Bass Comparison and Identification
Guadalupe, Alabama and Spotted Bass
Physical Characteristics
A: Irregular lateral stripe is similar to, but more broken than in largemouth bass.
B: Jaw does not extend beyond the back margin of the eye when mouth is closed.
C: Spots on scales form "rows" of stripes on whitish belly area.
Guadalupe Bass
Largemouth Bass
A: Definite lateral stripe
B: Jaw extends well behind the back margin of the eye when mouth is closed.
Smallmouth Bass
A: Vertical barring along the sides.
B: Jaw does not extend beyond the back margin of the eye when mouth is closed.
C: Brownish-green color; white belly area does not extend high on the sides.
Yellow Bass
A: Stripes distinct, broken above anal fin
B: Color - silvery yellow
C: Dorsal fins joined
D: Does not have a tooth patch near the midline towards the back of the tongue
White Bass
A: Stripes faint, only one extends to tail
B: Body deep, more than 1/3 length
C: Has one tooth patch near the midline towards the back of the tongue
Striped Bass
A: Stripes distinct, several extend to tail
B: Body slender, less than 1/3 length
C: Has two, distinct tooth patches near the midline towards the back of the tongue
Hybrid Striped Bass
Also known as Palmetto or Sunshine bass.
A: Stripes distinct, usually broken, several extend to tail
B: Body deep, more than 1/3 length
C: Has two tooth patches near the midline towards the back of the tongue. Tooth patches may be distinct or close together.
Note: For hybrids, all characteristics should be considered in combination, as characteristics in individual fish may vary.