Differences Between Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

If you are new to smallmouth bass angling, you may have questions about the differences between smallmouth and largemouth bass.  A fw quick searches on the web wll show you some pictures of these two species as seen here.  Check out the videos below to learn more about the different behaviors and habitat differences to help you become a more versatile bass fisherman, expedially if you are just getting started in smallmouth fishing.

The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. It is the type species of its genus. One of the black basses, it is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and has been spread by stock to many cool-water tributaries and lakes in the United States and Canada. The smallmouth bass is native to the upper and middle Mississippi River basin, the Saint Lawrence River–Great Lakes system, and up into the Hudson Bay basin. Its common names include smallmouth, bronzeback, brown bass, brownie, smallie, bronze bass, and bareback bass.

The smallmouth bass is generally brown (seldom yellow) with red eyes, and dark brown vertical bands, rather than a horizontal band along the side. There are 13–15 soft rays in the dorsal fin. The upper jaw of smallmouth bass extends to the middle of the eye.
Males are generally smaller than females. The males tend to range around two pounds, while females can range from three to six pounds. Their average sizes can differ, depending on where they are found; those found in American waters tend to be larger due to the longer summers, which allow them to eat and grow for a longer period of time.  Source from Wikipedia

Differences Between Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

httpv://youtu.be/M_7m4hH29bo

And this quick video by Blaine Mengel of the Backwoods Anger Guide Service

httpv://youtu.be/Yl07Vr5g5Iw

 

Any questions about telling the difference bewteen largmeouth and smallmouth bass? Post them here or on our Facebook page, here