For almost 20 years we lived on a lake loaded with bass, among other lake-living creatures.  The first year or two we enjoyed an occasional bass for dinner.  Mainly, friends and family fished for the fun of it and always put the bass back into our lake (unfortunately some did not make it as they swallowed the ‘purple worm’).  However, when one of the kids caught at least a 4 lb. bass, we mounted it for them if they wanted it.

• 1 lb. (or more) large mouth bass
• butter (lots of it)
• fresh lemon to taste
• lemon pepper seasoning to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Melt butter in a baking dish and add the bass.  Squeeze lemon juice over it and sprinkle with lemon pepper and maybe some fresh herbs.  My husband preferred to fry it however.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness and the bass flakes easily with a fork.  This is a thick fish.

One very proud nephew with his 4 lb. 7 oz. bass!