Are the bass getting smarter, or are we literally breeding them to be harder to catch? In Episode 16, we dive into a groundbreaking and controversial discovery: Fisheries-Induced Evolution.

Science reveals that heavy angler pressure isn't just making bass "lure shy" for a day. Rather, it’s actually rewriting their genome. We break down the studies showing that the "catchability" of a bass is a heritable trait. When the most aggressive, easy-to-catch bass are removed from the gene pool (or stressed during spawning), we are left with a population of "low-vulnerability" survivors.

Understanding that catchability is a heritable trait changes everything for the modern angler. It explains why legendary lakes or spots seem to "dry up" despite high fish populations and why traditional power-fishing tactics are often ignored by the local residents. By recognizing that we are competing against a predator that is biologically evolving to avoid us, we can adapt our strategies to target the unique sensory triggers and subtle vulnerabilities of these genetically cautious survivors.