Home Page    About Us    Contact Us     Members     Sponsors Back to Freshwater Gamefish The Bass Family Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Spotted Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Yellow Bass Striped Bass White Bass Rock Bass     Back to the Top The Largemouth Bass        Description       Largemouth bass grow 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) during their first year, 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in two years, 16 inches (40 cm) in three years. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. The underside ranges in color from light green to almost white. They have a nearly divided dorsal fin with the anterior portion containing nine spines and the posterior portion containing 12 to 13 soft rays. Their upper jaw reaches far beyond the rear margin of the eye.        Life History       Spawning usually begin in the spring when water temperatures reach about 65-70°F. This could occur as early as February or as late as May (depending on your climate). Males build the nests in 2-8 feet of water. Largemouth bass prefer to nest in quieter, more vegetated water than other black bass, but will use any substrate besides soft mud, including submerged logs. The young, called fry, hatch in five to ten days. Fry remain in a group or "school" near the nest and under the male's watch for several days after hatching. Their lifespan is on average 16 years. Immature largemouth bass may tend to congregate in schools, but adults are usually solitary. Sometimes several bass will gather in a very small area, but they do not interact.       Except for humans, adult largemouth bass are one of the top predators in the aquatic ecosystem. Fry (young bass) feed primarily on zooplankton and insect larvae. At about two inches in length they become active predators. As adults their eating habits mature to include small fish, crayfish, and frogs. Largemouth bass have even been known to take small mammals such as mice, rats and small birds. Under the cover of grass, brush, or drop-offs, the largemouth bass will use its sense of smell, sight, and hearing to attack and seize their prey, although they mainly rely on sight.        Habitat       Largemouth bass seek protective cover such as logs roots, limbs, docks, rock ledges, vegetation or man-made structures. They prefer clear quiet water, but will survive quite well in a variety of habitats. (The darker the water gets, the closer bass will stick to cover.)        Distribution       Largemouth bass were originally distributed throughout most of what is now the United States east of the Rockies, including many rivers and lakes in Texas, with limited populations in southeastern Canada and northeastern Mexico. Because of its importance as a game fish, the species has been introduced into many other areas worldwide, including nearly all of Mexico and south into Central and South America.        State Fish       The largemouth bass is the state fish of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida     Back to the Top The Smallmouth Bass        Description       The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is also know as the Brown Bass, Brownie and the Bronze Bass. Smallmouth are generally green with dark vertical bands rather than a horizontal band along the side. There are 13-15 soft rays in the dorsal fin, and the upper jaw never extends beyond the eye. Known maximum size in Texas exceeds 7.5 pounds. Micropterus is Greek meaning "small fin." The species epithet dolomieu refers to the French mineralogist M. Dolomieu.        Life History       In small streams a fish's activity may be limited to just one stream pool or extend into several. Spawning occurs in the spring. When water temperatures approach 60°F males move into spawning areas. Nests are usually located near shore in lakes; downstream from boulders or some other obstruction that offers protection against strong current in streams. Mature females may contain 2000-15,000 golden yellow eggs. Males may spawn with several females on a single nest. On average each nest contains about 2,500 eggs, but nests may contain as many as 10,000 eggs. Eggs hatch in about 10 days if water temperatures are in the mid-50's (°F), but can hatch in 2-3 days if temperatures are in the mid-70's (°F). Males guard the nest from the time eggs are laid until fry begin to disperse, a period of up to a month. As in other black bass, fry begin to feed on zooplankton, switching to insect larvae and finally fish and crayfish as they grow.        Habitat       Smallmouth bass prefer large clear-water lakes (greater than 100 acres, more than 30 feet deep) and cool streams with clear water and gravel substrate. Much like the largemouth bass, smallmouth will seek out cover: mainly Rocks, roots and humps.        Distribution       Smallmouth bass originally ranged north into Minnesota and southern Quebec, south to the Tennessee River in Alabama and west to eastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. Today there are few states, east or west of the Rocky Mountains, where populations have not become established. Florida and Louisiana are apparently free of smallmouth bass. In Texas the species has been stocked in numerous areas, particularly streams of the Edwards Plateau.        