what is the difference between smallmouth and largemouth?

[Jakeskate]

i primarily have been fishing for largemouth bass my whole life due to the fact that they were the only bass species to catch where i grew up. i now live in an area where there are both and want to know the difference in bait/ lure types to catch smallmouth. what types of lures/ jigs work best for smallmouth in creeks and streams?
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[20inchbass]

not too much difference in lure choice between the fish. But if you're fishing creeks and rivers, crankbaits, tubes, jigs with grub tails, inline spinners, crawfish imitators, live minnows (also try hanging a minnow a few feet below a bobber), live crawfish, and pretty much any thing for largemouth.
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[gdn443]

20" said it all. When I'm bass fishing large and small will take the baits. I've even caught them on worm fishing for sunnies and minnows fishing deep for trout. You get one hold on for the fight of your life. You'll be hooked as we are. []
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[Jakeskate]

thanks to you both! i've also heard that smallies are way more of a fight from largemouth. i'm gonna be using a microspinning combo with about 6 lb test (mono) i have a baitcasting set up but think its to big for walkin around in brush. besides its hard to cast with a small jig or lure. in order to get the most out of my baitcaster combo i need some haefty weight on the line. hopefully the microspinning combo will make a 1 pounder seem like a lunker!
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[davetclown]

I am rather fond of the smallmouth as well,

the large mouth you will catch in most every location except below 25 feet. where as the small mouth you will primairly catch them on sandy areas closer to the bottom. those as well I have never seen below 25 feet, even in the dead middle of winter.
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