Are you confused between smallmouth and largemouth bass? Are you looking to compare largemouth vs. smallmouth bass that can clear the picture in your mind?
If so, no need to get stressed as we have come up with a detailed discussion. In this article, we will be talking about habitat, behavior, and, most importantly, appearance. Hence, it will; surely aid in spotting the difference in both basses.
Largemouth Vs. Smallmouth Bass: Overview
Largemouth and smallmouth basses are the inhabitants of freshwater. Both of them share some similarities that make it difficult to trace the differences. But here, we will give you a comparison of some of the main variations.
Differences Between the Two Species
So, let’s discuss the difference between species, and firstly we will talk about the most crucial factor: the habitat of bass.
Where to Find Each Type of Fish
The habitats of both the Basses are different. The largemouth bass is more likely to live in the warm water, and there are more chances of finding them in southern lakes such as Okeechobee.
On the other hand, the Smallmouth bass is more comfortable in cold water habitats, for example, Lake Erie. In addition, sometimes they are found in the same place.
Largemouth Bass Natural Habitats
We will talk about some of the largemouth bass habitats where you can find them more easily. The largemouth bass is obsessed with the thick covers. So, look for them in places with thick covering, such as grasses, brush piles, weed beds, stumps, and rocks.
Furthermore, they are hiding in the cover while feeding, so you can look there to trace them. Largemouth bass usually tries to avoid strong currents in the water. So, if you see a sheltered break anywhere, try to find them at that particular place.
Smallmouth Bass Natural Habitats
Comparatively, the smaller ones do not like to go inside the cover, but they tend to live on it. Although they want covers, they hover around the deep rocky structure.
Additionally, unlike Largemouth bass, you should look for them in the clear water rather than in the murky shallow water. Another notable point is the water currents they prefer. You can find them in fast-moving water rather than in slow-moving or in breaks.
The Difference in Appearance
It is slightly difficult to spot many differences between both species regarding appearance as they are highly similar. But if we observe them closely, we find that one of the significant differences in their size.
Largemouth bass has a bigger size as compared to smallmouth bass. If we talk about weight, then it is worth mentioning that the size of smallmouth bass is about ten pounds, but the other is about twice that.
Aside from their size and weights, the colors of both fish are also different. The largemouth bass is often named Brown Bass. Alternatively, smallie has another name, Green base. But bear in mind that their color may be different in some conditions due to various factors.
So, there are some other differences in their appearances that will clear the picture. Largemouth has a bigger mouth as compared to the small ones. The Smallmouth jaw is ideally in line with the eye, but it is exceeding as its size is more significant in the case of largemouth.
Moreover, another thing that you can consider is their fins. The largemouth bass’s dorsal fins have a break or partition between them. Lastly, there is a difference in color in the horizontal lines present on them. The largemouth bass is brown, while the other one is green.
However, if you go fishing regularly in a short time, you will find out the differences more conveniently.
Difference in Behavior
There is a difference in their behavior too. Smallmouth bass usually likes to go out of the water or try to jump out. In contrast, Largemouth bass does not have this kind of attitude. So, that is another thing that can distinguish them so you can trace them with less effort.
What Bait is Best For Each Type of Fish
It is worth mentioning here that firstly you need to figure out by your personal experiences what goes best for you. The lures that work out can be different for every predator.
So, do experiments, and eventually, you will come to know the right strategy and setup for you. Now let’s discuss both the types of bass in terms of bait separately.
Largemouth Bass
At the early stages of its life, it more often eats algae but afterward, its diet changes. So, it starts to eat insects and some small fish. The things usually their diet comprises are shad, shrimp, and salamander.
Moreover, owing to its comparatively larger size, Largemouth bass can eat fish of bigger size too. It would help if you were more careful while baiting Largemouth bass as it is found in covers, so you should be more conscious.
Smallmouth Bass
On the other hand, in Smallmouth bass, you can go for small fishes to bait them. But keep in mind that the feeding behavior of both the bass is quite identical.
