SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS 

 (Micropterus dolomieu) 



The black bass is not a native of the coast, but both 

 species are now so well established in our waters that 

 they must now be classed as permanent residents, for 

 whether it is the crystal lake, the flowing stream, the 

 little pond, the artesian-fed reservoir or the brackish 

 slough, they thrive equally well and take any lure from 

 the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm. 



Black bass are prolific breeders and rapid growers. 

 A case is on record where eight males and seven fe- 

 males were planted in a pond in May and during the 

 November following over 37,000 young fish were taken 

 from the same pond, each from three to four inches 

 long. 



The black bass is a short, deep fish with a double 

 dorsal fin; the front half being stiff and spiney and 

 the latter half soft and rayed. The color is variable, 

 but always dark and from a dirty green to a blackish 

 brown on the back, shading to a dirty white on the 

 belly. The gill covers are pointed at the back, with 

 a darker spot on the point. In the small-mouthed va- 

 riety the end of the upper bone of the mouth does not 

 quite reach to the back edge of the eye, this with the 

 scales on the cheek numbering from 16 to 18, can al- 

 ways be relied upon as a distinguishing diagnosis from 

 the large-mouthed variety. 



LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK BASS 



(Micropterus salmoides) 



There is but little difference in the habits of the 

 large and small-mouthed black bass, and but little dif- 

 ference in their appearance, but the distinguishing fea- 

 tures may easily be known. The end of the upper bone 

 of the mouth of the large-mouthed variety extends De- 

 hind the eye, and the rows of scales on the cheek num- 

 ber only 10 or 12. 



While both species seem to do well any place, the 

 large-mouthed are better adapted to muddy bottomed 

 ponds and sloughs and brackish waters. The average 

 weight of the adults of either species is about three 

 pounds, though individuals are often taken weighing 

 from six to seven. It is reported that specimens have 

 been taken in the state of California that have weighed 

 eight and three-quarters and nine pounds. 



Tackle and Lure The black bass will take any lure 

 from the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm. In 

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