Largemouth Vs Smallmouth Bass Diving Into The Differences

The fishing industry is thriving all around the world and the bass family surely contributes to it!All fishing enthusiasts have wondered at some point or another if they should try their hands at catching a smallmouth or largemouth bass. If you wonder the same, you must know the difference between the two species!Smallmouth and largemouth bass are a large chunk of the profits that the fishing industry of America makes on a yearly basis. The profits in this sector often run up to a few dozen million, which is sufficient for us to understand how enthusiastic people are about catching such fish species. Being bass species, differentiating between the two can be quite a task, although, with the right pointers in mind, anyone can identify their catch! Keep reading to know how to differentiate between the largemouth and smallmouth bass so that you come home with a glorious catch!If you enjoy reading this article, why not also check out when do bass spawn and when do catfish spawn here at Kidadl!Smallmouth Vs. Largemouth BassSmallmouth and largemouth bass fishing is a rather common sport considering how easy it is to get a hold of them. These bass species often occur in large numbers in a water body that has the right water temperature and other conditions required for the survival and spawning of such fishes.The smallmouth and largemouth bass fish have characteristics that are made quite apparent through their names. While the smallmouth bass has a small-sized mouth, the other has a visibly larger one. Their physical characteristics differ on more grounds than just the size of their mouths. While the largemouth bass fish usually has a large and rounded body, the smallmouth bass has an elongated body. Hence, they do not occur in the same shape, although the differences can only be spotted when observed carefully.The habitats in which these fish occur also differ greatly. An experienced angler would know that a largemouth bass is likely to be found in water bodies that have a soft bottom. This member of the sunfish family is most likely to be found only in soft bottom water bodies which also have considerable cover in the form of lily pads and trees.The smallmouth bass, on the other hand, would never be found in water bodies that have a lot of cover or weed beds. These fishes enjoy strong structures such as gravel and stones. They do not like to live in soft-bottom habitats and would suffer greatly in such conditions.The smallmouth bass is widespread and easily found in Northern and Western areas of the United States of America. You may also be able to catch one of these fishes in Canada and in areas adjacent to the Mississippi River.The largemouth bass has a more extensive range of habitats. In addition to the fact that these fishes can be found in almost any part of the United States of America, they can also be found in places such as Central America, Europe, Japan, and Mexico. These fishes are also popular in Canada, where they spawn and breed in abundance.How To Tell The DifferenceThe best way to differentiate between these two bass species would be to observe the mouths of the fishes. The fish with the larger mouths would undoubtedly be a largemouth bass. When we talk of a larger mouth, what is meant is that the upper jaw of the largemouth bass would definitely exceed the rear margin of its eye.The brown bass or smallmouth bass usually has an upper jaw that only reaches as far as the middle of the eye. Since the mouth of the latter species is visibly smaller, it is called a smallmouth bass.The two species can also be differentiated on the basis of the color of the fish’s body. While the body color is largely dependent on the quality of the water in which the fish has been living, the largemouth and smallmouth bass fishes have some characteristic differences in terms of color. The smallmouth bass is usually called the brown bass or bronze bass since it is of that color. The greenish tint that a smallmouth bass sometimes has is the reason why it is also termed the bronze bass.Conversely, since it is almost always that the largemouth bass that is olive or green in color, it is often referred to as the green trout! The green bass and bronze bass can thus also be differentiated on the basis of their body color.However, it would become very difficult to differentiate the large and smallmouth bass on the basis of the dark blotches that appear on their skin. These dark blotches occur in almost the same intensity and areas in both species, hence they do not fall under the acceptable ways of differentiation.The difference between largemouth and smallmouth bass can also be established on the basis of the dorsal fins. The smallmouth bass has a dorsal fin that runs continuously on its back. The largemouth bass, on the other hand, has segmented dorsal fins.Finding Smallmouth Vs. Largemouth BassFishing for a smallmouth or largemouth bass can be quite amusing, and can even be very fruitful if you know where to look and how to lure the creature.When fishing for either of these two species, make sure to use a small bait fish. Since the largemouth bass has a larger upper jaw and a larger mouth, it can eat both small and medium-sized fish, but a small bait fish would be necessary when trying to catch smallmouth bass. This is because they have small mouths and naturally gravitate towards the foods that would be easier to fit in their mouths.The two species are found in quite different habitats and it would therefore be best if you first decided