Smallmouth Bass Fish Identification - What To Look For.
You may ask what makes Fish Identification of this bass challenging. Well one unique thing about the smallmouth bass is that those found in rivers can actually differ in shape than those found in lakes. River smallmouths tend to be more streamlined and torpedo shaped while those found in lakes are more oval in shape. They're color can also vary from dark brown, especially in the river variety, to a sandy yellow color. These colors lend to the smallmouths other well known nickname, Bronzeback. And once you see a few of them you'll see that the name fits well. What about some other traits to look for to help make a positive identification?
At an average of about 2 pounds, the males are smaller than the females which can grow to be anywhere between 3 and 6 pounds. The smallmouth bass have vertical stripes along their sides rather than the typical horizontal stripes that you see on most other fish. Another thing to look for is those unmistakable red eyes. And then there is the trait associated with its namesake, the mouth. While its cousin the largemouth has an upper jaw that extends past the eye, the smallmouth upper jaw goes to just about the middle of the eye. Once you know what to look for you'll see that it will not be difficult to recognize this awesome fish. You may even be able to identify him from several yards away when he's dancing above the water with a firm grip on that lure of yours. Once you know how to ID the a smalley, see what other info we have on the Smallmouth Bass. New! CommentsLet us know what you think! Leave us a comment in the box below. |
