Characteristics
The jaw of a smallmouth bass is smaller than that of a largemouth bass. It extends to directly below the eye. The cheeks have from twelve to seventeen rows of scales. The dorsal fins are joined with ten spines and thirteen or fourteen soft rays.

Color
The smallmouth is golden bronze or brown in color, with a lighter, more creamy underbelly than the largemouth (which has a greenish belly). Vertical dark bands or marks are found on the sides. The eyes have a dash of red.

Size
Most smallies weigh between 1 and 1.5 pounds. They can run as high as 4 or 5 pounds.