When it comes to bass fishing, understanding the size and weight of your catch is essential. Bass are among the most popular game fish in the United States, with several species each presenting unique challenges and rewards. In this article, we’ll cover the average bass weight and length of four popular types (species) of bass: largemouth, smallmouth, striped, and white bass. We’ll also explore how these sizes vary across different regions, particularly comparing the Northern and Southern United States.
Average Largemouth Bass Weight and Size by Region
Largemouth bass are the most iconic species among bass anglers, known for their wide mouths and aggressive behavior. The size and weight of largemouth bass can differ significantly depending on their environment, particularly when comparing the Southern and Northern United States.
Southern U.S.: Largemouth bass in the South tend to grow larger, thanks to the warmer climate and longer growing seasons. On average, Southern largemouth bass weigh between 4 to 6 pounds, with lengths ranging from 15 to 20 inches. In optimal conditions, largemouth bass in the South can exceed 10 pounds and reach lengths of over 24 inches.
Northern U.S.: In the North, where waters are colder and growth seasons are shorter, largemouth bass typically weigh between 2 to 4 pounds, averaging around 12 to 18 inches in length. However, some larger specimens can still surpass 6 pounds, though this is less common.
How Big Do Largemouth Bass Get?
The record for largemouth bass is held in Georgia, with a massive 22-pound, 4-ounce catch. While it’s rare to catch a largemouth of this size, the species has an impressive growth potential, especially in warmer climates.
Smallmouth Bass: Size and Weight Across the U.S.
Smallmouth bass, known for their fighting spirit, differ in size compared to their largemouth relatives. They inhabit both rivers and lakes, particularly in the Northern U.S., where they are more prevalent.
Southern U.S.: Southern smallmouth bass typically weigh around 1.5 to 3 pounds and measure 12 to 16 inches in length. Although these bass can reach up to 5 pounds in certain conditions, they rarely exceed 20 inches in length.
Northern U.S.: In the North, smallmouth bass have a slightly larger size range, often weighing between 2 to 5 pounds and reaching lengths of up to 20 inches. Colder, clearer waters in the Northern U.S. offer prime habitats for trophy smallmouth bass.
How Big Do Smallmouth Bass Get?
The largest smallmouth bass caught on record weighed in at 11 pounds, 15 ounces caught by David Hayes in 1955 from Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. While sizes like this are rare, with the right conditions, smallmouth bass can become quite sizable, especially in northern lakes.
Striped Bass: Coastal Giants
Striped bass, often referred to as “stripers,” are larger than both largemouth and smallmouth bass. They are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, particularly along the Atlantic Coast.
Southern U.S.: In Southern states, striped bass can reach impressive sizes, commonly weighing between 10 to 20 pounds and measuring 20 to 30 inches. Under ideal conditions, some Southern stripers can grow up to 50 pounds or more.
Northern U.S.: Northern striped bass are also substantial, averaging between 8 to 15 pounds with lengths of 18 to 25 inches. In coastal waters, striped bass can surpass 30 pounds, with some Northern specimens reaching upwards of 40 pounds.
How Big Do Striped Bass Get?
The largest striped bass caught weighed an incredible 81 pounds, captured off the coast of Connecticut. With access to both ocean and river systems, striped bass have the potential for remarkable growth.
White Bass: Smaller but Feisty
White bass, sometimes known as “sand bass,” are the smallest of the four bass species discussed here. Known for their spirited fight on the line, white bass inhabit lakes and rivers throughout the U.S.
Southern U.S.: White bass in Southern regions average around 1 to 2 pounds, with lengths of 10 to 15 inches. In the South, they tend to reach their maximum size of around 3 pounds and 18 inches in length.
Northern U.S.: In the North, white bass are slightly smaller on average, often weighing between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds and measuring 8 to 13 inches. However, the occasional Northern white bass can reach up to 2.5 pounds.
How Big Do White Bass Get?
The record for the largest white bass is 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Although white bass do not grow as large as other bass species, their strong, aggressive nature makes them a popular choice for light tackle anglers.
Comparison of Average Bass Sizes by Region & Bass Species
The table below provides a summary of the average bass weight and sizes of largemouth, smallmouth, striped, and white bass across the Northern and Southern United States.
| Species | Region | Average Weight | Average Length | Maximum Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | South | 4-6 lbs | 15-20 inches | 10+ lbs, up to 24+ inches |
| North | 2-4 lbs | 12-18 inches | Up to 6+ lbs, up to 20 inches | |
| Smallmouth Bass | South | 1.5-3 lbs | 12-16 inches | Up to 5 lbs, up to 20 inches |
| North | 2-5 lbs | 14-20 inches | Up to 7 lbs, up to 22 inches | |
| Striped Bass | South | 10-20 lbs | 20-30 inches | 50+ lbs, up to 50 inches |
| North | 8-15 lbs | 18-25 inches | 40+ lbs, up to 45 inches | |
| White Bass | South | 1-2 lbs | 10-15 inches | Up to 3 lbs, up to 18 inches |
| North | 0.5-1.5 lbs | 8-13 inches | Up to 2.5 lbs, up to 15 inches |
Largemouth Bass: Key Characteristics and Regional Differences
The largemouth bass, true to its name, boasts a large mouth that extends past the eye, enabling it to open wider than the smallmouth bass. This species is easily recognizable by its robust body, which is less laterally compressed compared to the smallmouth. The largemouth bass also features a high ratio of fin surface to body size, allowing it to maneuver quickly and aggressively during a fight, a quality that makes it a prized catch among anglers.
How to Recognize a Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass possess distinct physical characteristics that set them apart:
Body Shape: The largemouth bass has a robust, muscular body with a large, elongated head.
Jaw Structure: Its wide, lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw, contributing to its strong bite.
Dorsal Fins: This species has two joined dorsal fins, with a noticeable separation—a feature that helps differentiate it from the smallmouth bass.
Coloration: Typically, largemouth bass have a bright green to olive back and sides, with colors ranging from darker greens to golden green depending on their environment. The underside is often milk-white or yellow, while the fins vary in color from opaque greens to amber.
Largemouth bass often develop darker, more pronounced black pigmentation in clear, weedy waters. In contrast, those in murky waters exhibit a paler, greenish tint.
Northern vs. Florida Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass can be divided into two subspecies: the Northern and the Florida largemouth. Both are members of the sunfish family, though the Florida variety generally grows larger and faster due to its environment. The Florida largemouth has approximately 69 to 73 scales along its lateral line, compared to the Northern variety’s 59 to 68 scales. This slight difference in scale count is one of the few visual distinctions between the two.
Trophy Largemouth Bass: Size and Regional Expectations
The concept of a “trophy” largemouth bass varies by region. In the Northern U.S., catching a largemouth bass weighing over 5 pounds is noteworthy. However, in the Southern U.S., where growing conditions are more favorable, a largemouth exceeding 10 pounds is not uncommon. Typically, a 5-pound catch in Northern waters is considered significant, while Southern anglers expect larger bass due to the longer growing season.
Understanding What Makes a Huge Bass
For many anglers, what constitutes a “huge” bass can vary depending on the species and regional expectations. Generally, any largemouth bass over 10 pounds, a smallmouth over 6 pounds, or a striped bass over 30 pounds is considered a significant catch. White bass, on the other hand, are often celebrated at around 3 pounds.
Whether you’re angling in the clear Northern lakes or the warm Southern waters, the potential for catching a huge bass is always there. With these insights, you’ll know what to expect on your next fishing trip and recognize when you’ve truly caught a trophy fish.
