I posted last week but was not able to provide a photo - due to the size. I own a 3-plus acre pond in Kentucky and had it stocked about 10 years ago. I had always though these were regular LM...but after putting on in my alligator's tank, I'm not so sure. I will post two photos, the first being the front half of the fish. Please let me know your thoughts on whether this is a Spotted/LM hybrid or a regular LM. This bass is about 3.5 pounds and close to 18 inches in length.

Thanks in advance.

Largemouth

Largemouth

Word up.

Why all the spots then? Why are the fish in my pond so small (the largest I've caught is 5.0 lbs.). Is it possible the place is overstocked? Please advise.

It is Largemouth for sure.  They come in various colors combos having a lot to do with recent habitat, ie, fresh out of deep water very pale almost white,  shallow for a while very much like your picture, muddy also very pale.  I have caught them with black bloches on them.  Last year in a tournament here in Il. I had one that was totally black.  Have no esplaination for that one.

Kelley

Alot of the juvenile bass have spots like that. This one sure looks like LMB and don't think it is a

Hybrid. I caught bass with no spots at all, almost a greenish silvery color. There also bass that are almost black (hence Black Bass). It has alot to with habitat (lake bottom material) and food sources

like it is mentioned above.

I vote largemouth most spots jaw line only go to the eye not behind it like in the picture.  

Most definately a largemouth.

Its a Largemouth. Spots have the hinge lined up with the back of the eye.

At the risk of being redundant it's a LMB. The jaw tells all. If the corner of the jaw extends past the eye it's a LMB.

Chow

I concur that its a LM bass, and would like to add that spotted bass are not named because of the spots on their bodies.

Why are the fish in my pond so small (the largest I've caught is 5.0 lbs.)

does it make anyone else sad that he calls 5lbers small?

Why are the fish in my pond so small (the largest I've caught is 5.0 lbs.)

does it make anyone else sad that he calls 5lbers small?

It's just that I'd imagine there are some really large ones in there - I fish the pond three to four times per week in the summer, usually catching 10 or so LMB's in a few hours. Having caught so many, I'm just waiting on 7lbs or above.

It's a Spotted Bass. I'm sure of it.  :

J/k