There are eight different locales in Bassmaster 2022, and we’ve ranked them from worst to best.
Bassmaster Fishing 2022 gives players the chance to explore eight real-life locations recreated in-game. Ranging from southern swamps to northern rivers and lakes, the game offers you a wide variety of locations and settings from which to fish. Building on this theme of diversity, each venue is populated by different types of fish, with some venues specialising and others providing a more general offering.
Luckily for us, this year's edition of Bassmaster provides us with the above attributes and then some. However, some venues more accurately recreate the phenomena of fishing these waters for real; here are the most and least successful in achieving this goal.
Located in northern Texas, Lake Ray Roberts is a human-made lake. One of the more simplistic venues, it has only two types of setting: large open water and more narrow stretches in its inner section. Some other venues also have this lack of choice, but they have more of a simplistic laid back charm to them that Lake Ray Roberts fails to grasp. Despite this setback, it still has a wide range of fish to catch and many windy rivers to explore. It will likely just leave many players wanting more.
This venue, located on the Canada-USA border, suffers in a similar fashion relating to the setting. But before we discuss this, it's worth mentioning that the St. Lawrence River has one of the widest varieties of fish out of all eight venues. Pike, Salmon and Bass are amongst the 17 different types of fish. This enables the venue to be, at the very least, very replayable.
Where it struggles, however, is the aforementioned setting. St. Lawrence River only really contains a single environment — a riverfront. This works in opposition to the replayability offered by the types of fish.
Of the more simplistic venues, Lake Guntersville is great. Containing 14 fish types, from Spotted Bass to Blue Catfish, it finds a middle ground in a selection that is neither overwhelming nor simplistic. The lake also suitably recreates its real-life counterpart, situated in northern Alabama, convincingly.
More so than others, there is a southern charm to Lake Guntersville's simplicity, making it a welcoming venue to both new players and those looking to wind down.
The beginner venue, Lake Hamilton, benefits from its defined simpler style. This style is a residential lake that grants it a relaxed vibe where you can learn the basics. But it isn't just for the new players; Lake Hamilton is a perfect place to practice or try something new, as it contains all of the standard fish in the game.
Furthemore, it has some more demanding sections, where close control over your boat and line will be required to catch the biggest and best fish.
This venue has the smallest selection of fish of any in the game. Despite this, St. Johns River plays as a specialist venue where patience is indeed a virtue when searching for particular fish.
This venue is specifically tailored to those seeking a longer challenge in which you will track fish across the venue before making the final catch. Building on this, the setting is instantly different from other venues due to the long bridge, and it stands out because of this.
This lake has the highest rate of bass of any venue in the game and thereby serves as the primary venue for a game based on bass fishing. Five different types of bass, from Smallmouth to Striped, make up a third of the list at this venue.
Being set in an endearing Tennessee reservoir, with tight secluded rivers and large open spaces, makes for a relaxed and intense atmosphere, depending on your activity. Chickamauga at dusk is amongst the prettiest scenes in the game.
Representing the biggest challenge in the game, Toledo Bend is where the most experienced anglers will head to catch the biggest of them all, the 15.33 lb Largemouth Bass. This challenge is exacerbated by the submerged obstacles, which are particularly dangerous here due to the relatively shallow water.
Although challenging, Toledo Bend is the most fulfilling venue on the game and offers the classic open water experience with added twists. The setting on the border between Texas and Louisana is recreated well with long bright days and a massive sky.
Sabine River is the most unique venue in the game. Its 12 fish total is bettered elsewhere, but its setting and gameplay aren't. With four distinct areas, it is diverse and exciting to explore and discover. Featuring the classic open spaces and winding rivers, the Sabine River is heavy on the latter and requires the map to master and avoid getting lost.
Moreover, this venue goes beyond the classic venues and also contains abandoned industrial estates and dark swamps. The level of gameplay options and adaptability needed is more than all other venues, and you will probably still be exploring Sabine River long after you've seen everything else.
