Largemouth vs. Smallmouth Bass

Bass species, both largemouth and smallmouth, are a longtime favorite catch and game fish for many anglers. Let's break down some behavioral differences and other info on the best places to locate smallmouth vs. largemouth bass, what each fish likes to eat, and more.

Physical Characteristics

Largemouth Bass

Mouth Size: The mouth extends past the eye when closed.

Color: Generally, it has a greenish hue with horizontal dark stripes along the sides.

Size: Can reach weights of over ten pounds in some regions.

Smallmouth Bass

Mouth Size: The mouth does not extend past the eye.

Color: Typically bronze or brown with vertical dark stripes on the sides.

Size: Generally smaller than largemouth bass, usually weighing between one to four pounds

Habitat Preferences

Largemouth Bass

Major League Fishing Pro Angler Matt Becker says, "The largemouth are going to be in your more shallow water, a little bit of grass, wood, overhanging trees, stuff like that. That's really where the largemouth like to hang out."

Smallmouth Bass

The smallmouth are a little bit different," says Becker. "They like to hang out in that deeper water, generally around rock or shell, more out on the main lake. They don't like to get way back in the pockets or the creeks as much as the largemouth do."

Best Bait for Largemouth Bass

1. Plastic Worms

They come in many sizes, colors, and styles, making them suitable for different conditions.

• Texas Rigged: For fishing in heavy cover.
  
• Wacky Rigged: Effective in open water or sparse cover.
• Drop Shot: Ideal for deeper waters.

2. Crankbaits

Mimic the appearance and action of small fish.

• Shallow Diving: For fishing around vegetation.
  
• Medium Diving: Useful for mid-depth waters, covering a broad range.
• Deep Diving: Best for deep water and ledges.

3. Spinnerbaits

These are excellent for quickly covering a lot of water and triggering reaction strikes.

• Willow Leaf Blades: Good for clear water and fast retrievals.
  
• Colorado Blades: Better for murky water and slow retrievals.

4. Jigs

Jigs are highly effective for largemouth bass, especially in heavy cover.

• Flipping Jigs: Designed for pitching into thick vegetation or structure.
  
• Swim Jigs: Great for swimming through grass and around submerged objects.
• Football Jigs: Ideal for rocky bottoms and deep water.

5. Topwater Baits

Exciting to use, as you can see the bass strike.

• Frogs: Perfect for fishing over lily pads and dense vegetation.
  
• Poppers: Effective for creating commotion and attracting bass from a distance.
• Walking Baits: Ideal for open water and creating a zigzag motion.

6. Soft Swimbaits

They are effective because they mimic the look and movement of baitfish.

• Paddle Tail: Good for a steady, lifelike swimming action.
  
• Split Tail: Effective for a more subtle presentation.

7. Creature Baits

Creature baits have unique shapes and appendages that provoke strikes from largemouth bass.

• Brush Hogs: Effective in heavy cover and structure.
  
• Crawfish Imitations: Great for fishing near rocks and other hard structures.

8. Live Bait

Live bait can sometimes outperform artificial lures, especially in harsh conditions.

• Shiners and Minnows: Ideal for natural presentation when used under a bobber or free-lined.
  
• Crawfish: Effective for bottom fishing around rocks and vegetation.
• Worms and Nightcrawlers: Simple yet effective for catching largemouth bass, particularly in clear water.

Best Bait for Smallmouth Bass

1. Crankbaits

As with the largemouth, these are a favorite because they're excellent for mimicking the forage fish.

• Shallow Diving: Ideal for rocky shorelines and shallow areas.
  
• Medium Diving: Good for mid-depth waters and drop-offs.
• Deep Diving: Perfect for deeper structures and ledges.

2. Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are effective for triggering reaction strikes from smallmouth bass.

• Suspending Jerkbaits: Great for clear water and mimicking injured baitfish.
  
• Floating Jerkbaits: Useful for shallower waters and creating surface commotion.

3. Tube Baits

Tube baits are versatile and highly effective for smallmouth bass.

• Internal Jig Head: Best for a natural, spiraling descent.
  
• Texas Rigged: Ideal for fishing in heavier cover.

4. Soft Plastic Grubs

Soft plastic grubs are simple but highly effective for smallmouth bass.

• Single Tail Grubs: Perfect for a steady retrieve or jigging.
  
• Double Tail Grubs: Great for creating more action and attracting attention.

5. Drop Shot Rigs

Drop shot rigs are perfect for presenting baits near the bottom where smallmouth bass often feed.

• Small Plastic Worms: Effective for a subtle presentation.
  
• Minnow Imitations: Great for mimicking baitfish.

6. Swimbaits

Excellent for mimicking larger prey.

• Paddle Tail Swimbaits: Natural swimming action.
  
• Split Tail Swimbaits: Useful for a more subtle movement.

7. Spinnerbaits

These can be highly effective, especially in clearer waters.

• Willow Leaf Blades: Best for faster retrieves and clearer water.
  
• Colorado Blades: Good for murkier water and slower retrieves.

8. Topwater Baits

Provide exciting strikes and can be very effective, especially in low-light conditions.

• Poppers: Great for creating surface commotion.
  
• Walking Baits: Ideal for open water and creating a zigzag motion.
• Buzzbaits: Effective for quickly covering a lot of water.

9. Live Bait

Live bait can be particularly effective for smallmouth bass.

• Minnows: Excellent for a natural presentation.
  
• Crawfish: Highly effective around rocky areas where smallmouth bass hunt for prey.

10. Jigs

Jigs are versatile and practical for smallmouth bass, especially around rocky structures.

• Football Jigs: Great for rocky bottoms and deep water.
  
• Finesse Jigs: Ideal for a more subtle approach in clearer water.

Differences in Taste

Largemouth Bass

• Flavor: Milder, less pronounced flavor compared to the smallie.
  
• Texture: Usually a bit softer and more tender.
• Best Cooking Methods: Versatile options, including frying, grilling, and baking.

Smallmouth Bass

• Flavor: Slightly stronger, more distinct flavor. Some anglers describe it as a bit sweeter or nuttier than largemouth bass.
  
• Texture: Generally firmer and flakier than that of largemouth bass.
• Best Cooking Methods: Can also be prepared in many ways, but their firmer texture makes them particularly well-suited for grilling and broiling.

Read more bass fishing tips from the expert anglers at Lowe Boats.