Behavioural Differences Between Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Largemouth and Smallmouth look very similar and are obviously very closely related. However, they are very different in their behaviour. You will rarely find Largemouth on barren, sandy flats, Smallmouth love them. Smallmouth often 'graze' on rocky or sand flats, like a herd of cows would wander around a meadow, and can cover considerable distances in a day. While Largemouth tend to stay within a fairly tight home range.

You will rarely find Smallmouth in the depths of a thick weedbed, but they will often be near one. Largemouth will often be right in the thickest weeds you can find. Smallmouth like cabbage, Largemouth love milfoil. Smallmouth will hang around near cover while Largemouth will be under or in it. Smallmouth tend to school much more. Largemouth tend to be more solitary.

Smallmouth are often very size-sensitive with baits. Largemouth will eat almost anything that will fit in their mouths. Smallmouth tend to prefer faster moving baits and will follow them for quite a way. Largemouth prefer slower moving baits and usually attack as soon as they see it.

Largemouth tend to have a small strike zone, that is, they will only hit a bait that is no more than a few feet away. On the other hand, we have had Smallmouth suspended 20 feet down over 82 feet of water chasing schools of ciscoes, rocketing up to the surface to annihilate a Black Mamba™ Slick Willy™. Smallmouth are much more willing to chase a bait down for a considerable distance.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass do have one thing in common, both species LOVE crayfish. If you can find an area of craggy rocks or the rip rap used to prevent bank erosion, preferably with a few weeds mixed in, chances are that you've found the Motherlode. The rocks provide lots of crevices for crayfish and minnows to hide in and they in turn, will attract large numbers of big Bass of both species. You will often find Walleye, Muskie and Pike in the same areas, for the same reason; FOOD.

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