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Fish Species - Details
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SMALLMOUTH BASS
(Micropterus dolomieui)
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Other Common Names
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Black bass, bronzeback
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Identifying Characteristics
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Body is pale green to golden bronze in color.
Dark, wavy bars run vertically along the body, especially if taken from deep water.
The upper jaw does not extend back beyond the back of the eye.
Shallow notch between the front and rear portion of dorsal fin.
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Habits and Habitat
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Prefers cold, clear water.
Found in rock- or gravel-bottomed lakes and streams.
Often found in fast water or riffles.
Usually stays near the bottom in water no deeper than 50 feet.
In some very large lakes, such as Erie and Ontario, some smallmouth bass will become
pelagic.
Spawns in the spring.
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Tackle and Techniques
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Use light- to medium-weight tackle and 6- to 10-pound-test line.
Live baits such as crabs, minnows, and worms fished near the bottom work well.
Small plugs, tube jigs, and spinners also work well.
Fish the shallows in spring; fish deeper in summer and fall.
Fish near the bottom.
Trolling, drifting, and still-fishing are all productive methods.
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Current State Record
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8 pounds, 4 ounces; caught by Andrew C. Kartesz on Lake Erie on June 4, 1995.
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© Sander's Fishing Guides, Inc.
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