DENTIFICATION: The back part of the jaw extends beyond the back border of the eye when the mouth is closed. A dark lateral band extends from head to tail. Smallmouth bass are similar in appearance, but the upper jaw does not extend beyond the back border of the eye when the mouth is closed. Spotted bass have a dark spot on the gill cover and spots or dark streaks on the lower side of the body. All spotted bass will have a patch of teeth on their tongue, whereas very few largemouth bass have these tooth patches. FISHING TIPS: Largemouth bass can be caught on a wide variety of natural and artificial baits using casting, spinning, and fly fishing gear. The best time to fish for bass is May, June, and July.