The Smallmouth Bass has very different characteristics than its larger cousin the Largemouth Bass. You must adjust your fishing style accordingly if you wish to have success fishing for this species. In the following paragraphs I will illustrate the differences between these two species in both lake and river habitats.
In lakes, Smallmouth Bass exhibit two main differences in the areas they choose to spend most of their time in.
Smallmouth Bass prefer much deeper water than Largemouth Bass. You will rarely catch a Smallmouth Bass in water that is three to six feet deep. Largemouth Bass on the other hand are caught quite regularly in these areas. The optimal water depth for Smallmouth Bass has proven to be ten to fifteen feet deep.
Smallmouth Bass prefer a gravel bottom. For cover nothing beats a large rock or series of rocks. Largemouth Bass tend to congregate more towards weed lines to forage. This explains their preference in food. Smallmouth Bass often feed on crustaceans that inhabit the rocky areas they prefer. They will of course eat small fish as well, but definitely prefer creatures such as leeches and crayfish that dwell at or near the bottom. Largemouth Bass on the other hand feed primarily on smaller fish, but also will eat bugs, frogs and other creatures that inhabit the surface areas of the water.
We can use this information to develop the proper fishing technique to catch Smallmouth Bass. For starters we can forget about spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and other artificial baits that are best used at or near the surface. The Smallmouth Bass is a creature that feeds deep, it does not like to swim towards the surface to feed. The prudent Smallmouth Bass fisherman should head to the lake with deep diving crankbaits, jig and pig combos and plastic worms that can be fished at or near the bottom of the lake.
Another trait of the Smallmouth Bass is that it is a much more aggressive feeder than the Largemouth Bass. They prefer fast moving baits and are definitely sight feeders. Largemouth Bass can be either sight or sound feeders.
When the fishing venue changes to a river you must again alter your fishing approach between each species. Rivers are the preferred habitat for Smallmouth Bass. In most cases you will not find deep water in rivers. Smallmouth Bass being an adaptable species now use the current to find a preferred place to hunt.
In rivers you will find Smallmouth Bass in areas of the river with the fastest current. The key is to determine which areas of high current are better than others.
It probably was originally practiced in search for food among the people in the south of the United States. Since then, it has started gaining numerous audiences of all ages and nations. Today, countries such as Australia, Cuba, South Africa, United States and most of Europe participate in this kind of event.
Timelines
? The year 1768 or 1770 represents the birth of bass fishing sports. Onesimus Ustonson introduced his first multiplying reels to the fishing gurus and lovers. It was later developed into bait caster.
? William Shakespeare Jr. materializes the production of a level wind device and secured its patent on 1897.
? The William J. Jamison Co introduced the overly ornamented Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915 and was improved to create today's spinner baits.
? In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority and encouraged the creation and building of numerous dams. These dams were later used for culturing different varieties of bass fishes.
? Five years later, DuPont Company filed patent for nylon fishing net, this was later developed into nylon monofilament fishing line.
? The year 1992 is one of the most glorious events in the history of bass fishing. Larry Nixon, the famous fisherman in the history of bass fishing won $1 M total earnings for this sport on this year.
Bass Fish
Several fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events are the following:
Other species of Micropterus are also caught but one that remains popular is the Largemouth bass. However, it should be emphasized that Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features.
Perhaps, the most robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s. The popularity of the game during this period is the springboard to the development of modern fishing equipments from bass boats, rods, lines, lures and various fishing gears.
Electronic gears were also incorporated among the host of equipments bass fishers used at that time. Reels of different types, which function in hauling and hoisting, were also created.
The contribution of bass fishing industry to the US economy records $50 to $70 Billion and the number continues to grow. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more and more people are getting interested in it compared to tennis and golf.