Fish Identification: Largemouth, Smallmouth & Striped Bass

You mean there's more than one kind of Bass?

As we have went over previously the most common bass in PA are going to be your largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass. The striped bass is actually the easiest to identify as it is different from a largemouth and smallmouth. 

Largemouth Bass: They are known for their distinct green color distinction. This is typically an olive gray or dark gray. They have horizontal stripes. They are most distinctly known for their large jaw. Which is why they are called a largemouth.

Smallmouth Bass: Unlike the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass tend to have vertical stripes. They are typically a darker brown color. But colors can range from bronze, green, or lighter yellow variations. It is important to not confuse the smallmouth bass with a rock bass. Rock bass are known to have red eyes as well as some smallmouths do. The smallmouth eye variation in color is brown or a reddish brown that can appear like a rock bass. 

Striped Bass: Unlike the largemouth and smallmouth bass they striped bass is a silver color. It has a white/silver variation. It has a series of dotted horizontal lines that go from the gill plate to the base of the tail. Unlike the other bass species listed striped bass are typically much larger and on average are between 4-20lbs.

If you're interested in learning more about these fish species, please check out Priemer Angler. All of which the above information is from.