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Smallmouth Bass

A very strong fighter for its size is the smallmouth bass.  They do not like getting caught so they put up as much of a fight as they can.  People enjoy catching smallmouths because of that reason.  Wisconsin smallmouth bass generally don’t wander far from their territory so you might be lucky to find them around the same area every time you go fishing.  They seem to like natural, artificial, and live baits so you have a good chance of catching one.  Try to catch one of these smallmouth bass during the warmer seasons because they don’t feed much during winter.

Name: Smallmouth Bass
Scientific name: Micropterus Dolomieui
Family: Centrarchidae
General Description: brown head and back, most scales are on the sides, 3 streaks on head, average length: 9-14in, average weight: around 1lb
Habitat: large streams and clear water lakes
Spawning/sexual maturity: 62 degree water temp., between May and June, male protects young, 2,000-10,000 eggs, sexually mature at between 4-7 years of age
Diet: crayfish, other fish, insects
Life expectancy: up to 18 years of age
Predators: humans, larger bass, northern pike, muskie
Known Hotspots: Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, Lake Superior
Popular Baits: natural baits, live bait, artificial baits that stay on surface
Fishing Tournaments:
State Record: 9lbs 1oz, Indian Lake, June 21, 1950
World Record: 10lbs 14oz, Dale Hollow, TN, April 24, 1969
Extra Facts: male sometimes builds numerous nests until one is good enough, very strong fighter when being caught, hardly any feeding during winter season, don’t go far from their territory. 

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