Spotting the Difference: Largemouth vs Smallmouth

You’ve been out on the water all day, and finally you’ve got a bite! You start to reel in your prize, but as you get closer you realize that you’re not quite sure what kind of fish you’ve caught.

Is it a largemouth bass or a smallmouth bass?

Don’t worry, we’ll help you out. In this article, we’ll take a look at the key differences between these two popular types of bass.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to distinguish between them, so you can be sure to know which one you’ve got on the line.

So read on, and get ready to become a bass identification expert!

What Makes Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Different

When it comes to fishing for bass, there are two main types of bass to lookout for: largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.

Though they may look similar, there are several key differences that set these two fish apart.

Largemouth bass are typically found in larger bodies of water, such as lakes and reservoirs, while smallmouth bass prefer streams and rivers.

Largemouth bass are also known for their voracious appetite, and can often be seen eating insects, frogs, and other small creatures.

Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, are smaller than largemouth bass and have a more aggressive nature. They are also known for their sharp teeth, which they use to fight off predators.

Size and Coloration of the Species

When it comes to largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, size and coloration are two of the most obvious ways to tell them apart.

Largemouth bass are typically much larger than smallmouth bass, and they are also darker in color. Largemouth bass tend to have a green or olive coloration, while smallmouth bass are usually a lighter brown or yellow.

However, there can be some variation in size and coloration between individual fish, so it’s always important to use caution and not make assumptions. The best way to be sure is to look at the fish’s markings and fins.

Behavior Patterns

When you’re out on the lake and feeling that tug on your line, it’s important to know which kind of bass you’ve got on the hook. After all, catching the wrong one can be quite a letdown!

Largemouth bass are the bigger, more aggressive fish of the two. They like to hang out near the surface of the water, where they can ambush their prey.

Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, are smaller and more elusive. They stay deeper in the water and are more likely to take their time before attacking their prey.

Knowing these differences can help you better target your fishing efforts and increase your chances of landing that big bass!

Where to Find Them

If you’re looking to catch one of these two types of bass, you’ll need to know where to find them. Largemouth Bass can be located in warm and slow-moving waters, while Smallmouth Bass are more likely to be in cold water and fast-moving streams.

When fishing for largemouth bass, look for areas with lots of aquatic vegetation and structure like rocks, logs, or submerged tree branches.

These fish tend to hide in the shadows around these objects so they can ambush unsuspecting prey. Smallmouth Bass, on the other hand, are most often found along points, shelves or rocky outcroppings.

They also prefer colder water temperatures than the largemouth bass.

No matter which type of bass you’re looking for, make sure you bring your fishing knowledge and the right gear!

Techniques for Catching Each Species

Knowing the difference between largemouth bass and smallmouth bass is important to be successful out on the water, but so is the technique you use to catch them.

For starters, largemouth bass tend to be quite aggressive, so bait like worms, fish, or even frogs work best. You can also try using a plastic grub as a lure for bigger fish.

In contrast, smallmouth bass are usually more cautious and shy away from bright baits and lures. In this case, it’s best to give them something more natural like crayfish or freshwater shrimp.

Additionally, you want to look out for clear waters where these guys can easily spot there prey without being scared away.

Using a slow methodical retrieve and presenting your bait in such an environment will help you land these littler critters in no time.

Management Practices for Each Species

When you’re out fishing, it’s important to understand the management practices for each type of bass. For example, the daily limit* for largemouth bass is five fish per person, but for smallmouth bass, it’s only three!

Make sure you’re aware of these limits before embarking on your next outing. Limits may change where you fish so make sure your familiar with your local regulations.

Also, largemouth bass must be at least 15-inches long to keep (except in Iowa and Ohio, where it’s 14 inches), but smallmouth must be at least 18 inches long.

On top of this, special regulations may apply depending on your location. Pay careful attention to any signs that tell you about the specific rules of your area.

That said, make sure to review all the different regulations associated with these species before deciding which one to fish!

*Daily limit is an angler’s legal obligation not to exceed a specified number of fish caught in one day.

That’s it! You now know the main differences between largemouth and smallmouth bass. While some of these may seem subtle, they can be the difference between landing a fish and going home empty-handed.

So, next time you’re out on the water, be sure to put these tips to use and see if you can’t catch the big one!

 

Sources: fishbroker