Spotted Bass and Largemouth bass both lie in the category of freshwater species and look similar sometimes to many anglers. However, their appearance can be the same but there are premier differences to extract between Spotted Bass vs Largemouth Bass. The major difference that one can see in spotted bass vs largemouth is their lifetime span. The largemouth’s average life is calculated at about 16 years but for spotted bass, it is only 6 years.
Most anglers use the method of bright colors while angling spotted bass or largemouth bass. For instance, they consider that the spotted bass has bright color but according to the research, it is not a good difference to mention. Moreover, it is tough to make recognization on the basis of color if you are going to catch bigger bass at night. You can also make a list of differences between largemouth and spotted bass so that you would make sure which one you are going to hunt.
Premier Differences between Largemouth Bass vs Spotted Bass
According to my recent experiences as well as massive research, I have decided to point out some premier differences between largemouth bass and spotted bass. Check out which bass species live in the bottom areas and which live to prefer in the shallow water. Here is a table that distinguishes both species in accordance with different features given below;
Appearance
Spotted Bass | Largemouth Bass |
The scientific name for spotted Bass is Micropterus punctulatus. They are found in green color mostly along with white belly. You can distinguish them by a line of small, dark spots along the bottom sides of their body. Their jaws don’t go out of the back of the eye when their mouth is closed. There is a clear separation between their first and second dorsal fin by a significant dip. | The scientific name for the Largemouth bass is Micropetrus Salmoidies. They often have lengthier bodies and greater statures. The name comes from the way the upper jaw bulges past the edge of the back eye, providing them with a larger-looking “mouth” appearance. Across their sides, they frequently feature a black, wide stripe. |
Habitat
1. Spotted Fish prefer to live in a place with shelter such as plants or felled trees in clear water with rocky bottoms. | If you are going to fish Largemouth bass in the United States, you can easily find them in a wide range of environments including murky water. |
2. Their habitat is most frequently found in the southern United States. | They choose environments that are close to man-made and natural structures. You can easily find them like logs, rock ledges, flora, and man-made structures. |
Behavior
More aggressive than Largemouth Bass. | While angling largemouth bass you will feel their violent behavior in comparison to spotted bass. |
Spotted Bass may tolerate moving water in a much better way than Largemouth bass. | There are violent strikes and dramatic confrontations frequently springing out of the water. |
Size
The estimated weight of the spotted bass is about 1-2 pounds. Their average length is about 12 to 17 inches, however, it may vary according to the water conditions. | The estimated weight of the Largemouth Bass is about 10 pounds, heavy to pick up. While the average length can be between 18-24 inches. |
All over the USA, the top recommended place to catch spotted bass is Table Rock Lake. | There are many lakes provided as an ideal spot to catch Largemouth bass but the famous include Lake Fork. |
Diet
Spotted Bass are normally opportunistic feeders and love to eat smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans. | They are also opportunistic predators and prefer to eat large fish as well as best baits. |
If you are seeking larger spotted bass take larger prey in your tackle box along with the smaller fish. | Their prey includes live baits including crayfish, tiny aquatic birds, tiny mammals, and frogs. |
Stomach Markings – Bass Identifying Process
In order to examine the stomach markings over the body spotted vs largemouth bass, you can see a series of dotted lines starting from the grill plates to the tails. On the other hand, the largemouth bass doesn’t have such solid lines but they contain fractured dots and spots marked on their bellies.
Tongue – Spotted Bass Vs Largemouth Bass
After catching the bass species, you can make a clear difference in largemouth and spotted by having a touch on their tongue. The tongue of largemouth bass is smooth but on the other hand, spotted bass has a rough surface area over their tongue.
Bass Species in Ice – How to Identify
In order to check out bass species on Ice, the most important thing I will take would be ice fishing gear. Then I will search for bass on the outer edges of the weed growth in about 5 to 12 feet of water. After catching bass, you can easily make a difference by noting all the points discussed in the article.
Final Words
By keeping in mind such differences between Spotted Vs Largemouth Bass you can easily recognize both species. You can see their structure, size, length, tongue, and stomach markings to differentiate between your target species. Bass eat different species but you can give a chance to the bluegill so that you may become successful. However, I will suggest you take into mind your fishing area and settle your tackle box according to it.