The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in North America. Ask any angler what they’re after, and chances are they’ll say “a big ol’ largemouth.”
But the largemouth has a cousin, the spotted bass, that can easily be confused with smaller members of the largemouth family. In fact, telling the difference between the two can be tricky!
However, knowing exactly what you’ve got on the end of your line is more than just bragging rights. Accurate identification allows you to tailor your fishing techniques, choose the right bait, and select the most productive habitat. Knowing whether you have a spotted vs largemouth bass on the line will help you be a more successful angler.
This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of the spotted bass and the largemouth bass, focusing on key differences and offering tips to help you tell them apart.
Physical Appearances: Key Distinguishing Features
While they’re both bass, largemouth and spotted bass have some key differences in their physical appearance. Here’s what to look for.
The Mouth: Jaw Position and Gape
The largemouth bass lives up to its name. Its jaw extends back past its eye, giving it a wide “bucket mouth.”
The spotted bass has a shorter jaw that doesn’t extend past its eye.
The Lateral Line: Spotted Pattern as an Identifier
The spotted bass has a distinct spotted lateral line. In fact, that’s how it got its name.
The largemouth bass, on the other hand, doesn’t have a readily visible lateral line that you can use to identify it.
Other Physical Characteristics
Here are a few more things to check for:
- Lower spot pattern: Spotted bass have distinct spots under their lateral line.
- Cheek scales: Spotted bass usually have more scales on their cheeks than largemouth bass do.
- The tongue: Spotted bass have a tooth patch on their tongue.
Habitat Preferences: Where to Find Each Species
Spotted bass tend to prefer moving water, which means you’ll often find them in rivers and reservoirs. They’re also drawn to shallow streams and inlets, especially those with calm, rocky bottoms. But don’t count them out of deeper water, either! They can live in depths of 30 feet or more.
Largemouth bass, on the other hand, like still or slow-moving water. Think lakes, ponds, and swamps.
It’s worth noting that both species can sometimes be found in the same waterways. But knowing their preferred habitats will definitely give you a leg up when you’re trying to decide where to cast your line.
Behavior and Feeding Habits: Hunting Styles and Social Structure
Spotted bass are generally more aggressive hunters. They’re likely to feed in open water and are often found schooling together, particularly when they are young.
Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are more like opportunistic ambush predators. They tend to be loners.
These differences in hunting styles carry over to how they behave when hooked. Largemouth bass are known for their aggressive fighting style, frequently breaching the surface of the water. If you hook one, you’ll know it!
Spotted bass, however, tend to dive or seek cover when they’re hooked. So, while they may put up a fight, it’s a different kind of fight than you’ll get from a largemouth.
Size, Weight, and Lifespan Differences
Spotted bass are typically smaller than largemouth bass, rarely exceeding five pounds. For reference, the world record for spotted bass is just over 11 pounds.
Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are known to grow much bigger, often exceeding ten pounds. They are definitely the beefier of the two species.
Lifespan is another key difference. Spotted bass usually live around six years, while largemouth bass can live much longer, sometimes up to 16 years. So, if you’re looking for a long-term relationship with your fish, the largemouth has the edge!
Fishing Techniques: Tailoring Your Approach
Choosing the right fishing technique can make all the difference when targeting spotted or largemouth bass. Because spotted bass tend to be smaller and a little more finicky, finesse techniques often work best. This often means using smaller lures and lighter line.
Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are more likely to strike at larger lures and jigs, especially when fished around heavy cover like weeds, docks, and submerged timber. Think about where the fish are likely to be hiding and present your lure accordingly.
Seasonal activity also plays a huge role. Spotted bass tend to be more active in cooler water, making winter a prime time to target them. In fact, spotted bass fishing can be optimal during the winter months when largemouth are sluggish. Adjust your lure selection and presentation to match the water temperature and the bass’s activity level.
Fighting Behavior and Table Fare
When it comes to fighting behavior, most anglers agree that spotted bass are pound-for-pound tougher fighters than largemouth bass. But that doesn’t mean largemouths are pushovers. They’re famous for their explosive bursts of energy and impressive leaps out of the water.
Both species are edible, but many anglers release largemouths. Spotted bass, on the other hand, are frequently kept and eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are spotted bass more aggressive?
Generally, spotted bass are considered more aggressive than largemouth bass. They’re known to actively chase lures and bait, and they often strike with considerable force. Anglers targeting spotted bass often use fast-moving lures and techniques to trigger their aggressive instincts. This can make them a fun and challenging species to target.
How to tell the difference between a largemouth and a smallmouth bass?
Distinguishing between largemouth and smallmouth bass is fairly straightforward. The most obvious difference is the mouth size. A largemouth’s mouth extends past the back edge of its eye, while a smallmouth’s mouth does not. Also, largemouth bass have a dark lateral line that runs along their side, whereas smallmouth bass typically have vertical bars. Finally, smallmouth are typically more brown or bronze in color, and largemouth are green.
Are spotted bass and smallmouth bass the same?
No, spotted bass and smallmouth bass are not the same species. They belong to the same genus (Micropterus) but are distinct species with different characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. While they share some similarities, their physical appearance, preferred water conditions, and spawning habits differ significantly.
Key Takeaways
Spotted bass and largemouth bass share similar waters, but they’re different fish with different habits. From the size of their mouths to the scales on their cheeks, there are many ways to tell these two species apart.
Knowing the differences between spotted bass and largemouth bass can help you become a more successful angler. Each fish has its own preferences, and knowing what those are will help you find the right place at the right time and use the right bait.
Both spotted bass and largemouth bass are fun to catch, so be sure to appreciate each one for what it is. And, when possible, practice responsible catch and release to help preserve these valuable sportfish populations.