Largemouth and smallmouth bass are two of the most popular freshwater game fish in North America. These fish are a favorite among anglers of all skill levels because they are widely distributed across the continent, relatively easy to catch, and offer a satisfying fight once hooked.
But what exactly are the differences between these two species? Telling them apart can be tricky, especially for novice anglers.
This guide offers a detailed comparison of the largemouth vs smallmouth bass, covering key distinctions in their physical characteristics, preferred habitats, typical behaviors, and the most effective fishing techniques for each. We’ll also discuss strategies for identifying them correctly. Read on to learn more!
Identifying the Key Differences: Physical Characteristics
So, how can you tell if you’ve got a largemouth or a smallmouth on the line? Here are a few telltale physical traits to look for:
The Mouth: A Tell-Tale Sign
The mouth is probably the easiest way to ID these fish.
- Largemouth Bass: The upper jaw extends beyond the back edge of the eye.
- Smallmouth Bass: The upper jaw does not extend beyond the back edge of the eye.
Dorsal Fin: Connected vs. Separated
Take a look at the dorsal fin (the one on the fish’s back):
- Largemouth Bass: The two sections of the dorsal fin are almost completely separated, with a pretty deep dip between them.
- Smallmouth Bass: The two sections of the dorsal fin are connected, with just a shallow dip between them.
Coloration: Green vs. Brown
Finally, check out the fish’s color:
- Largemouth Bass: Usually have a dark, horizontal stripe running down their sides. They’re often called “Green Bass.”
- Smallmouth Bass: Usually have vertical bars and a bronze or brownish color. They’re often called “Brown Bass.”
Habitat Preferences: Where You’ll Find Them
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a largemouth and a smallmouth bass is to consider where you caught it. These fish have different preferences when it comes to water temperature, clarity, and the types of structures they like to hang around.
Largemouth Bass: Warm Water and Cover
Largemouth bass are homebodies who like to stay in warmer waters, which is why they’re more common in the South.
They like to hang out where there’s a lot of cover, such as:
- Weed beds
- Submerged timber
- Lily pads
Largemouths also prefer calmer waters that aren’t moving too fast.
Smallmouth Bass: Cool Water and Structure
Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, clearer waters, and you’ll find them more often up north.
They’re drawn to rocky structures, such as:
- Ledges
- Boulders
- Gravel bottoms
You can often find smallmouth bass in rivers and streams that have a moderate current. They also live in lakes, but they usually prefer spots with deeper, rocky structures and clear water.
Behavioral Differences: Fight and Feeding Habits
Beyond their looks, largemouth and smallmouth bass differ in how they behave when hooked and what they like to eat.
The Fight: Acrobatic vs. Powerful
If you’ve ever caught a smallmouth, you know they’re known for their acrobatic leaps and energetic fight. They’re more likely to jump repeatedly as you’re reeling them in.
Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are known for their powerful, thrashing fight and a strong initial run. They tend to stay deeper in the water and use their weight to their advantage, making them feel heavier on the line.
Feeding Habits: Ambush vs. Open Water
Largemouth bass are ambush predators. They like to lie in wait for prey near cover like weeds, logs, and docks, and then strike quickly.
Smallmouth bass are more likely to actively hunt in open water. They often target crayfish, insects, and smaller fish, making them a fun challenge for anglers who enjoy using a variety of lures and techniques.
Fishing Techniques: Adapting Your Approach
Catching a largemouth bass is a different experience than catching a smallmouth. You may need to adjust your fishing techniques to match the species you’re pursuing.
Largemouth Bass: Power Fishing and Cover Presentation
Largemouth bass love to hang out in heavy cover, so you’ll want to learn techniques like flipping and pitching lures into dense vegetation. Because these fish are often buried in thick weeds and lily pads, you’ll need to use heavier tackle and stronger line to haul them out.
Some popular lures for largemouth bass are plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits.
Smallmouth Bass: Finesse Fishing and Open Water Tactics
Smallmouth bass hang out in more open water, so you can use lighter line and smaller lures, especially in clear water and bright sunlight. Try crankbaits, spinnerbaits, tubes, and drop-shot rigs. Present your lure near rocky structures and drop-offs to increase your chances of success.
No matter which species you’re targeting, be sure to adjust your lure presentation and size based on the species, time of year, and conditions you’re fishing in.
Bragging Rights: Size and Records
If you’re after a truly massive fish, largemouth bass usually outsize smallmouth. A decent-sized largemouth can easily hit 10 pounds, and they’re known to reach over 20 pounds.
Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, generally top out around 10 pounds. That’s still a trophy fish, no doubt, but they just don’t get as big as their largemouth cousins.
Of course, state records for each species vary quite a bit depending on the local environment and fishing pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between largemouth bass and smallmouth bass?
Largemouth bass are generally larger, with a mouth that extends past their eye. They prefer warmer, still waters with vegetation. Smallmouth bass have a smaller mouth that doesn’t extend past their eye, and they thrive in cooler, clearer, moving water with rocky bottoms. Their coloration also differs, with largemouth being greener and smallmouth having bronze hues.
What’s better, eating smallmouth or largemouth bass?
Taste is subjective, but many anglers find smallmouth bass to have a slightly better flavor and firmer texture than largemouth. This is often attributed to their diet and the cleaner waters they inhabit. Largemouth can sometimes have a muddier taste, especially if caught in stagnant water. However, both are considered good eating if properly prepared.
How to identify smallmouth bass?
Look for a bronze or brown coloration, vertical bars on their sides (more prominent than on largemouth), and a mouth that doesn’t extend past the eye. Smallmouth also tend to have a more streamlined body shape than largemouth. Check the dorsal fin; smallmouth have a shallow notch between the spiny and soft-rayed sections.
Can I put smallmouth bass in my pond?
While you can, it’s not always a good idea. Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water, so your pond needs to meet those conditions. They also require rocky or gravelly substrates for spawning. If your pond is warm, murky, and has a muddy bottom, smallmouth will likely struggle to survive. It’s best to research your pond’s suitability and consider other species that might be a better fit.
In Conclusion
Largemouth bass tend to be a bit bigger and prefer calm, weed-choked waters, while smallmouth bass are usually smaller and can be found in clearer, moving water with rocky bottoms.
Though they have different habits and habitats, both largemouth and smallmouth are fantastic game fish that can give you a run for your money. Each offers a unique fishing experience.
Whether you’re after bucketmouths or bronzebacks, take the time to appreciate the subtle differences between these two species of bass. Adjust your fishing techniques to match their preferences, and you’ll be well on your way to catching more fish.