Read the statistics being compiled through the bass tagging study. It's very interesting to see how far they travel. The results are posted
here.
And, yes, smallmouth is way tasty. Although I primarily and preferably practice catch and release, there are times when you have to opt for (as Dr. Lyons so aptly put it) "catch and fillet." That being said, can't remember last time I had to. Only caught about 10-15 fish this year, and they all went back to the lake.
But let me catch a salmon this coming spring, and that sucker's going on a cedar plank on the grill.