Smallmouth question

[Bobby Headrick]

Are the smallies down here in the south, different than the ones from up north. Are they different sub species ? or the same. after watching the Bass tourney from Champlain and St Lawrence they looked different from the ones I have caught down here, Any thoughts from you that have fished both here and up north.

[jcb]

Are the smallies down here in the south, different than the ones from up north. Are they different sub species ? or the same. after watching the Bass tourney from Champlain and St Lawrence they looked different from the ones I have caught down here, Any thoughts from you that have fished both here and up north.

Different in color, body shape/configuration, or what, Bobby?

[GeoFisher]

I think folks talk about river smallies and lake smallies down at Dale Hollow all the time.

The assumption is that we won't get bigger fish because the original Obey river smallies are not present in the huge numbers they used to be.

As far as differences, I've noticed colorization and other stuff that make me think there are differences.

Also, the fish up in Canada seem to be FOOTBALLS, all the time .

Other than that, just speculation.

[Shellkat]

And those canada smallies are not shy,none of that peck,peck,peck crap. When they seeit,they eat it.

[vausoner]

Seems ours are longer and skinnier and up there they are shorter but super fat. I guess that's part of the goby diet.

[ryan_ekubass]

I believe what he is trying to ask, correct me if I am wrong is that. Are northern smallies genetically different that the ones in the south? I believe that I read somewhere that dale hollow smallmouth are unique into themselves kinda like florida strain largemouth, or like the walleye in the rockcastle river. I also believe that Laurel lake when it was impounded was stocked with the dale hollow strain smallmouth. So yes there is genetic difference between them.

[Bobby Headrick]

Yes Ryan that's what i was basically asking. Thanks for all replies. There seems to be regional differences also as the ones on KY and Barkley are different from Cumberland and other lakes, similar. to spotted bass.

[Bobby Headrick]

Different in color, body shape/configuration, or what, Bobby?

all of the above