Differences Between Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass

The differences between smallmouth and largemouth bass may be hard to tell for novice anglers. However, there are geographical distinctions, size variation, discrepancies in what they look like, and differences in the bait that will catch them.

Size

The upper jaw of a largemouth bass goes beyond its eye, while the smallmouth's jaw does not. The largemouth can open its mouth very wide, much wider than the smallmouth can. The difference in weight is also telling. For instance, the state record largemouth in Connecticut is a 12-pound, 14-ounce fish; the record smallmouth went for 7 pounds, 12 ounces. A trophy smallie in Connecticut is a 4-pound fish, with a 6-pound largemouth considered quite a catch. Smallmouth will travel in groups of similarly sized fish, while largemouth are somewhat loners.

Identification

Largemouth bass are greenish with dark markings that form a distinctive stripe down the sides of the body. Their top fin, the dorsal fin, is almost divided in two, with nine spines in the front portion. Smallmouth are greenish or brownish with the colored bands being vertical rather than horizontal. Their coloring leads to one of their nicknames, which is bronzeback.

Geography

Smallmouth bass prefer much colder waters than do largemouth. They flourish in fast moving parts of rivers and deeper water while bass will be found in the slower currents of rivers and in the shallows of ponds and lakes. Largemouth will be found in numbers where there are weeds and structure in the water, especially fallen trees and logs. Smallmouth will be more out in the open and like areas where the bottom is composed of gravel. They will also be found near rocks and boulders in lakes and rivers. Smallmouth live in clearer and cleaner water than do largemouth.

Considerations

Both the largemouth bass and the smallmouth bass are members of the sunfish family. Smallmouth are much more likely to be taken with bait presented below the surface than largemouth are. Largemouth bass are susceptible to top water lures, which smallmouth rarely attack.

Expert Insight

When hooked, the two species will act differently. A good sized largemouth will have maybe one jump in his repertoire of moves and barely break the surface before trying to find a deep spot to get to. A smallmouth though will be able to perform several acrobatic jumps when trying to throw the hook. Pound for pound, no fish gives a better fight than the smallmouth.