Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus Solomieui

Timothy Kusherets

Smallmouth bass have dark vertical bars on a green to bronze body. The maxillary does not extend past the orbits of the eyes. The mouth of the bass is smaller than its cousin the largemouth which is only distinctive when the two are together. They prefer lakes and rivers but gravitate to slow water during times of spawning predominately amongst cover e.g. lily pads, piers, and weedlines. Smallmouth bass live 8 to 10 years. The growth rate of the fish is dependant on the geological location, water temperature, and size of body of water. They are highly prized as a game fish worthy of many tournaments each year; though the flesh is palatable with many recipes from various regions making it a versatile dish. techniques of fishing: bass tend to frequent areas of structure which require that an angler using heavier than normal test to survive the fighting fish that many entangle line risking break-offs. Weedless hooks, crank baits, top water baits, and natural baits are struck with vigor during warmer months while drift-fishing jigs and spinners produce in deeper water during colder months.
These fish will fight for a brief period of time before giving up. On light test they can be reeled in within a minute or two. Using heavier test can get a nice six-pound fish in the boat within seconds after the strike.
Setting the hooks on these fish is relatively easy with fast action tip rods. The longest rod needed for this kind of fishing is about seven and eight feet long for the warmer months and longer rods when fishing for them in later summer to early fall.

© Timothy Kusherets 2004/10