Largemouth Bass
Scientific Name: Micropterus Salmoides
Also Known As: Black bass, bigmouth bass, bucketmouth bass, Florida bass, green bass, largies, LMB
Where Largemouth Bass Live
Largemouth bass can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, and reservoirs. They have a wide native range throughout the United States. Alaska is the only state that doesn’t have a native bass species.
Within a body of water largemouth bass will move throughout the year. Depending on the season, weather conditions, and water clarity they can be found at just about any depth. We have a helpful guide to help you find bass.
Life Span of Largemouth Bass
In the wild largemouth bass can live 10 – 16 years. These older bass can be harder to catch as they have gotten smarter over time and have learned how to distinguish between natural prey and artificial lures.
The Importance of Largemouth Bass
Fishing is one of the most popular sport for participation. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 43 percent of freshwater anglers fish for bass, with largemouth being the most popular. The bass industry generates $60 billion each year
How to Identify a Largemouth Bass
Coloring
Largemouth bass have a dark olive green back with a lighter green side and white belly. They have a dark strip that runs across their sides.
Physical Features
The upper part of a largemouth’s mouth extends beyond their eyes.
Adult Size & Weight
The average size adult largemouth that you will commonly catch is 12-16 inches long and weight 1-3 pounds. Largemouth can get much bigger than that though, the world record is 22 lbs 4 oz and most state records are in the 10-15lb range.
Estimating Largemouth Weight Based on Length
| Largemouth Bass Length | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|
| 12 in | .90 lb |
| 13 in | 1.16 lb |
| 14 in | 1.47 lb |
| 15 in | 1.83 lb |
| 16 in | 2.25 lb |
| 17 in | 3.28 lb |
| 18 in | 3.53 lb |
| 19 in | 3.89 lb |
| 20 in | 4.59 lb |
| 21 in | 5.36 lb |
| 22 in | 6.22 lb |
| 23 in | 7.14 lb |
| 24 in | 8.21 lb |
| 25 in | 9.35 lb |
| 26 in | 10.60 lb |
| 27 in | 11.95 lb |
| 28 in | 13.42 lb |
| 29 in | 15.01 lb |
| 30 in | 16.73 lb |
View World & State Largemouth Records
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth bass are fairly easy to catch. Bass are aggressive and will often strike even when they aren’t hungry. The biggest challenge is knowing where to fish in order to get your bait in front of them.
The best baits for catching largemouth are nightcrawlers, minnows, crawfish, and artificial lures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Largemouth Bass
Are largemouth bass safe to eat?
Largemouth bass are safe to eat and it can be very satisfying eating what you caught yourself. However, largemouth bass can contain high levels of mercury, or other toxins depending on the levels of pollution in its environment.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to check for fish advisories for the particular body of water.
Does largemouth bass taste good?
Depending on how you prepare a largemouth they can taste very good. They range from a mild to heavy fishy taste. They are generally not rated as high as other fish such as cod, trout, or salmon.
Can largemouth bass hurt you?
Largemouth bass are not dangerous to handle. They have small teeth that can rough up or cut your skin but nothing that would take more than a day or two to heal.