The back edge of the jaw of largemouth bass extends beyond the back of their eyes, unlike the jaw of a spotted bass. This is a textbook example of a spotted bass! Spotted bass (and most smallmouth bass) have a rough patch on their tongues. Smallmouth are often known as “Brown Bass,” while Largemouth are nicknamed “Green Bass.” In reality, though, both fish can vary in color depending on their age, location, and a bunch of other factors. If I’m using braided, I always use a fluorocarbon leader. The Florida largemouth has smaller scales than your regular largemouth, and it grows much faster due to its habitation in warm waters and stocking efforts throughout the country. The Hinge of the Mouth They are taken frequently from streams, sharing stringers with green sunfish and smallmouth bass. Heath lives in North Carolina and is an avid fisherman and all around outdoorsman. This is a tricky one because the mouth is open, the dorsal fins aren't all the way up, and the stomach is covered. This is a largemouth bass because the corner of the jaw extends past the eye. You have earned my trust. range, but can grow to at least 22 lbs. The largemouth bass vs. spotted bass debate can go on all day, and we can pick out each little detail. To improve their catch rate for the spotted bass, fishermen will typically wait until late spring and early summer. The fins are separate, there are no spots on the stomach, and it's clear that huge mouth extends past then eye even with it open. Editor’s note: This is the sixth article in a series about Kentucky’s native gamefish species. It does extend past the eye on a largemouth. If you’re traveling to new waters, you’ll want to grab an affordable fish finder that offers down and side imaging so you can get a good idea of what you’re dealing with. The dorsal fin is on top of the fish, and a spotted bass has a two-piece fin. Their metabolism slows much more, which makes it harder to catch them when the temperature drops. Spotted bass prefer clear water that doesn’t have a lot of mud or vegetation. 2. Many largemouth bass characteristics are hard to identify, but one thing that stands out is the fact that these bass rush to the top of the water when you get them on a hook. Largemouth Bass have an average life span of around 16 years. Oates’ bass came less than a week after another angler, Travis Moore, reeled in a 13.44-pound largemouth bass at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in … Also check out that red ring around the eye! It can reach an age of at least seven years. On many lakes around the country, you have a choice to fish for either of these species (and sometimes another still), but they are very different bass species. In terms of behavior, Largemouth Bass are solitary fish, whereas Spotted Bass tend to school more often. Both have light green to light brown hue on the back and upper sides, white lower sides and belly and a broad stripe of diamond-shaped blotches along the midline of the body. As stated above, spots have a rough patch on their tongue. Largemouth bass in general get bigger than spotted bass. The first thing you should notice about these two bass are their jaws. All throughout the United States, bass anglers can expect to catch Largemouth but Kentucky bass tend to stay towards the middle of the country. The spotted bass has a top dorsal fin that is clearly connected while the largemouth bass has a separate or almost separate dorsal fin. The best season I would say is late Spring, but it varies depending on your location. Both these bass species are a type of black bass. Difference Between Largemouth and Spotted Bass. All you need to know to tell that this one is a spot is to check the connected fins up top. Your email address will not be published. You’ll usually find spotted (Kentucky) bass in clear water that is more open without a lot of vegetation. If we’re fishing soft plastics as I recommended above, I’ll go with mono and a leader using something like a Senko worm or some type of Berkley Powerbait. 3. At this time, I would suggest using a soft plastic with a drop shot or split shot if you’re really looking to bring ‘em home. Largemouth bass have a smooth tongue, and while this is a minor difference, it is something you can notice right away if you look. Spotters aren’t commonly larger than ten pounds, with that being one of the bigger sizes you’ll ever find. We appreciate it! Largemouth bass are not afraid to travel alone while spotted bass school up almost always. The spotted bass appears to be a mix between a largemouth bass and a smallmouth bass. The Tongue . These fish are both very exciting game fish for anglers and they live in the same areas so it can be a thrill to target and catch both! 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