Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth Bass

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are two iconic game fish that reign supreme as the undisputed champions of anglers worldwide. These esteemed species are beloved for their fierce fighting spirit, making them sought-after targets for recreational fishermen and women. While both belong to the Micropterus genus, each possesses a set of unique characteristics that sets them apart.

Left Image Credit: Robert Pos; Right Image Credit: Robert Pos/USFWS

Main Differences Between Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth Bass 

• Mouth Size and Shape: The most obvious difference between the two species is their mouth size and shape. Largemouth bass have a large mouth with an upper jaw that extends beyond the back of their eyes when closed, giving them their name. On the other hand, smallmouth bass have a smaller mouth that does not extend beyond the back of their eyes.
• Coloration: Largemouth bass typically exhibit shades of green or olive on their upper body, transitioning to lighter colors on their lower sides and belly. They often have a dark, horizontal stripe running along their sides, known as the “lateral line.” Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, have a bronze or brownish coloration, often with vertical bars or mottling on their sides.
• Eye Color: Another key difference is the eye color. Largemouth bass have a reddish or golden eye color, while smallmouth bass have vibrant red or bronze eyes.
• Dorsal fin: Dorsal fins play a significant role in distinguishing between smallmouth and largemouth bass. In smallmouth Bass, the dorsal fins are usually connected, appearing as a single continuous fin. On the other hand, largemouth bass have distinctly separate dorsal fins, with the first being larger and more prominent, followed by a smaller second dorsal fin closer to the tail. 
• Preferred Habitat: Largemouth bass prefer warm, slow-moving, or still waters such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. They are commonly found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and submerged structures. Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, thrives in cooler, clearer waters with moderate currents. They are often found in rocky areas, clear lakes, and swift-flowing streams or rivers.
• Diet and Feeding Habits: Largemouth bass are known for their ambush-style hunting and are opportunistic feeders, preying on various creatures, including smaller fish, crustaceans, and insects. They prefer to lurk near submerged structures and vegetation, waiting to strike at passing prey. Smallmouth bass are more active hunters. They often feed on crayfish, minnows, and aquatic insects and are more inclined to chase and pursue their prey.
• Spawning Behavior: While both species spawn during late spring or early summer, they have slight differences in their spawning behavior. Largemouth bass typically create circular nests in shallow waters, often near vegetation, where females lay their eggs. The males then guard the eggs until they hatch. Smallmouth bass also construct nests in rocky or gravelly substrates, where females deposit their eggs, and the males protect them until they hatch.
• Fishing Techniques: Both species are popular targets for recreational fishing, and anglers often use similar techniques to catch them. However, Largemouth bass are known to be more forgiving and easier to catch, making them a popular choice for beginners. Anglers typically use various artificial lures, live bait, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, football jigs, finesse worms, or topwater plugs to entice both species.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), also traditionally referred to as green bass, is a popular freshwater game fish known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a large mouth that extends beyond the back of the eye.

Native to North America, it’s widely sought after by anglers for its strong fighting ability and size potential. The largemouth bass holds the title of state fish in Georgia, Mississippi, and Indiana, while also being the state freshwater fish of Florida and Alabama, and the state sport fish of Tennessee.

Appearance

The largemouth bass is a visually striking species known for its prominent mouth, which extends beyond its eyes when its jaws are closed. This signature feature grants the largemouth bass its name, showcasing its ability to engulf sizeable prey.

Their coloration varies, but they typically exhibit shades of green, olive, or dark brown on their upper bodies, transitioning to lighter hues on their lower sides and bellies. A key distinguishing mark is a dark, horizontal stripe, often referred to as a “lateral line,” extending from just behind their gills to their tails.

Size

Largemouth bass are renowned for their substantial size, often reaching lengths between 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 centimeters) and weights ranging from 2 to 10 pounds (0.9 to 4.5 kilograms). However, in certain environments with favorable conditions, they can grow even larger, sometimes exceeding 20 pounds (9 kilograms). 

Reproduction

Largemouth bass breeding typically occurs in late spring or early summer. During this period, males construct a nest in shallow waters, often near the safety of submerged structures. After courtship, females deposit their eggs within these nests, and males fiercely guard the eggs until they hatch. Largemouth bass are prolific spawners, with a single female capable of producing thousands of eggs.

Habitat

Largemouth bass thrive in diverse freshwater habitats, showcasing their remarkable adaptability. They prefer calm, warmer waters such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs, slow-moving rivers, and large backwaters.

Largemouth bass also exhibit a preference for areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, thick cover, and other structures such as weed beds that offer shelter and ambush opportunities. While the northern largemouth, found in the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes region, the Florida largemouth, native to Florida’s Everglades as well as the swamps, ponds, and bayous of Texas and Georgia.

Threats

In their native ranges, Largemouth bass populations remain relatively stable. However, in certain areas where they have been introduced outside their natural range, they may negatively impact native fish species through competition and predation.

Smallmouth Bass

The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), also traditionally referred to as brown bass, is another prized freshwater game fish recognized by its smaller mouth compared to the largemouth bass. It is a popular target for anglers who appreciate its feisty fight and acrobatic leaps when hooked during bass fishing.

Appearance

Smallmouth bass, as their name suggests, possess a smaller mouth compared to their largemouth counterparts. Their body shape is more streamlined, and they exhibit a bronze or brownish coloration with vertical bars along their sides.

Unlike largemouth bass, this bass species has dark, horizontal lines running through the sides of their bellies. Smallmouth bass also boasts vibrant red or bronze eyes, a characteristic that sets them apart from other bass species. 

Size

While slightly smaller than largemouth bass, smallmouth bass are no less impressive. They typically measure between 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) in length and weigh between 2 to 5 pounds (0.9 to 2.3 kilograms). Specimens exceeding 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) are considered exceptional trophies.

Habitat

Smallmouth bass exhibit a preference for cooler and clearer waters with moderate currents. They often inhabit rocky areas, clear lakes, reservoirs, and swift-flowing streams or rivers. Smallmouth bass are partial to rocky structures, submerged boulders, and ledges, which provide ideal ambush sites and spawning locations.

Reproduction

Smallmouth bass follow a similar reproductive pattern, spawning during late spring or early summer. Males also construct nests in gravelly or rocky substrates, where females lay their eggs. Smallmouth bass are also prolific breeders, with a female capable of releasing thousands of eggs.

FAQs