hello i was hoping to get some help with determining if this is big or small mouth bass. it measured 23.5 inches and on a scale it was between 7 and 8 lbs. it is a older sprig loaded scale. it was caught by my 9 yr. old gradson on his little pole with a senco. the hook barely held on to a piece of skin in its mouth. very lucky to get it in. caught in antioch ca. yesterday afternoon. in a local resivoir. thanks.

Largemouth bass.

welcome to Bass Resource, that is a largemouth bass, congrats to your grandson on that catch!

Yes as Scott said it is indeed a largemouth bass, and a nice one.

alright everyone thanks for the likes and for the replys. 

Well you got you answer so I'll just say congrats to your grandson, that is quite the catch for the young man!

Congrat man, he got even bigger fish than my last one.lol. He will be an expert in no time.

Congrats to your grandson as that's a very nice Largemouth, and an awesome catch! I'm pretty sure he'll be hooked after catching one like that. 

Also, welcome to the forums! 

Smallmouth can range in color from a light sandy color to an almost near black fish. Sometimes they have distinct bars and other times they don't. but their mouth is much smaller for their body size. Pics for reference. 

Beautiful largemouth, and welcome to the forums!

that's a largemouth and a NICE ONE at that!!  congrats to the little man!!

Awesome fish. Now if I could catch watermelon colored smallies...