"Is this a largemouth bass or a spotted bass?"
This is a common question asked when bass fishing but thankfully there are some key indicators to help you in identifying what you just caught!
Below we will cover some of the most common ways to determine whether the fish you just caught was a largemouth bass or a spotted bass.
Jaw Line
Spotted bass: With the mouth of the fish closed, the jaw line ends underneath the eye.
Largemouth bass: The jaw line extends past the eye.
Lateral Line
Spotted bass: Expect to see a bold lateral line that easily stands out regardless of the age or size of the fish.
Another lateral line feature of a spotted bass is that it will have a diamond-like (♦♦♦♦♦) pattern. This can also be seen regardless of the age or size of the fish.
Largemouth bass: The lateral line isn't as profound and will even appear faded or blended in at times with other markings on their body.
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Scaling Pattern Beneath Lateral Line
Spotted bass: Darker/black scales are aligned in rows beneath the lateral line
Largemouth bass: Darker scales exist but they are not arranged in any particular order (rows, etc.)
Dorsal Fin Spacing
Spotted bass: The spiny dorsal fin and soft dorsal fin can easily be seen as being connected to one another.
Largemouth bass: There is a small notch between the two fins but it almost appears as if they are not connected to each other.
Scales on Dorsal Fin
Spotted bass: Oftentimes there will be scales located at the base of the soft dorsal fin
Largemouth bass: There are no scales on a largemouth's dorsal fin
Tongue Patch
Spotted bass: There is a noticeable rough patch on the tongue of the fish (this will feel similar to gritty sandpaper)
Largemouth bass: Tongue is typically very smooth with no noticeable patches
Size (Weight)
Spotted bass: Typically range between a half pound & 3 pounds with larger fish reaching 5+ pounds.
Largemouth bass: Most fish caught range between 1 & 4 pounds with larger fish reaching 8+ pounds.
Many spotted bass state records hovers in the 6 to 8 pound range with the world record being 11+ pounds.
For comparison, most largemouth bass state records range from 10 to 16 pounds with the world record being 22+ pounds.
Size is not the best metric when identifying the fish but does act as a good reference - especially when fishing bodies of water where both largemouth bass and spotted bass are present.
In Conclusion
This is not an exhausted list of all the differences between spotted and largemouth bass but the goal here is to highlight the features that best serve in helping you properly identify your catch.
If you are still in doubt about your catch muster up the courage and ask another angler on the water.
This is a great way to meet another fellow angler and build a relationship with someone who has the same passion for fishing as you do!
Time to go catch em'!
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