| The Smallmouth Bass has very different | | | | areas of the water. |
| 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 Bass. |
| style accordingly if you wish to have success | | | | For starters we can forget about spinnerbaits, |
| fishing for this species. In the following paragraphs | | | | buzzbaits and other artificial baits that are best |
| I will illustrate the differences between these two | | | | used at or near the surface. The Smallmouth |
| species in both lake and river habitats. | | | | Bass is a creature that feeds deep, it does not |
| In lakes, Smallmouth Bass exhibit two main | | | | like to swim towards the surface to feed. The |
| differences in the areas they choose to spend | | | | prudent Smallmouth Bass fisherman should head |
| most of their time in. | | | | to the lake with deep diving crankbaits, jig and pig |
| Smallmouth Bass prefer much deeper water than | | | | combos and plastic worms that can be fished at |
| Largemouth Bass. You will rarely catch a | | | | or near the bottom of the lake. |
| Smallmouth Bass in water that is three to six | | | | Another trait of the Smallmouth Bass is that it is |
| feet deep. Largemouth Bass on the other hand | | | | a much more aggressive feeder than the |
| are caught quite regularly in these areas. The | | | | Largemouth Bass. They prefer fast moving baits |
| optimal water depth for Smallmouth Bass has | | | | and are definitely sight feeders. Largemouth Bass |
| proven to be ten to fifteen feet deep. | | | | can be either sight or sound 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 between |
| rocks. Largemouth Bass tend to congregate more | | | | each species. Rivers are the preferred habitat for |
| towards weed lines to forage. This explains their | | | | Smallmouth Bass. In most cases you will not find |
| preference in food. Smallmouth Bass often feed | | | | deep water in rivers. Smallmouth Bass being an |
| on crustaceans that inhabit the rocky areas they | | | | adaptable species now use the current to find a |
| prefer. They will of course eat small fish as well, | | | | preferred place to hunt. |
| but definitely prefer creatures such as leeches | | | | In rivers you will find Smallmouth Bass in areas of |
| and crayfish that dwell at or near the bottom. | | | | the river with the fastest current. The key is to |
| Largemouth Bass on the other hand feed | | | | determine which areas of high current are better |
| primarily on smaller fish, but also will eat bugs, | | | | than others. |
| frogs and other creatures that inhabit the surface | | | | |