Smallmouth Bass
| Smallmouth Bass | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Micropterus dolomieu | ||||
| Species Information | ||||
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallmouth_bass | ||||
| Size / weight | ||||
| Young | up to | 0.4 (0.8) | kg (lb) | |
| Common | up to | 1.6 (3.5) | kg (lb) | |
| Trophy | up to | 2.5 (5.5) | kg (lb) | |
| Unique | up to | 5 (11) | kg (lb) | |
| Price / Reward | ||||
| Young | per kg | 120 |  |
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| Common | per kg | 160 | |
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| Trophy | per kg | 176 | |
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| Unique | per kg | 177 | |
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Description
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is considered one the toughest fighting freshwater gamefish. Its body is generally brown (seldom yellow) and mottled with a darker color. Smallmouth Bass prefers low temperatures and is usually found in clear, cool lakes and running streams with rocky areas as well as sandy bottoms of lakes and reservoirs. It can reach a max length of 70 cm (27 in) and weigh up to 5 kg (12 lb). Smallmouth's average length is about 25-50 cm (10-20 in), while the weight is usually around 0.5-1.6 kg (1-4 lb). Its natural diet mostly consists of insects, small fish and crawfish.
Preferred lures:
- Casting Spoons
- Bass Jigs
- Spinnerbaits
- Soft Baits (Worms, Crayfish)
- Crankbaits
- Poppers
- Walkers
- Minnows
Preferred baits:
Locations
Recommended fishing methods and tackle
Smallmouth Bass usually prefer hard bottom, with rocks, gravel or sand. Since the bottom is not visible, use shoreline structure or visible structure in water to try and determine what kind of bottom will be. In Missouri and North Carolina there are visible rocks in water or on shore that should continue below the surface. Target these areas with small spoons, spinners, or jigs to locate fish. But do not be afraid to try throwing live bait as well, as Smallmouth Bass will take a wide variety of lures and presentations. Change retrieve speed, depth or leader length until you find where fish are and what they like. In Oregon, water is deeper and clearer, and Smallmouth will be located in deep areas or on hard bottom ones, near the grass beds visible at the surface. In this deep water, strikes are harder to detect, so watch your line closely and be ready to set the hook at the slightest nibble or abnormal deviations. Whether you prefer spinning or bait casting tackle, match the right combination of rod, reel, line and lure, to increase your chances of landing a Lunker Brown Bass.
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