The Smallmouth bass
Scientific name: Micropterus dolomieu
Size (length): between 30 and 40 cm
Weight: 0.45 to 0.90 kilos
Lifespan: 15 years
Conservation status: stable – minor concern
Smallmouth bass, otherwise known as bass, is highly appreciated by fishermen for its aggressiveness and fighting spirit.
This species of fish spawns in the spring. Summer is therefore the best time to fish for bass. It weighs between 1 and 6 pounds, but even the smallest ones resist!
Some people find that its taste is similar to that of walleye. Smallmouth bass is a frequent fisherman in the St. Lawrence River.
The word “bar” comes from the Germanic bars, which means point, in reference to the dangerous backbones of this fish.
In order to shelter, this fish appreciates the presence of aquatic plants. In addition, this centrarchid prefers rocky and shallow areas and covets clear and cool waters (between 15 and 26°C).
Smallmouth bass sport fishing
In eastern Canada and the United States, smallmouth bass is one of the most sought-after species by fishermen. Although it can be taken with natural baits (fish, pieces of pork rind, worms… anything that at the size of its moving mouth can be part of its next meal), fishermen prefer to catch them with light throw with artificial baits. The attack and jumps of smallmouth bass are impressive.
Although its flesh is of excellent quality, smallmouth bass is a sport fish sought after especially for its fighting spirit; its jumps out of the water when shod provide an unforgettable fishing experience.
In North America, bass fishing with small and large mouths is so popular that hundreds of fishing tournaments are organized across the subcontinent.
In order to promote the enhancement of the bass fishery, several efforts have been made to introduce people to the fishery, stimulate the next generation and diversify products (i.e. ice fishing and fly fishing).
