Craig Lamb. Largemouth bass are distinguished from other black bass by means of the lower jaw, which is longer than those of other bass. Extremely young largemouth bass under 2 inches are known as "fry" and feed primarily on microcrustaceans and insect larvae. While this observation may appear overly simplistic, many angler fail to realize the size of prey they can go after. Their jaw ends just under the eye, while the largemouth’s jaw goes further back. A smallmouth bass’ mouth will usually only go … At first glance, the Largemouth appears identical to Smallmouth Bass. A: Definite lateral stripe B: Jaw extends well behind the back margin of the eye when mouth is closed. Size. Largemouth Bass Species Details. Guadalupe Bass Species Details. The smallmouth prefers cooler water temperatures than its cousin the largemouth bass, and may be … However the mouth of the Largemouth extends past the eye, which causes it to open further than the Smallmouth. At first glance, the Largemouth appears identical to Smallmouth Bass. However the mouth of the Largemouth extends past the eye, which causes it to open further than the Smallmouth. The major difference is the size of their jaw. Largemouth bass do not have these and generally just have a plain white stomach. Fishermen everywhere would be glad to point out exactly what differentiates a smallmouth and a largemouth bass. All black bass species are generally elongated, have a larger mouth size, ctenoid scales and are carnivorous. Largemouth bass tend to jump and rush to the top when hooked while spotted bass will dive deep and behave more like a smallmouth … Behavior is another possible way to tell smallmouth and largemouth bass apart. I tied them on a 4x streamer hook in size 10, and a dry fly hook in size 8. When comparing smallmouth vs largemouth bass fishing location is the major difference between the two species. Smallmouth or largemouth? Largemouth Bass. Largemouth bass in general get bigger than spotted bass. The typical lifespan of a smallmouth buffalo is 9-18 years, with males reaching sexual maturity in 4-5 years and females at around 6 years. Craig Lamb. Relationship with humans. A bass’ average lifespan is about 10-12 years. There are two subspecies of largemouth bass: the Florida largemouth bass and the northern largemouth bass. Female smallmouth bass are usually larger than male smallmouth bass of the same age. August 1, 2014. mike-iaconelli-4m2z8648.jpg. A: Vertical barring along the sides. Smallmouth Bass reach adulthood between 2 to 4 years of age. Smallmouth will tend to congregate in gravel beds or sandy/rocky bottoms. Florida Largemouth Bass Features and Size The Florida bass have a large mouth and a high ratio of fin surface to body size. You can find both large and smallmouth bass in the same river or lake but where you find them exactly will differ significantly. B: Jaw does not extend beyond the back margin of the eye when mouth is closed. The Smallmouth is often mistaken for a largemouth bass. Smallmouth Bass Facts. However, the chart above will give you a fair estimate of the weight of the fish. Spotted Vs Smallmouth: Differences In Behavior. All this cold weather has me thinking about the warmth of summer and fly fishing for smallmouth bass, so I have been tying a few woolly buggers designed for smallmouth. Smallmouth have been introduced in countries all over the world and are generally found in cool, unpolluted waters across the US like the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Behavior and Characteristics. Although it may be inferred from the name that the two species difference is in the “mouth,” there are actually more obvious characteristics that … Spotted Bass Species Details. Although considered by many to be a rough fish, smallmouth buffalo is the most common commercially sold freshwater fish in the United States. Smallmouth Behavior. That begs the following question. Smallmouth Bass. A large mouth bass will have 10 rows, and a small mouth bass will have 17. Girth is also a factor and can vary the weight by as much as a half pound. Smallmouth vs Largemouth Bass. The Largemouth bass, as the name implies, has a large mouth and a high ratio of fin surface to body size.