Smallmouth Bass: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Smallmouth Bass?
The Smallmouth Bass is freshwater’s bronze gladiator — red eyes, tiger bars, and a vertical leap that embarrasses your drag. From clear northern lakes to boulder-strewn rivers, smallies hunt in packs, smash bait on points and shoals, and fight like they’re late for something important.
The first FishyAF Smallmouth was landed by @dckayakfishing89 — kayak angles, river current, and a smallie with springs for legs. Textbook chaos.
Here’s your FishyAF guide to Smallmouth — where they live, what they crush, and how to turn every rock pile into a highlight reel. Click here to see what smallie slayers are wearing.
🐟 Smallmouth Bass Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Micropterus dolomieu |
| Average Size | 1–4 lbs typical; 5–7+ lbs in trophy waters |
| World Record | 11 lbs 15 oz — Dale Hollow, TN (1955, IGFA) |
| Habitat | Clear lakes & rivers; rock, gravel, shoals, points, and current seams |
| Edible? | Yes — mild white meat; many anglers catch & release |
❓ FAQs About Smallmouth Bass
Where can you catch Smallmouth Bass?
Great Lakes, northern reservoirs, and cool rivers across the Midwest/Northeast. Find rock + current + bait and you’ll find smallies.
How big do Smallmouth Bass get?
Most are 1–4 lbs; 5–7+ lb bronzebacks show up in high-forage, clear systems. Any 20-incher is a day-maker.
What is the world record Smallmouth Bass?
The IGFA record is 11 lbs 15 oz from Dale Hollow (1955). That fish still haunts dreams.
What is the size limit for Smallmouth Bass?
⚠️ Varies widely by state and waterbody, with seasonal protections during spawn. Always check your local DNR.
Are Smallmouth Bass good to eat?
Yes — but a lot of anglers release larger fish to protect genetics. Keep a couple smaller ones if harvest is legal.
How do you catch Smallmouth Bass?
Clear water: jerkbaits, tubes, ned rigs, swimbaits. Rivers/current: spinnerbaits, squarebills, finesse jigs. Follow wind on lakes; follow seams in rivers.
What’s the best lure for Smallmouth Bass?
3–4” swimbaits, 110 jerkbaits, tubes, ned rigs, and spybaits. Match local forage: gobies, crayfish, smelt, shad.
😂 FishyAF Smallmouth Bass Joke
Smallmouth — the only fish that jumps just to make fun of your drag setting.
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