THE THRILL OF THE CATCH: LARGEMOUTH VS SMALLMOUTH BASS

Who doesn't love the thrill of a good fight when reeling in a fish? We sure do! Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are two of the most sought-after sport fish in North America, famous for their spirited battles on the line. Not only are they exciting to catch, but bass fishing is also a huge industry, worth billions of dollars annually. In fact, more people in the U.S. fish for bass each year than play tennis or golf! With tournaments held nationwide, from junior levels to elite competitions like those run by Bassmaster, the bass fishing community is always buzzing with activity and passion.

But what's the difference between these two popular bass species? Let's dive in.

Largemouth Bass: The Ubiquitous Fighter

Largemouth Bass are the most common type of bass you’ll find. They thrive in a variety of waterways across North America, from shallow ponds to deeper lakes. Known for their resilience and rapid growth, largemouths are a favorite among anglers and are frequently stocked in private ponds. They are easily recognizable by the dark horizontal stripe along their lateral line and their greenish hue.

Size varies greatly with climate; a trophy largemouth in cooler northern regions might weigh 5-7 pounds, whereas in warmer southern states like Florida or Texas, they can grow to over 10 pounds. The world record for the largest largemouth bass is an astounding 22 pounds, caught in southern Georgia. Largemouth bass typically live between 10 and 16 years, with females generally being larger than males due to sexual dimorphism.

Smallmouth Bass: The Northern Challenger

In contrast, Smallmouth Bass prefer the cooler, deeper waters of the northern U.S. and Canada. They're more temperature-sensitive and have a shorter lifespan, averaging 5-6 years, though they can live up to 15 years under ideal conditions. Smallmouths are distinguishable by their bronze color and vertical dark bars across their bodies. As their name suggests, they have smaller mouths compared to largemouths, with the upper jaw not extending past the eye.

The world record for the largest smallmouth bass is 11 pounds 15 ounces, caught at Dale Hollow Lake in 1955.. Despite their smaller size, smallmouths are known for their tenacity and fighting spirit, making them a favorite among sport fishers.

Join the Fun

Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, largemouth and smallmouth bass are likely to be on your radar. These fish are staples in many private ponds and provide endless enjoyment. For some private, great fishing spots to catch largess and smalls bass, check out FishMySpot.

Fishing isn't just about the catch; it's about the experience, the fight, and the stories you'll tell for years to come. Happy fishing!