Tackle       For river fishing, spinning tackle or fly tackle have been the most popular angling tools for smallmouth in North America for many years. Many fisherman use a 5.5-6.5 foot, medium-fast action rod matched with 6-8 lb. test line. However, fly fishing for smallmouth bass has become increasingly popular in recent years, and most fly fishermen seeking river or stream smallmouth use a 7- to 9-foot fly rod in a #5, #6, #7, or #8-weight size with a floating or sink-tip fly line, depending upon the water to be fished. Fishermen seeking smallmouth in large lakes often use sinking lines of various densities, as smallmouth found in such waters often feed at greater depths. Smallmouth are not leader shy and will take larger lures and flies, though shallow streams and tight quarters may call for a shorter rod and lighter lines than are generally used for lakes or large rivers.        In conventional fishing, smallmouth may be successfully caught on a wide range of natural and artificial baits or lures, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and all types of soft plastic lures. They may also be caught with a fly rod using a dry or wet fly, nymphs, streamers, or imitations of larger aquatic creatures such as crawfish or leeches. Floating topwater popper fly patterns are also popular for smallmouth fishing.     Back to the Top The Spotted Bass        Description       The Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) also known as the Kentucky Spotted Bass and Spotted Black Bass. Micropterus is Greek meaning "small fin." The species epithet punctulatus, Latin for "dotted", refers to rows of dark spots on the lower sides. Coloration is similar to that of Guadalupe bass, but does not extend as low on the body. Spotted bass are not nearly so large and numerous as largemouth bass (in most places, their maximum size is less than one-third that of largemouth bass). A convenient way to distinguish between a largemouth bass and a spotted bass is by the size of the mouth. A spotted bass will resemble a largemouth bass in coloration but will have a smaller mouth, similar to the mouth size of a smallmouth bass.        Life History       Although a large proportion reach maturity within a year, spotted bass found in spawning areas are usually three to four years old. Rock and gravel are usually chosen as suitable spawning areas at water temperatures of 57-74°F. Nest depths may vary widely. Females may lay between 1,150 and 47,000 eggs. Males guard the eggs during incubation and for up to four weeks after they have hatched. As young fish grow their diet shifts from zooplankton to insects, and finally to fish and crayfish.        Habitat       Spotted bass seem to be segregated by habitat type from closely related species. They tend to be found in areas with more current than largemouth bass, and they usually inhabit areas that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.        Distribution       Spotted bass are distributed throughout the Ohio River basin as well as the central and lower Mississippi River basin. The species may be found in Gulf Coast states from Texas east to Florida. Spotted bass are native to portions of East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River, exclusive of the Edwards Plateau region.     Back to the Top The Hybrid Striped Bass        Description       The appearance of hybrid striped bass is intermediate to that of the parental species. The body is slightly compressed in cross-section and scaled. Lateral stripes similar to those of the striped bass are present, but the stripes are generally broken in the area behind the pectoral fin and below the lateral line. The fish has two dorsal fins, a spinous dorsal fin near the center of the body contains 8-9 spines and a soft-rayed fin behind that contains 1 spine and 13-14 rays. The two dorsal fins are not connected by a membrane. The caudal finis forked and the two lobes are pointed. The anal fin has three spines and 9-13 soft rays. The general color of the fish grades from silver and black dorsally to white underneath. The shade depends on the color of the water. Young hybrids have visible parr marks on their sides until they are several inches long.        Life History       Hybrid striped bass grow when water temperatures are above 15° C. However, optimum growing conditions occur when water temperatures are 25 to 27 C. Hybrids grow rapidly during their first two years of life. Growth to 275 to 375 mm in length and 225 to 350 grams in the first year and 450 to 550 mm in length and 1 to 1.5 kg in the second year is common. Growth rate declines rapidly with increasing age and is similar in males and females. Maximum reported weight for a hybrid striped bass is approximately 10 kg. The typical size of hybrids caught by fishermen generally ranges from 2 to 5 pounds, but fish in the 10 to 15 pound range are not uncommon. The usual life span of hybrid striped bass is 5 to 6 years-- more similar to white bass than to striped bass (30 to 40 years). The growth rate of hybrid striped bass in production ponds is determined by several factors: water temperature, quality and quantity of food, palatability of food, frequency of feeding and water quality. Hybrid striped bass are generally harvested at a weight of 1.5 to 2.5 pounds when they are 18 to 24 months old.        Habitat       Hybrid striped bass are stocked into a variety of water types for recreational purposes. They do well in slow moving streams, large reservoirs, lakes and ponds. They are seldom found in extremely shallow areas or areas that contain dense growth of aquatic weeds. Because they are pelagic in nature they are generally found in open water areas. They are generally most active during periods of low light such as dawn and dusk. Beginning in late winter they tend to concentrate in deep areas near inflowing streams and in the spring may undergo spawning migrations into upstream areas. Hybrids are fertile and there are reports of successful reproduction in a few reservoirs. (striped bass x white bass). Water quality Hybrids survive and do well in a wide range of environmental conditions. A temperature range of 4 to 33 C is acceptable, but optimum growth occurs within a temperature range of 25 to 27° C. Hybrids are generally stocked into freshwater systems but they do well in salinities of O to 25 ppt, and some can survive salinities up to full strength seawater (35 ppt). Dissolved oxygen levels as low as 1 mg/l can be tolerated for a short period of time, but optimum dissolved oxygen levels range from 6 to 12 mg/1.        