Official 2012 AOTY Thread

I'm asking bsteves what he thinks it is.  I think we can all agree that he is an expert in fish identification and is impartial.  We'll go with his "ruling", ok?

-Allen

Sounds good to me!  If it isn't too much trouble for BSteves ( I realise it may very well be), could he do a brief post on guidelines for AOTY bass ID to help us all out?  I ask this because it is difficult even for reservoir fisheries biologists to identify spots/smallies in lakes where the two co-exist and hybridize.

Here's what I wrote about a month ago to the AOTY committee about this.  At the time they seemed to agree with me.

Allen,

I have recieved a few questions about smallmouth, spotted bass and smallie-spottie hybrids.   There are at least a couple lakes (e.g. Folsom, Berryessa) that have both species stocked and the potential for hybrids.  As a result there are some folks who post fish in the wrong category or more often ambiguous or potentially hybrid fish posted in either category.   I've been trying to think of a set of guidelines on how to deal with these fish.

First a few observations..
Spotted bass are slightly larger then smallmouth.
Smallmouth are more widely distributed then spotted bass

So, I suggest questionable fish should include information about which lake they were caught.  If the fish comes from a lake with only one of the two species that should guide our decision.  If it comes from a lake with both species and we can't tell which it is from the photo then we should default to a spotted bass.   I default to spotted bass here only because I think it's more conservative to choose the species that is naturally a bit bigger (we've had 8 AOTY spotties over 20" and only one 20 " smallmouth).    In other words, I don't want to give someone credit for a 21 inch smallmouth if it might be a spotted bass.

What do you think?

Brian

In summary, if it comes from a lake with both smallmouth and spotted bass and there is any doubt we'll treat it as a spotted bass.  If you're having problems finding a decent obvious smallmouth in your lake because of this issue, find another lake.

As for identification, I always thought this was a decent id card.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/bkbass_diagrams.phtml


Here are some rules of thumb I use ..

Both smallmouth and spotted bass have rough patches on there tongue, mouths that don't extend past their eye when closed and dorsal fins (spiny and soft) that are attached.  If any of that isn't true, you're probably looking at a largemouth bass.


Color:
bronze = smallmouth,
bright green and white = spotted bass
dull green could be either/hybrid.

Bar Pattern:
dark vertical bars or no bars = smallmouth
dark horizontal bar (almost like a largemouth, but slightly broken up) = spotted bass
irregular pattern could be either/hybrid

Belly spots:
Most of belly white with distinct little dark spots on each belly scale forming nice little rows = spotted bass.  (Like Naoaki mentioned, these are the spots that the name comes from).

White only at very bottom of belly with no distinct little spots on the scales = smallmouth


Brian

+1 on defaulting to spot if questionable if not combinding the two like rockfish are bunndled

The reason I posted the two pics in my last post was to demonstrate that the competitor who is actively trying to disqualify my fish also has a bass entered that looks the same as mine. In addition to these bass there have been several other similar ones entered in the past with no complaints until now. I'm still not sure why this person is trying so hard to DQ my fish right now when they have one like it entered themselves but he should know that I do have another 2012 entry that is only 1/4" less. Not to mention 4 1/2 months left in which to fish for an even larger one. I guess friendship & respect have gone out the window for this person but they will find this out someday if they ever have to defend their own entries. I respect the decision of the committee on this matter. jim

As I PMed you earlier, I am just stating the facts based on what I see from your pictures.  Even though hybrids exist, your fish has features that Spotted bass possess and ones that contradict Smallmouth features (& I am not saying I'm 100% right).
I am not trying to disqualify your fish, that is between you and AOTY committee.  This topic came up here, so I am just voicing my opinions like we do in any other forum.
My smallmouth lacks distinct spots on stomach and don’t have clear vertical stripes in the lateral line, but if AOTY committee has a problem with my pictures then I have no problem taking them out.

Naoaki

 , For everyone, If your gonna post a smallie, make sure it looks like this........

Now that looks like a smallie Ricci! Where did u get that one? Berry?

Nice smallie ricki, BUT the mouth is open ....... DQ 

hehehehe

 
More like this

Those are some dandy spots.

Heres my worst pic EVER. I wouldnt try this anymore hehehe This is called a headless smallie.

Hope we all know we are just ribbing.
I have complete confidence in the mods and their decisions.
If a fish is accepted than who are we to argue. If we don't like the game, than don't play.
Oh Yah,
When I win, I plan on donating the "Hobie" to next years P.I.F.

Fish-On


Sent from my phone cause I can

You guys are awesome.

Oh Yah,
When I win, I plan on donating the "Hobie" to next years P.I.F.

Fish-On


Sent from my phone cause I can

I was wondering what I would do with that thing. Good idea.

Hope we all know we are just ribbing.
I have complete confidence in the mods and their decisions.
If a fish is accepted than who are we to argue. If we don't like the game, than don't play.
Oh Yah,
When I win, I plan on donating the "Hobie" to next years P.I.F.

Fish-On


Sent from my phone cause I can

Well said Eric. I remember when the AOTY was fun and friendly. I don't recall it being cut throat like it is these days. Still, I believe in supporting this event cause it generates money to run this awesome site. Thanks to the members/committee  that keeps the engine running