How to tell the difference between Spotted and Largemouth Bass

Spotted bass and largemouth bass are two types of fish that are commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Spotted bass

Spotted bass tend to be smaller and have a slimmer body shape than largemouth bass. They are distinct black or brownish, with small black blotches along their sides and back. They also have a tooth patch on the tongue, and their jawline is even with the eyeball. Their dorsal fin is connected to their other fin with one continuous fin.

So, remember:

• The jaw is even with the eyeball.
• They have a tooth patch on their tongue.
• Their dorsal fin connects to their other fin.

Largemouth bass 

Largemouth bass, on the other hand, has a broader and heavier body shape than spotted bass and tends to be much larger. They are dark green in coloring, often with stripes along their side and back. Their tongue has no teeth, and their jawline is behind the eyeball. Their dorsal fin is divided into two sections, with a small gap between them.

So, remember:

• The jaw is behind the eyeball.
• No teeth on their tongue.
• The dorsal fin is divided.