultivated a passionate bass angling community, particularly at Lake Biwa, and has developed a significant market for bass fishing tackle and gear. Mexico is renowned for its trophy bass lakes, such as Lake El Salto, attracting international anglers. South Africa also boasts a growing bass fishing scene, particularly in its freshwater reservoirs. While commercial harvest of bass is limited due to their value as sport fish, these countries are central to the global bass fishing industry, which is driven primarily by catch-and-release recreational fishing rather than commercial exploitation.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.