Spotted Bass vs. Largemouth Bass: The Definitive Guide to Identification and Fishing

Largemouth bass and spotted bass are two of the most popular freshwater game fish in North America. They often inhabit the same waterways, making it tricky for anglers to tell them apart. But knowing the difference is important for following fishing regulations and for choosing the right fishing techniques. This guide provides a definitive comparison, covering everything you need to know to distinguish between a spotted bass and a largemouth bass, and how to catch each.

Understanding the “Black Bass” Family

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand that both largemouth and spotted bass belong to the “black bass” group within the sunfish family. Other members of this group include:

• Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
• Guadalupe Bass (Micropterus treculii)
• Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius)
• Shoal Bass (Micropterus cataractae)
• Redeye Bass (Micropterus coosae)

While this article focuses on largemouth and spotted bass, recognizing that they are part of a larger family helps clarify their similarities and differences.

Spotted Bass vs. Largemouth: Key Differences

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences, with dedicated sections for each feature:

1. Jaw Size (The Most Reliable Difference)

• Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides): The jaw extends past the back margin of the eye. This is why they’re called “largemouth.”
• Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus): The jaw extends only to the middle of the eye, or just slightly past it. It does not extend significantly beyond the eye.

2. Cheek Scales

• Largemouth Bass: Scales on the upper cheeks and lower cheeks are similar in size to the scales on the rest of the body.
• Spotted Bass: Scales on the cheek scales are noticeably smaller than the scales on the rest of the body.

3. Dorsal Fin

• Largemouth Bass: The dorsal fin (the fin on the back) is deeply notched, almost appearing as two separate fins.
• Spotted Bass: The dorsal fin is connected, with a gentle, continuous slope. There’s a notch, but it’s much less pronounced.

4. Tongue

• Largemouth Bass: Smooth tongues.
• Spotted Bass: Has a rough, rectangular patch in the middle of its tongue. This patch is a cluster of teeth, a sensory organ.

5. Lateral Line and Body Markings

• Largemouth Bass: Typically has a prominent, dark, jagged horizontal line or band running along its side. This dark horizontal band is often solid or blotchy, but generally continuous.
• Spotted Bass: Has rows of dark spots below the lateral line, forming broken horizontal lines. The lateral line itself may be less distinct than on a largemouth. They also have diamond shaped markings above the lateral line.

6. Overall Coloration

• Largemouth Bass:
  Greenish.
• Spotted Bass:
  More bronze.

7. Size

• Largemouth Bass: Generally much larger. Can reach lengths over 25 inches and weights over 20 pounds (the world record is 22 pounds, 4 ounces).
• Spotted Bass: Smaller. Typically reach a maximum size of around 25 inches and a weight of around 11 pounds (though most are significantly smaller).

8. Habitat and Behavior

• Largemouth Bass:
  • Habitat: Prefer warmer, murkier waters with plenty of vegetation and structure (logs, weeds, docks). Often found in shallower waters, although they can also be found in deeper areas. Tolerate a wide range of conditions.
  • Behavior: Ambush predators. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, often leaping from the water.
• Spotted Bass:
  • Habitat: Prefer clearer water with more current than largemouth. Often found in rivers and streams, as well as reservoirs with rocky bottoms. They can be found in both shallow and deep water, but often prefer deeper, cooler water than largemouth, especially in summer. Often found in fast-moving waters.

Behavior: More active and less reliant on ambush tactics than largemouth. They are known to school more than largemouth.

9. Diet

Both species are opportunistic feeders, but there are some differences:

• Largemouth Bass: Eat a wide variety of prey, including small fish (minnows, shad), insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and even small birds and mammals.

Spotted Bass: Similar diet to largemouth, but with a greater emphasis on crayfish in many areas. They also eat insects, and smaller fish.

Fishing Tips:

Largemouth Bass:

• Lures: Topwater lures (frogs, poppers), crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, plastic worms (Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged).
• Techniques: Target structure and cover (weeds, logs, docks). Vary your retrieve speed.

Spotted Bass:

• Lures: Smaller crankbaits, jigs, finesse worms, drop-shot rigs, spoons.
• Techniques: Target deeper, clearer water, often near current. A faster retrieve can sometimes be effective.

Which Bass Fights Harder?

While largemouth bass are known for their powerful, leaping fights, many anglers believe that spotted bass, pound-for-pound, are even more aggressive and fight harder. Spotted bass tend to make strong, deep runs rather than leaping. Smallmouth bass are generally considered the hardest-fighting of the black basses.

Which Bass Tastes Better?

Both largemouth and spotted bass are good to eat. Spotted bass, along with smallmouth, are often considered to have a slightly cleaner, sweeter flavor than largemouth, especially when caught from clear, cool water. Largemouth bass from murky water can sometimes have a “muddy” taste.

Are Spotted Bass More Aggressive?

Yes, many anglers report that spotted bass are more aggressive than largemouth bass, particularly when comparing fish of similar size.

Where to Find Them (Geographic Distribution):

• Largemouth Bass: Native to the eastern and central United States, northern Mexico, and southeastern Canada. Widely introduced throughout the US and the world.
• Spotted Bass: Native to the Mississippi River basin and across the Gulf States, from Texas to the Florida panhandle. Also found in parts of the central mid-Atlantic and western regions where they have been introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Conclusion

Both largemouth and spotted bass are exciting fish to catch. By learning to identify the key differences between them, you can become a more knowledgeable and successful angler. Remember to check local regulations and practice responsible fishing to help conserve these valuable freshwater resources.