The difference between spotted bass and largemouth bass is a common topic of discussion amongst experienced anglers. These two species of fish are included in what is considered a “black bass”. Both bass species are popular freshwater game fish and are often confused with one another as being the same species. But they have specific traits and characteristics that are unique to each of them.
In this guide, we will go over the similarities and several key differences between spotted bass vs. largemouth bass and compare pictures.
Physical Traits: Spotted Bass vs Largemouth Bass
When telling spotted bass and largemouth bass apart, there are several things to look for. Physically, largemouth tend to have a broader jawline and it extends just past their eyes, while spotted bass have a smaller mouth in general and their jaw does not go past their eyes.
Spotted bass generally have a dorsal fin that is connected or nearly connected so that it looks like one big fin, whereas the dorsal fins on a largemouth bass are separated into what looks like two fins.
Spotted bass are named after the dark spots that form rows under their dark horizontal band located below their lateral line. This is the easiest way to tell them apart in my opinion, as you will see in the pictures. Additionally, largemouth bass tend to get much larger and more robust than spotted bass.
In the images below you will see a spotted bass on the left and a largemouth on the right. You can see noticeable spots lining the spotted bass’s belly, which are absent on the largemouth. Additionally, notice the larger mouth and that the jaw extends past the eye of the largemouth.
Habitat Preferences:
While they inhabit the same waters, Largemouth bass, and spotted bass have different preferences in their habitats. Largemouth bass usually hang out in shallower waters, about 5 to 15 deep. Both fish can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds.
They like areas with good cover and structure, like rocks and weeds. They use this as ambush points for prey. These bass are highly adaptable to various water conditions.
On the other hand, spotted bass like more open spaces without much vegetation or structure. They are more active throughout the year, unlike largemouth bass. They usually dive deeper, even up to 35 feet or more, and favor areas with gravel or rocky bottoms.
Fishing Strategies: How To Catch Spotted and Largemouth Bass
Catching Largemouth Bass
Fishing for largemouth bass means fishing in shallower waters with structures and vegetation like weed lines, fallen or submerged logs, and rock piles. They are ambush predators, so casting near these structures and giving them some presentation will lure them out so you can catch them. Largemouth generally will hit larger bait, and they are great fighters.
One time when I was catfishing with live bluegill, one managed to come off my hook and was swimming lethargically. Out of nowhere a big bass comes along and engulfs this bluegill, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This was a fairly decent-sized bluegill, so the moral of the story is to not be afraid of using bigger baits. Bigger baits might be exactly what they’re looking for.
Good lures are spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics, swimbaits, and crankbaits. Largemouth bass are less active if the water temperatures are above 80 degrees and when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees.
Catching Spotted Bass
In contrast, if you’re trying to catch spotted bass, you should fish in deeper water. You can usually find them near rock piles and other structures in open water as we talked about before.
Good lures for spotted bass are jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, small plastic worms, and crayfish. So as far as baits go, most lures work for both fish. The main difference is where you fish for them.
Feeding Patterns
The diet of these two fish are slightly different. Largemouth bass, which have a larger mouth, consume larger prey, including other small fish, amphibians, and sometimes birds or small mammals. Spotted bass, which have a smaller mouth, eat smaller fish, crustaceans, and insects.
Conclusion: The Challenge of Spotted Bass vs Largemouth Bass
It’s crucial to understand how these differences between spotted and largemouth bass can impact your fishing success. Understanding each unique characteristic of each species, like physical features and habitat preferences, and then changing your fishing strategies based on that, is important for all anglers.