Large Mouth Bass
Description: Micropterus salmoides: Largemouth bass are the most sought-after freshwater game fish in the United States. There are several reasons for the popularity of this fish. Anglers can usually find waters that contain largemouth bass within a short distance from their homes; they can catch bass that regularly reach trophy size (7 to 15 pounds); and these fish are exciting to catch, with a battle characterized by head shaking and explosive leaps from the water.
Classification
Class: Osteichthyes (bony fishes)
Order: Centrarchidae (sunfish)
Average Size: 2 to 3 pounds; the world record largemouth weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. The North Carolina record is 15 pounds, 14 ounces.
Food: Worms, salamanders, frogs, crayfish, snakes, ducklings, insects and fish.
Breeding: Spawning season occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 63 degrees. Female deposits eggs in nest guarded by male bass. From 2,000 to 12,000 fry hatch. Only five to 10 will reach 10 inches.
Young: Called fry. Feed on zooplankton until 2 inches. Convert to fish and insect diet at this size.
Life Expectancy: Females live longer than males. In North Carolina, 10 years is long-lived. Most survive only 3 to 4 years.