Smallmouth markings and color

Larry Hemphill · Post by **Larry Hemphill** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 2:17 pm

I thought I would briefly bring up the interesting "looks" of Pardee smallmouth. On the photo page is a nice one I caught Thurs - not a monster - but beautiful. I just thought the markings and color were of a classic 100% smallmouth. This is typical of the smallies in Trinity, Almanor, and Pardee - broad and thick. I, too, have wondered about some of the Pardee smallies with their spotted bass-like marking near their tail - the famous black horizontal line. There have been some interesting ones caught at Pardee in the past few years, creating interesting discussion. The pure smallies obviously have the vertical bars all the way to the tail and a golden green/brown look. I have noticed that some of the hybrids at Berryessa and other lakes have a bit of a green/white tinge to their bronze look while having the typical face of a smallie - black bars from the mouth. Largemouth and spots are all mostly out of the same color mode, but smallmouth are wonderful because they are their own creature - sometimes with a little variation. And how they fight!!!

Jeff Jewell · Post by **Jeff Jewell** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:29 pm

Larry Hemphill wrote: And how they fight!!!

Hope to fight a big one tommorow, at Berryessa

bassenvy · Post by **bassenvy** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:38 pm

hey Larry that was a nice fish you got thursday...you showed me pics of her when we were pulling out at the ramp. I wish I would have taken pics of the fish I told you about it did look more like a spot in color,jaw structure,etc...however I forgot to feel for the rough patch.

afdean · Post by **afdean** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:00 pm

What it sounds like you are talking about is called a meanmouth. That is the legitimate name given the hybrid of a smallmouth and spot. They are more common back east around Arkansas, Missouri, and the Tennessee River valley. These two can, and do spawn together when they live in the same areas. They usually look a lot like a smallie, but with several distinctive markings from the spotted bass. The biggest difference is they usually bear the black horizontal markings you mention.