Identification

[Chief Grey Bear]

Regarding neoshos- it's crucially important to keep in mind there is no singular, monolithic definition of a species. Or a subspecies. The answer to those questions depends as much on who's asking as the species' genetics or morphology. Two animals can look almost identical externally (bull trout and dolly varden) but have very divergent genetics- making them distinct species. Others are genetically indistinguishable (Snake River and Yellowstone Cutthroat), but look so different they're often regarded as separate subspecies. There is no hard-and-fast rule, and if you locked a bunch of academics and biologists in a room I promise there would be no consensus.

My point is you fellas are getting your panties in a wad debating a question which, as near as I can tell, doesn't have an answer. Have fun!

Excellent point. And we have seen just that in what has been posted here. We have two seperate opinions or interpretations(not mine or Andy's) of the same research conclusion. It seems, as told someone else today, its 25% genetics and 75% ego.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Who gives a rats butt! Its a fish for Christ sake. I could care less what your degree is, how often you paint them or how many you have caught! Catch some more and shut up!

Yep... cabin fever has set in and the official beginning of winter isn't even here yet. I can't wait to move to a warm weather location and continue some salt water fishing. Ain't a fresh-water fish worth eating other than walleye.

[KCRIVERRAT]

WOW smallmouth is bad enough I hope you guys do not try to figure out the results of breeding habits of Horney Crappie.

On the horny note... what's the use of a Hornyhead Chub's wart-like things on it's noggin'?

[bfishn]

They serve the same purpose as a mans t-shirt with a corny pickup line. They're only temporary, and only on males.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Micropterus dolomieu and Micropterus dolomieu velox. Two very similar yet different fish that inhabit the Ozarks of Missouri. Micropterus dolomieu is the Northern Smallmouth bass that is so treasured by fisherman all across this state. It is also the one that many come to the Ozarks to fish for while experiencing some of the greatest scenery that man has laid eyes on.

Micropterus dolomieu velox is a subspecies that is know as the Nesosho Smallmouth bass. Although it is genetically different than the Northern, it doesn't appear to be "offically" recognized as a seperate species. And that may lend to the reason it is not well known. But it does seem that knowledge of the bass is growing. Slowly.

I like the way this was stated.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It seems, as told someone else today, its 25% genetics and 75% ego.

I retract this statement. It was not proper or fair. Though I am fairly certain ego makes an appearance, I am positive it is not as prevalent as I stated.

Micropterus dolomieu and Micropterus dolomieu velox. Two very similar yet different fish that inhabit the Ozarks of Missouri. Micropterus dolomieu is the Northern Smallmouth bass that is so treasured by fisherman all across this state. It is also the one that many come to the Ozarks to fish for while experiencing some of the greatest scenery that man has laid eyes on.

Micropterus dolomieu velox is a subspecies that is know as the Nesosho Smallmouth bass. Although it is genetically different than the Northern, it doesn't appear to be "offically" recognized as a seperate species. And that may lend to the reason it is not well known. But it does seem that knowledge of the bass is growing. Slowly.

I also want to state that Andy is correct about the status of the Neosho. It is not "officially" recognized as a seperate or sub species. I knew that but don't exactly agree with it. The above quote is part of an article I wrote a while back. That is basically how I feel about the status of the Neosho. But it does appear as if progress is being made on the relatively unknown jewel of the Ozarks.

[Flysmallie]

I retract this statement. It was not proper or fair. Though I am fairly certain ego makes an appearance.

We won't hold this or your huge ego against you.

[Al Agnew]

No matter how mixed up or pure their genetics are, it's still important to me that the smallmouth BELONG in Ozark streams. Since this is almost an outlier of their native range, it stands to reason that their genetics might be a little different from those in other parts of the native range, especially the Neoshos, which are a little farther separated yet, and the Ouachita Mountain smallies as well. It's also fitting that the smallmouth of the Ozarks be a bit of a melting pot of genetics, since this region lies somewhat in between the northern and the Ohio/Tennessee River strongholds of smallmouth. And since (hopefully) they are no longer being indiscriminately stocked, eventually the genetics will sort themselves out again.

Don't get me wrong...I love catching smallmouth outside their native range (such as the Eastern rivers and the John Day in Oregon. I also love catching non-native trout in rivers where they are all wild, naturally breeding fish. I can certainly enjoy catching trout in MO, where many of them are NOT both wild and naturally breeding. But it means a little more to me to catch native smallies.

[Chief Grey Bear]

We won't hold this or your huge ego against you.

Good. Because we have never held yours against you.