That isn't a smallmouth. That appears to be a rock bass based on your pics. If you can get a clearer pic, I might be able to confirm that ID.
Smallmouth Bass?
- Thread starter JP!
- Start date
That has the wrong profile and operculum shape to be a smallmouth.
I also can't tell from the pictures but it is either a rockbass (Ambloplites rupestris) to 17", not uncommon, (pic by N. Burkehead),
or it is a Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) to 14", not common in NC but there are isolated populations where they are the most common larger fish in the area. (pic also from N. Burkehead).They do not have scales on their cheeks but rockbass do.
here is also a comparison shot of a smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) by Scarola. Note how much lnger through the body it is.
Top is the rock, middle roanoke, bottom smallmouth.
Both the Ambloplites are more tolerant of warm water and stiller water than the smallmouth. Both can be aggressive and often eat smaller fish.
Whichever you got, great catch!
I also can't tell from the pictures but it is either a rockbass (Ambloplites rupestris) to 17", not uncommon, (pic by N. Burkehead),
or it is a Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) to 14", not common in NC but there are isolated populations where they are the most common larger fish in the area. (pic also from N. Burkehead).They do not have scales on their cheeks but rockbass do.
here is also a comparison shot of a smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) by Scarola. Note how much lnger through the body it is.
Top is the rock, middle roanoke, bottom smallmouth.
Both the Ambloplites are more tolerant of warm water and stiller water than the smallmouth. Both can be aggressive and often eat smaller fish.
Whichever you got, great catch!
It's certainly not a smallmouth bass.
It might be warmouth (based on the location that you found it).
I can't see the anal spines (which would confirm a Rock or Roanoke bass Ambloplites cavifrons)
Warmouth should have about 3 anal spines and all Ambloplites should have about double that.
A better pic will help us be sure of that fish.
It might be warmouth (based on the location that you found it).
I can't see the anal spines (which would confirm a Rock or Roanoke bass Ambloplites cavifrons)
Warmouth should have about 3 anal spines and all Ambloplites should have about double that.
A better pic will help us be sure of that fish.
JP. That doesn't look like a smally to me, but maybe its just the camera angle. Even though you are in NC, I would still think that they prefer coldwater. You might have caught them in the shallows, but they like to hang deep as well, rocky bottoms and drop offs are usually places where you might find them. 300gal would probably be sufficient to house him and more. Do you have other coldwater fish as well?
I went back and forth between rock bass and warmouth, and was leaning towards rock bass but it could be a warmouth just as well.
Didn't even think of the warmouth, this pic is another by Burkehead
That pic "is him"! He looks exactly like that! Guess I now know what I have. Thanks for the help everyone!
Found a little info on Warmouth's. Turns out they reach about 12" and like warm water 
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/news/story?page=f_enc_Warmouth
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/news/story?page=f_enc_Warmouth