Distribution       Striped bass was originally found on the Atlantic Coast from New Brunswick to Florida and along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. It was introduced to the west coast in the early 1890s and established reproducing populations. On the Pacific coast striped bass now range from British Columbia to south of the border between the United States and Mexico. Landlocked populations exist in many reservoirs throughout the United States where inflowing stream conditions meet striped bass spawning requirements. Striped bass populations are maintained by stocking programs in many reservoirs throughout the United States where striped bass do not reproduce. The species is anadromous and considered an excellent food and game fish sometimes reaching over 70 pounds. Commercial harvest of striped bass has declined drastically since 1973 when a harvest of nearly 15 million pounds was recorded. Now, less than a million pounds per year are harvested commercially, and commercial and sportfishing for striped bass is prohibited or strictly regulated.     Back to the Top The Striped Bass        Description       The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), also known as Striper, Rockfish, Lineside, is the largest member of the sea bass family, often called "temperate" or "true" bass to distinguish it from species such as largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass which are actually members of the sunfish family Centrarchidae. Although Morone is of unknown derivation, saxatilis is Latin meaning "dwelling among rocks." As with other true basses, the dorsal fin is clearly separated into spiny and soft-rayed portions. Striped bass are silvery, shading to olive-green on the back and white on the belly, with seven or eight uninterrupted horizontal stripes on each side of the body. Younger fish may resemble white bass (Morone chrysops). However, striped bass have two distinct tooth patches on the back of the tongue, whereas white bass have one tooth patch. Striped bass have two sharp points on each gill cover, and white bass have one. Additionally, the second spine on the anal fin is about half the length of the third spine in striped bass, and about two-thirds the length of the third spine in white bass.        Life History       The striped bass can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. In coastal populations, individuals may ascend streams and travel as much as 100 miles inland to spawn. There are land-locked populations that complete their entire life cycle in freshwater. These generally ascend tributaries of the lakes or reservoirs where they spend their lives. Spawning begins in the spring when water temperatures approach 60°F. Typically, one female is accompanied by several males during the spawning act. Running water is necessary to keep eggs in motion until hatching. In general, at least 50 miles of stream is required for successful hatches. Stripers may reach a size of 10 to 12 inches during the first year. Males are generally mature in two years, and females in three to four. Adults are primarily piscivorous, feeding predominantly on members of the herring family such as gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Alewife and glut herring are often found in their stomachs in the northern states.       Striped bass are of significant value as sport fishing, and have been introduced to many waterways outside their natural range. A variety of angling methods are used, including trolling and surfcasting. The largest striped bass ever caught by angling was a 35.6 kg (78.5 lb) specimen taken in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 21, 1982.        Habitat       The striped bass is anadromous, native to a variety of habitats including shores, bays, and estuaries.        Distribution       The striped bass is a coastal species that moves far upstream during spawning migrations in coastal rivers. The native range is along the Atlantic coast east of the Appalachian Mountains from New Brunswick south to Florida and west into Louisiana. The species has been introduced at scattered locations throughout the central US. There have also been introductions as far west as the Colorado River in Arizona, and at various sites in California. Although not native to Texas, the species has been stocked in a number of reservoirs. Because stream flow is required for a successful hatch, most reservoir populations are not self-sustaining and must be maintained through stocking. One notable exception is Lake Texoma along the Red River in northeastern Texas.     Back to the Top The White Bass        Description        The White Bass (Morone chrysops), also known as Sand Bass, Barfish, Streaker, Silver Bass, is of unknown derivation. The species epithet chrysops is Greek meaning "golden eye." As with other true basses, the dorsal fin is clearly double, separated into spiny and soft-rayed portions. White bass are silvery shading from dark-gray or black on the back to white on the belly. Several incomplete lines or stripes run horizontally on each side of the body. Adults resemble young striped bass, and the two are often confused. However, striped bass have two distinct tooth patches on the back of the tongue, and white bass have one tooth patch. Striped bass have two sharp points on each gill cover, as opposed to white bass which have one, and the second spine on the anal fin is about half the length of the third spine in striped bass, whereas it is about two-thirds the length of the third spine in white bass.        