| The Smallmouth Bass has very different | | | | |
| characteristics than its larger cousin the | | | | We can use this information to develop the |
| Largemouth Bass. You must adjust your fishing | | | | proper fishing technique to catch Smallmouth |
| style accordingly if you wish to have success | | | | Bass. For starters we can forget about |
| fishing for this species. In the following | | | | spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and other artificial |
| paragraphs I will illustrate the differences | | | | baits that are best used at or near the |
| between these two species in both lake and | | | | surface. The Smallmouth Bass is a creature |
| river habitats. | | | | that feeds deep, it does not like to swim |
| | | | towards the surface to feed. The prudent |
| In lakes, Smallmouth Bass exhibit two main | | | | Smallmouth Bass fisherman should head to the |
| differences in the areas they choose to spend | | | | lake with deep diving crankbaits, jig and pig |
| most of their time in. | | | | combos and plastic worms that can be fished |
| | | | at or near the bottom of the lake. |
| Smallmouth Bass prefer much deeper water than | | | | |
| Largemouth Bass. You will rarely catch a | | | | Another trait of the Smallmouth Bass is that |
| Smallmouth Bass in water that is three to six | | | | it is a much more aggressive feeder than the |
| feet deep. Largemouth Bass on the other hand | | | | Largemouth Bass. They prefer fast moving |
| are caught quite regularly in these areas. | | | | baits and are definitely sight feeders. |
| The optimal water depth for Smallmouth Bass | | | | Largemouth Bass can be either sight or sound |
| has proven to be ten to fifteen feet deep. | | | | feeders. |
| | | | |
| Smallmouth Bass prefer a gravel bottom. For | | | | When the fishing venue changes to a river you |
| cover nothing beats a large rock or series of | | | | must again alter your fishing approach |
| rocks. Largemouth Bass tend to congregate | | | | between each species. Rivers are the |
| more towards weed lines to forage. This | | | | preferred habitat for Smallmouth Bass. In |
| explains their preference in food. Smallmouth | | | | most cases you will not find deep water in |
| Bass often feed on crustaceans that inhabit | | | | rivers. Smallmouth Bass being an adaptable |
| the rocky areas they prefer. They will of | | | | species now use the current to find a |
| course eat small fish as well, but definitely | | | | preferred place to hunt. |
| prefer creatures such as leeches and crayfish | | | | |
| that dwell at or near the bottom. Largemouth | | | | In rivers you will find Smallmouth Bass in |
| Bass on the other hand feed primarily on | | | | areas of the river with the fastest current. |
| smaller fish, but also will eat bugs, frogs | | | | The key is to determine which areas of high |
| and other creatures that inhabit the surface | | | | current are better than others. |
| areas of the water. | | | | |