It would help if you had a few things before fishing: spinnerbaits, small worms, and plastic jerk baits in hunting both basses.
It does not matter which bass you like to catch; bear it in your mind that nobody can guide you perfectly and entirely about baiting. In other words, we can say that you can not learn this skill perfectly until you have done a lot of practice.
Gadgets for Catching Fish
In this part of the Largemouth bass vs. smallmouth bass article, we will talk about the gadgets you must have before searching for them.
Largemouth Bass
Firstly we will talk about those tools that you will require to grab Largemouth bass. We have discussed earlier in the article that Largemouth bass love to live in covers, so you will have the tools that can go deeper without creating any problem.
It can prove better if you choose a bait-casting rod over the spinning rod. The reason behind this is the more strength and durability of this gadget, so it will allow you to go fishing without having any worry like what if my gadget breaks or what if it did not catch the fish?
Hence, if you desire to free yourself from all such tensions and want to enjoy your fishing time at its best, then consider selecting your tools wisely.
Furthermore, in coverings, your problems will jump as you have to face the complication of rocks and reeds. So, it demands you to become more mindful about choosing your fishing gear.
Smallmouth Bass
Some people think that Smallmouth bass has a small size to go for a weak or less strong gadget. But that’s not right. They are almost as strong as Largemouth bass, and you will have to face various obstacles.
Therefore, please go for a bait-casting rod. In addition, there is another thing that you need to consider every time you go fishing bass. They are intelligent. So, it is a daunting task to trap them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this part of the comparison of smallmouth bass vs. largemouth bass, we will answer some FAQs related to basses.
What is the difference between largemouth and smallmouth bass?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are fishes with quite similar traits, appearances, and feeding behavior. So, it is pretty difficult for most predators to spot the difference.
The first notable difference is their size. The size of largemouth bass is more significant as compared to smallmouth bass. Another difference is in the size of the mouth.
Moreover, they have slightly different fins and colors too. So, those are some of the differences that you can spot in them.
Are smallmouth bass more aggressive than largemouth?
Yes, it is right that Smallmouth bass is more aggressive than Largie. But when we call it aggressive, it never means that it will not allow any other creature to live in the river or lake.
What is a good size smallmouth bass?
Usually, the predators found the smallmouth bass between the size of 12 and 16 inches. Furthermore, if we consider inches, the size will be 30.5-40.6 cm.
Can largemouth and smallmouth bass live together?
However, they both tend to live in different types of habitats. The largemouth bass is hot water-loving, while the others prefer cold water. But still, there are chances that you will find them in the same lake or river, etc.
What is the best lure for smallmouth bass?
We can not say that there is a lure that is best for fishing smallmouth bass. Depending upon the water temperature and various other conditions, you have to choose different baits or lures.
Here we will mention some of the baits that can work best for you if you select them after figuring out your conditions.
- Blade Baits
- Small Soft Plastics
- Jigs
- Jerkbaits
- Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits
- Topware lures
What is the largest smallmouth bass ever caught?
In 1955, in the Tennesse’s Dale Hollow Lake, a bass had caught that is the heaviest of all. The standard weight of smallmouth bass is 11 pounds.
But if we talk about the largest size of a smallmouth bass that has ever been recorded is 27.2 inches or 69 cm.
Is largemouth bass good to eat?
Yes, you can eat largemouth bass, but several fish have a better taste than that, and people tend to eat them. Moreover, if fish has come from a stagnant pond, then its taste can be even terrible.
In addition, the mussy flavor of it makes it a not good choice to go for it. However, the taste of largemouth is slightly better than that of smallies.
What is a good size bass?
Five pounds is quite a good size for bass. It can make the anglers happy to catch a bass of five pounds or more.
Final Thoughts: Smallmouth Vs. Largemouth Bass
To conclude the discussion, I would like to say that we have discussed all the significant differences between both in this comparative article; largemouth vs. smallmouth bass. It will surely assist you if you are planning to go fishing.
You are welcome in the comment section to tell your thoughts about the article. If you have any queries, feel free to ask.
