Spawn refers to the eggs and sperm released or deposited into water by aquatic animals). It is the process of how fish mate and reproduce. Most aquatic animals, except for aquatic mammals and reptiles, reproduce through the process of spawning). The process of spawning typically involves females releasing ova (unfertilized eggs) into the water, often in large quantities, while males simultaneously or sequentially release spermatozoa (milt) to fertilize the eggs). Marine animals, and particularly bony fish, commonly reproduce by broadcast spawning, which is an external method of reproduction where the female releases many unfertilized eggs into the water, and a male or many males release a lot of sperm into the water, which fertilizes some of these eggs).
Fish spawning is important for the fishing industry, and understanding when fish spawn can make you a better angler. Fish behavior changes when they are spawning, and knowing when your target fish is spawning and how it changes its behavior can help you modify your methods for a more successful fishing trip. However, anglers are advised not to target the female (or the bigger bass) during spawning season as catch-and-release may prove too stressful for them.
