Large Mouth Bass
(also known as Black Bass)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Micropterus salmoides salmoides
Largemouth bass are native to Ohio and can be found in every county in the state. They prefer ponds, lakes and slow, sluggish streams.
Largemouth bass are moderately compressed with a deep body. The back of the mouth, when closed, extends past the eye. This characteristic distinguishes it from the smallmouth bass where the back of the mouth does not extend past the eye. The largemouth also has a black band that extends down the side of the body. Spotted bass have a black spot on the gill cover and dark streaks on the lower side of the body.
The average size largemouth bass runs from 1 to 2 pounds. The state record weighed 13 pounds 2 ounces and measured just over 25 inches long.
Adults eat crayfish, frogs, large insects and fishes.