Black Basses

Black Basses
Family: Centrarchidae
Genus: Micropterus

Some of the most popular game fish in Texas and North America, black basses are the staple of sport fishing, especially the largemouth bass. They are notorious for putting up a good fight, and challenging even the most accomplished anglers to be their best.

1. Seperated (or mostly separated) dorsal fins
2. Less pronounced anal spines
3. Opercle is pointed
4. Rounded body fins
5. Slightly forked caudal fins

 

Largemouth Bass

Chad Thomas

Largemouth Bass
(Micropterus salmoides)
This fish dominates Amistad in many ways. While they are not the largest bass, they are certainly the most sought after. They are known to put up an intense fish for even the most seasoned Angler. Due to its economic importance, hundreds of clubs in Texas alone promote the health and conservation of this fish.
With largemouth, the corners of the mouth will reach past the rear portion of eye in adults. It also has a deeper notch separating its dorsal fins. Juvenile Largemouth usually lack coloration on the caudal fin.

 

Spotted Bass

Chad Thomas

Spotted Bass
(Micropterus punctulatus)
This bass prefers faster water than other Micropterus, and as such can usually be found in open windswept areas in the reservoir. Larger spotted bass prefer deeper water, and will often migrate to tributaries and streams in the winter.
The spotted bass could just as well be called the mediumouth. The corners of its mouth reach about the midline of the eye. Juveniles have an orange or red margin around their caudal fin. Adults have a distinct dark mottling around the lateral line, and spots present on scales below the midline

 

Smallmouth Bass

Chad Thomas

Smallmouth Bass
(Micropterus dolemieu)
This fish (while less famous than its great gaped brethren) is gaining notoriety for its “hybrid swarms.” This refers to the smallmouth mating with other bass and creating hybrids that can push out and overwhelm other Centrarchidae. This has brought concern about its introduction into more texas watersheds. Despite this it remains an increasingly popular Gamefish.
As the name implies, the corners of its mouth do not reach the front edge of the eye. Adult smallmouth often lack a dark horizontal band, and instead have vertical striping. Juveniles have a deep black band across the caudal fin.