Largemouth Bass

Description:

The mouth size provides one way of distinguishing the largemouth; its maxillary (upper jaw joint) extends back past the center of the eye, farther than any other freshwater bass. Other aids in identification include: The dorsal fin is nearly divided into two parts A dark stripe runs longitudinally the length of the body Coloration is variable, but usually a darkish green on the back and sides, fading to an off-white on the belly. Water clarity and chemical composition, bottom color, and the depth from which fish are taken, can affect coloration. The lateral stripe may be hard to see on largemouth taken from highly turbid waters.

Habitat:

Largemouth bass spawn on sand and mud beaches when the water temperature approaches 62F. Most spawning is associated with shallow littoral areas (about 10 feet) which have aquatic vegetation. Juvenile largemouth bass remain near the nest for 5-7 days with the male guarding the young and the nest. Adult largemouth bass generally inhabit water less than 20 feet deep. They tend to reside in the protection of structure such as aquatic and shoreline vegetation, woody material, or rocky areas. Juvenile largemouth bass eat plankton, immature aquatic insects, and crayfish. Adult bass eat mostly fish and crayfish.

Notes:

Other Names: bigmouth, bucketmouth, black bass, green bass and linesides Average size: 3-10 lbs, up to 20 lbs Spring spawner ((Found in the Medina River))