Largemouth Bass

 

Identification:  A large, slender fish with a large mouth. The upper jaw extends far beyond the rear margin of the eye in adults. Like the Spotted Bass, it has a broad, black stripe down the side that is often obscure or broken into a series of blotches. It is differs from the Spotted Bass by having a plain lower side (vs. with rows of black spots) in adults, a deep (vs. shallow) notch between the spiny and soft dorsal fins, and tongue without a circular patch of teeth (vs. tooth patch present). Juveniles have dark band at the edge of the caudal fin, but lack the 3-colored pattern of Smallmouth and Spotted Bass. The Largemouth Bass is one of the most important warm-water sport fish in North America. In Kentucky, most adults are in the 12-20 in. (1-5 lbs.) range, but can grow to at least 22 lbs.

Distribution and Habitat:   Common throughout most of the state. The Largemouth Bass occupies a variety of habitats, but tends to avoid upland headwater creeks and small streams. It is a common inhabitant of ponds, reservoirs, backwaters, oxbows, and sloughs, where it is usually associated with shallow, vegetated areas, standing timber, stumps, and other cover. This species is widely stocked throughout the state, from private ponds to large reservoirs, as well as the Kentucky and Ohio rivers.