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Species of Black Bass:

(By: Matt Keith)

Largemouth:

The scientific name for the largemouth is Micropterus salmoides. Its color ranges from green to black. They prefer shallower, warmer water than other black bass species and are most at home in weeds and other thick cover. Largemouths prefer to spawn in shallow, protected areas with hard, dark bottoms. They will eat almost anything they think will fit in their mouths but primarily baitfish and crawfish. The world record largemouth weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. Most state records are between 10 and 14 pounds

Smallmouth:

The smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieui). It is more bronze or brown in color than the largemouth, and its side markings look like vertical bars. It has a smaller mouth than the largemouth. Thety prefer deeper, clearer, cooler water with rocky structure. Crawfish and insects are their primaty diet but they do eat baitfish when available. The world record smallmouth weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces. Most smallmouth live in water deeper than 15 feet deep and will be found in the deeper depths. Most state records are between 7 and 9 pounds.

Spotted Bass:

Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus). “Spots” do not grow as large as the largemouth but are marked with rows of spots below the lateral line. (down the middle of their side) The world record spot weighed 10.27 pounds. Most state records are between 8 and 15 pounds.