Florida Bass Fishing Forum
Smallmouth, Largemouth, We're All About Bass!

What is the difference between a smallmouth bass and a largemouth bass?

Fishing
- PHYSICAL APPEARANCES!

Public Comments

1. A small mouth bass has a light greenish colour while a large mouth bass has more of a darkish green with a black line running down it's side.

2. Link will give ya' their physical differences. Also included, be the Spotted bass. Hope this helps and straightens ya' out on em' ;)... < ' ( (( > <

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/bkbass_diagrams.phtml

3. Smallmouth bass-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallmouth_bass

Largemouth Bass-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largemouth_bass#Angling

Overall, largemouths can be found in more areas around the US. They also grow larger than the smallmouth, however the fight with a smallmouth is much more exciting than with a largemouth of similar size.

Hope this helps.

4. In addition to the previous comments, smallmouth are found in cooler, clearer waters. Smallmouth prefer rocky bottom.

5. Smallmouth are certainly different color. But there are 2 distinctive differences. Largemouth have a black lateral line, as well so do some spotted bass. The main telltale sign is the jaw location. Largemouth jaws extend behind the eye, while smallmouth are even or in front of the eye.

6. Largemouth Bass have a much larger mouth, a light green color, and a lateral line.

Smallmouth Bass have a smaller mouth, a brown color, and no lateral line.

7. Smallmouth Bass: Mouth does not extend past the eye, Markings are vertical, more copper colored than a largemouth

Largemouth Bass: Mouth extends beyond the eye, Markings are horizontal, more greenish colored than a smallmouth