Largemouth Bass
(Micropterus salmoides)
Other names: Black bass, bigmouth bass, green bass, green trout, largemouth
The largemouth bass, a member of the sunfish family, is the most popular freshwater game fish. Though originally occurring primarily in the eastern U.S., northern Mexico and southern Canada, largemouth can now be found in every state in America as well as throughout Mexico and Central America and scattered around the rest of the world.
Largemouth bass are often referred to as "black bass;" however, this is a designation for an entire genus of bass of which largemouth are the largest species. Smallmouth, spotted and red-eye bass are the other most common species in this family. The largemouth can be distinguished most easily from other species by its mouth, which extends past the rear of the eye when closed. There is also a noticeable dip between its first and second dorsal fins.
There are two strains of largemouth bass: the Florida largemouth and the northern largemouth bass. Florida strain bass tend to grow larger quicker, but they also become inactive and hard to catch. The northern largemouth grows more slowly, but has a greater average lifespan. They are often much more aggressive than their larger cousins. For the best of both worlds, many people stock hybrid largemouth bass in their ponds so that they get more size than a northern bass with more aggression than a Florida.
A certain willingness to strike characterizes bass; however, largemouth bass are considered the most intelligent fish that swims in freshwater. After one experience with an artificial lure, a large bass will sometimes avoid that particular style of lure for the rest of its life.
Bass are warm-water fish that frequent lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs across the country. They are also commonly stocked in ponds, where they do quite well. As a predator, they tend to locate in areas that provide ambush points for catching baitfish, lizards, crawfish and other foods. This includes weeds, treetops, logs and a variety of other types of underwater structure. Where present, lily pads are a favorite hiding place of largemouth bass. In the heat of summer and the coldest part of winter, bass will often locate along deep drop-offs and creek channels, though they are generally found in less than 10 feet of water in most parts of the country.
When spawning, bass will generally move into water near the shore from one to four feet deep, though bass have been observed spawning as deep as 20-feet in some clear water situations. Look for them to be on hard substrate, such as sand or gravel.
Bass are generally targeted with artificial lures, though big bass are certainly caught each year on nightcrawlers and minnows. Common lures include spinner baits, crankbaits, jigs and soft plastic lures that imitate worms or other creatures. In deep water situations, the use of a YUM Dinger below a large Thill Pro Series slip float is extremely effective – especially in the case of submerged brush piles or underwater humps. Jigging spoons, such as the Original Viking Spoon, are also a proven effective option for deep water bass.
Average spawning water temperature: 63-71 degrees F
World Record: 22 lbs. 4 oz. – Montgomery Lake, Georgia – June 2, 1932