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
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