Bass Id Article

[Phil Lilley]

By Conservation Agent Charles Nofsinger

Fishing for black bass is popular activity in Southwest Missouri. Learning to properly identify the different black bass is important for anglers. Black bass are divided into largemouth bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and all black bass hybrids. Depending on the lake of river that you are fishing, different length and possession limits may apply to the different species of back bass. The proper identification of these fish is very important where these length and possession limits apply. In this article I will cover different characteristics of each one of these black bass that can be used to help in identification of these fish. Other good sources for learning how identify black bass are The Fishes of Missouri, A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, and having an experienced angler show you the difference between the fish.

The largemouth bass is more widely distributed in Missouri than the other two bass. It prefers the slower moving water found in lakes, ponds, and pools. The characteristics used to identify this fish are several. First, the upper jaw extends beyond the back of the eye. Second, it has a smooth tongue. Third, the dorsal fins of this fish are not connected very well. Fourth, the scales found on the cheek are the same size as the scales on the body. Finally, it has a dark horizontal stripe. On Bull Shoals and Table Rock Lake the length limit for largemouth bass is 15 inches.

The spotted bass which is also called a Kentucky bass looks a lot like the largemouth bass and can be mistaken for a largemouth if not closely looked at. First, the upper jaw does not reach the back of the eye. Second, it has a rough patch on the tongue. Third, the dorsal fins are well connected. This is obvious when compared to a largemouth bass. Fourth, the scales on the cheek are very small. Finally, it has a dark horizontal stripe with the lower side with series of dark horizontal streaks. On Bull Shoals Lake the length limit for spotted bass is 12 inches, and on Table Rock Lake the length limit is 15 inches.

The smallmouth bass is the easiest of the three to identify. It is usually a brown color instead of the greenish color of the other two bass. First, the jaw does not extend beyond the back of the eye. Second, the dorsal fins are connected. Third, it has very small cheek scales. Finally, the side is plain with a series of separate vertical bars. On Bull Shoals and Table Rock Lake the length limit for smallmouth bass is 15 inches.

Being able to correctly identify the difference between the three bass can be important. If you are unsure of the fish you have caught and the regulations for the different species it is best to release the fish unharmed immediately to the water where it came from. For pictures of these fish or more information about them you can pick up a copy of A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations or The Fishes of Missouri from a Department of Conservation Office. If you have any questions about fish identification or any other conservation question please contact your local Conservation Agent or Department of Conservation Office.

[Mitch f]

Thanks for posting Phil!