Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides · Centrarchidae
Also known as: Bigmouth, Bucketmouth, Green bass
The most sought-after freshwater game fish in North America — an ambush predator that lives in cover.
- Typical size
- 0.5–2 kg (1–4 lb), 30–45 cm
- Max size
- Trophy fish exceed 4.5 kg (10 lb), with the biggest in the deep south and California.
- Water
- Freshwater
- Best season
- Pre-spawn and spawn (spring); strong topwater bite in summer and fall.
Identification
Olive-green with a bold dark lateral stripe; the upper jaw extends past the eye (unlike smallmouth).
Habitat & Range
Lakes, ponds, and slow rivers with vegetation, timber, and cover.
Native to the eastern and central US and northern Mexico; introduced worldwide, from Japan to southern Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Ambush predator eating baitfish (shad, bluegill), crayfish, frogs, and large insects; adults hit almost any sizeable prey.
Spawning & Reproduction
Spring spawner. Males fan shallow nests in protected, warming water and aggressively guard the eggs and fry.
How to Catch
Find cover — grass edges, laydowns, docks. Slow your presentation in cold water and speed it up as it warms.
Best techniques
- Flipping & pitching
- Topwater
- Texas & wacky rig
- Crankbaits
Lures & baits
- Plastic worms & creature baits
- Jigs
- Topwater frogs
- Live shiners
Best season: Pre-spawn and spawn (spring); strong topwater bite in summer and fall.