LARGEMOUTH BASS
Upper jaw extends beyond the eye orbit
Two dorsal fins almost separated or a deep dip between them
A horizontal band of dark blotchy patterns along flank
How to identify a Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass closely resembles the smallmouth bass and other species i.e., spotted bass, redeye bass, etc. Together these fishes form a group that is referred to as the black basses. It is known by a variety of regional names, such as bucketmouth, bigmouth bass, black bass, largies, Florida bass, Florida largemouth and green bass.
The largemouth can be distinguished from most similar species by the fact that its mouth extends at least to, and often beyond the rear edge of the eyes. Also, its first and second dorsal fins are almost separated by an obvious deep dip, and there are no scales on the soft-rayed second dorsal fin.
Where to catch Largemouth Bass
Originally confined to the eastern of U.S. and portions of northern Mexico and southern Canada this member of the sunfish family can be found in every state in the U.S., Hawaii, and throughout Mexico and Central America.
TARGET AREAS
- Lily Pads
- Gradual Shores
- Inlets and Outlets
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Dense Aquatic Vegetation
- Spring Holes
- Under Walkways and Bridges
- Holes
- Open Water
- Shoreline Shallows
- Sunken Objects
- Shoreline Weed Beds
Acknowledgements: We thank TAKEMEFISHING.org (www.takemefishing.org), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Natural Resources for their contributions to these FISH FACTS.
