Micropterus salmoides
(Lacepède, 1802)

Largemouth Bass
Also Known As: Black Bass, Big Mouth, Bucket Mouth

Above: A 5 lb Farm Pond Largemouth caught by Sam Borstein. Photo by Mike Herring.

Etymology:

Genus- Micropterus= Short Fin (Greek).
Species- salmoides= Salmon like (Greek).

Intro:

The Largemouth Bass is one of Americas most popular, if not the most popular game fish. They are not only great fighters, but can be readily found in ponds anywhere.

This fish is not actually a true Bass, but a member of the Sunfish family. The true Bass are fish like the White Bass and Striped Bass.

Habitat:

Largemouth Bass occur in ponds, lakes, and in sluggish streams and rivers. They like to hide in plants like weeds and lily pads, or under cover like rock formations, and logs in the water.

Spawning:

Largemouth Bass spawn in mid-April, and up until mid-June. Their nest sites are close to shore.

Diet:

Largemouth Bass feed on insects, frogs, larger fish, and if available crayfish. Crayfish are the preferred diet of Smallmouth Bass, but Large Mouths will eat them if given the opportunity.

Size:

Largemouths usually weigh 1-3 pounds, and 12-16 inches in Illinois. The largest Largemouth was caught in Montgomery Lake, Georgia in 1932. The fish weighed 22 lbs 4 oz.

Keeping In Aquaria:

Breeding is not possible in aquaria, but juveniles can be kept in large tanks on a diet of minnows and worms.

Gaming Qualities:

Largemouth are great fighters. They will go one way, then another, and you will hear your drag going. They occasionally will jump. There is nothing like that feeling when they hit... WHAM. They are a blast.

Fishing Tips:

I use 10-12 lb. test for most of my  Bass rods. I love Texas rigging senko worms or wacky rigging them. Tupes work as well. On the fly rod, I like to use various streamers and foam poppers.