Smallmouth Bass
Description
To 24";
12 lbs. Elongate, compressed; back dark olive to brown, sides greenish
yellow with bronze reflections, diffuse midlateral bars from dark
mottlings. Mouth extends to eye. 16-18 pectoral soft rays; median fins
olive; dorsal fins joined, 10 spines, 11 soft rays. Lateral line complete,
67-79 scales; 11-13 scale rows above lateral line, 20-23 below; scales
on bases of soft dorsal and anal fins; 29-31 caudal peduncle scale
rows
Habitat
Cool, clear streams
with moderate to swift current over gravel or rocks; lakes and reservoirs.
Related Species
Redeye Bass
(M. coosae) rarely exceeds 16"; has 12 dorsal fin rays; 7-10
scale rows above lateral line, 16-17 below; occurs in similar habitat
from SW. North Carolina and W. South Carolina west to W. central Alabama.
Comments
One of the most popular
sport fishes in eastern North America, this species takes a variety of
live bait, minnows, and crayfishes as well as artificial lures. The Smallmouth
Bass spawns earlier than other sunfishes in the same areas.
Other
Other