which you would like to catch. Generally, the largemouth bass is easier to catch since they have been found in slow current lakes and ponds and easily get attracted towards small fish.The smallmouth bass, however, would be found in rivers that have a strong current. Understandably, they are tougher to catch!Size Difference Between Smallmouth And Largemouth BassThe smallmouth bass or bronze bass is usually a smaller species as compared to the largemouth bass.The average size of these fishes ranges from around 12-16 in (30.4-40.6 cm), although the size of the fish is largely dependent on the water temperatures and the living conditions. When kept in a favorable condition, the smallmouth bass can grow to be larger. The same rule applies to the largemouth bass as well. While the general size ranges around 13-20 in (33-50.8 cm), the largest largemouth bass is quite a bit larger than this. Hence, if you go fishing for largemouth bass, make sure to be equipped and ready for the rare circumstance that the catch turns out to be heftier than you thought!When it comes to the weight of the smallmouth and largemouth bass, the weight of the former is usually in the range of around 0.5-4 lb (0.22-1.81 kg). The average weight of the largemouth bass is usually in the range of about 1-4.5 lb (0.45-2.04 kg). The largest largemouth bass ever caught, however, weighed 22 lb (10 kg)! Let’s just say that you’d better do a little arm workout before deciding to go fishing for largemouth bass at a lake or pond!Feeding Habits Of Smallmouth Vs. Largemouth BassThe largemouth and smallmouth bass have different feeding habits, which can be tracked to their habitat and size.It is often observed that the smallmouth bass or the bronze bass is often more aggressive than the largemouth bass. This is understandable since they live in stronger currents and would require to be more agile and aggressive in order to acquire their prey. These fishes usually feed on other small fish, frogs, and tadpoles. When it comes to medium-sized fishes, the smallmouth bass strays away due to the limitations imposed by the size of their mouth.The largemouth bass or the green bass is softer with its movements and is an amiable predator. While both of these species are predatory, the largemouth bass takes its own time and hunts rather skillfully. This is also because they have a larger and more extensive choice when it comes to food. Being equipped with a larger mouth, they can fit larger fish into their mouth and do not feel the need to be aggressive in their habitat. They also feed on insects, frogs, and larvae, although, there is no staple in their diet. Conversely, almost all of a smallmouth bass’s diet is made up of crayfish, since such fishes are easy to catch and available in abundance in their natural habitat!Habitats Of Smallmouth Vs. Largemouth BassWhen it comes to the habitat in which the largemouth and smallmouth bass prefer to live, the two fish differ greatly.The largemouth bass would be found in murky water. This species also prefers warmer water in comparison with the other fish species- that is, the smallmouth bass. The larger fish of the black bass category is also characterized by its need to live in areas that have considerable amounts of cover in the form of weed beds and lily pads. In such areas, depending upon the water population and the quality of the water, these fishes would thrive and spawn. The same waters would hardly ever host the smallmouth bass since they have different requirements from their habitat.The smallmouth bass species is mostly found in rocky areas. They do not like to live in water bodies that have a soft bottom, neither do they like warmer waters. These deepwater fish species thrive when there are only solid structures around. They also spawn when the water temperature is quite low. The largemouth bass spawns in the spring season when the temperature has warmed up a little, while the smallmouth bass would prefer to spawn when the water temperature is still quite low.The difference in habitat is also noticed by the clarity of the water bodies in which the largemouth and smallmouth bass prefer to live. While the largemouth bass would only be found in murky waters, the smallmouth bass likes to live in water bodies that have clear water. The current speed of the water body is also relevant when it comes to understanding which bass species you should expect in a certain lake, pond, or reservoir. The largemouth bass species likes to live in swamps and lakes that do not have much of a water current. They are predatory fishes and would rather like their home to have soft currents. The smallmouth bass, on the other hand, only likes to live in reservoirs and ponds that have a strong water current. Places such as the St. Lawrence river observe a large population of smallmouth bass since the water current is sufficiently fast to house such a fish species. The strong current also helps each individual fish in the river in maintaining its spear or torpedo-like body. It is quite fascinating to understand and observe how the habitat of a fish would have such a large influence on the shape of its body. Understandably, since the largemouths tend to live in water bodies that have a slower or softer current flow, they are stubbier and do not have elongated bodies!Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for largemouth vs smallmouth bass then why not take a look at why do fish jump, or smallmouth bass facts?

The fishing industry is thriving all around the world and the bass family surely contributes to it!