Common Names: largemouth bass, widemouth bass, bigmouth bass, black bass, bucketmouth, Oswego bass, green bass, green trout, Florida bass, ditch pickles, and more.

Identification: Largemouth bass are usually olive green in color with dark blotches that form a horizontal line along the sides with a silvery-white underbelly. A distinguishing characteristic of largemouth bass is the upper jaw extends beyond the rear margin of the eye. They have a nearly divided, deeply notched dorsal fin with 9-10 spines and 12-13 rays in the posterior.

General Description: The largemouth bass is the largest of the black bass species. Average life expectancy is 16 years and a maximum recorded weight of 25 pounds 1 ounce. However, the average bass grows at a rate of:

• Year 1: 4-6 inches
• Year 2: 8-12 inches
• Year 3: 16+ inches

Habitat: Largemouth bass seek clear non-flowing water with protective cover such as logs, vegetation (overhangs or aquatic growth), and man-made structures like docks. Largemouth are the most adaptable of the black bass species and survive just fine in a multitude of environments.

Largemouth Bass Facts

• Largest freshwater gamefish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae).
• Maximum recorded length = 29.5 inches.
• Maximum recorded weight = 25 pounds 1 ounce.