The lifespan of bass species is strongly dictated by region.
- Smallmouth live between 6 and 12 years on average, with few reaching a 15-year maximum.
- Largemouth found in the northern United States typically live much longer lives (12 to 15 years) than largemouth in the southern portion of the country (10 to 12 years).
- The oldest known largemouth was 23-years-old and lived in New York.
