PROFILE

NAME: Micropterus salmoides

ALIASES: Largemouth bass; lunker; bigmouth; bucketmouth; green trout; great ol' big 'un.

POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: Lakes, reservoirs, ponds and rivers in every state except Alaska.

DESCRIPTION: Green and scaly. Huge mouth, capable of devouring big minnows, bluegills, crayfish and foot-long swimbaits. Pot belly. Known to reach weights exceeding 10 pounds, even 20.

HABITS: Often found lurking around submerged stumps, logs and weed beds, which it uses for concealment before attacking victims. In early spring, it displays a propensity to hang out, or "suspend," in a seemingly torpid state until hunger and/or the urge to procreate forces it to go on the prowl for a meal or a mate. Sluggish and slow-moving in cold water, it goes into high gear once its environment heats up.

WARNING! This is a cold-blooded killer, capable of marked mood swings. Apprehension will require extreme diligence, stealth and patience due to the target¿s mobility and numerous hideouts. It has a reputation for putting up a savage fight when cornered. Use extreme caution when attempting to bring this predator to bay.