Life History       White bass are active early spring spawners. Schools of males migrate upstream to spawning areas as much as a month before females. There is no nest preparation. Spawning occurs either near the surface, or in midwater. Running water with a gravel or rock substrate is preferred. Females rise to the surface and several males crowd around as the eggs and sperm are released. Large females sometimes release nearly a million small eggs during the spawning season. After release eggs sink to the bottom and become attached to rocks, hatching in 2-3 days. Fry grow rapidly, feeding on small invertebrates. White bass may grow eight or nine inches during the first year. Adults are usually found in schools. Feeding occurs near the surface where fish, crustaceans, and emerging insects are found in abundance. Gizzard and threadfin shad are the preferred food items. White bass more than four years of age are rare.        Habitat       Typical white bass habitat is the deep, quiet pools of medium to large rivers and the mid-water environment of lakes and reservoirs. They are most frequently found utilizing locations with sand and gravel bottoms in clear to slightly turbid water.        Distribution       White bass are native to the the central US west of the Appalachians, including the Great Lakes, as well as river systems in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. In Texas the species is native to the Red River drainage.     Back to the Top The yellow Bass        Description       The Yellow Bass or "striper" (Morone mississippiensis.) The meaning of the word Morone is unknown. The species epithet mississippiensis refers to the Mississippi River from which the species was first described. Although yellow bass are sometimes confused with white bass or young striped bass, there are several distinguishing characteristics. First, the belly may take on a yellow color, from which the species derives its common name. Second, unlike other temperate bass, the two lowermost stripes are distinctively broken just posterior to the middle. Also, the second and third anal spines are approximately equal in length.        Life History        Yellow bass reproduction usually takes place during May when the water temperature approaches 60 degrees F. Like white bass, the yellow bass moves into tributary streams for spawning but otherwise spawns over rock reefs and gravel bars in lakes. Spawning occurs in 2 to 3 feet of water and begins when a male and female pair off, swimming slowly about, releasing eggs and milt. Yellow bass eggs are small, averaging about .031 inch in diameter, and they are semi-buoyant. Fertilized eggs sink slowly to the bottom where they hatch in 4 to 6 days at a water temperature of 70 degrees F. No care is given the eggs or sac-fry.        Habitat       Populations of this schooling species occur more frequently in medium to large tributaries and backwater areas of reservoirs and rivers. In Missouri and Tennessee, yellow bass migrate into large streams to spawn in April and May. Our collections of gravid males and females in the lower Tombigbee River system and the Tennessee River drainage in April support their observations. Spawning usually occurs between one to several males and a single female. Yellow bass feed mainly on insect larvae and small fishes, including minnows, silversides, and small threadfin shad. The maximum life span is estimated to be six years.        Distribution       Although native populations do exist in areas of Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi, the species was primarily restricted to the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. Introduced populations ocurr as far west as Arizona, as far north as Wisconsin and Iowa, and as far east as central Tennessee. In Texas, yellow bass range from the Red River south to the San Jacinto drainage.     Back to the Top The Rock Bass        Description        The rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris, Ambloplites Ariommus, Ambloplites Constellatus), also known as the rock perch or goggle-eye, is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. Rock bass are native to the St Lawrence River and Great Lakes system, the upper and middle Mississippi River basin in North America from Québec to Saskatchewan in the north down to Missouri and Arkansas, and throughout the eastern U.S. from New York through Kentucky and Tennessee to the northern portions of Alabama and Georgia in the south. All species of rock bass are considered gamefish and are popular with sustenance and sport fishermen.       The rock bass looks like a cross between a bluegill and a black bass. A true sunfish, a bluish black blotch on the tip of the gill covers and six spines in front of the anal fin distinguish the fish from the warmouth (Lepomis gulosus). Rock bass have large mouths, narrow rounded deep heads, large eyes and two connected dorsal fins. Olive brown or bronze bodies are sometimes tinged dark green and are covered with back spotted scales or faint dark vertical markings reminiscent of the yellow perch's striped body.        Life History        A. rupestris, the largest and most common of the Ambloplites species, has reached a maximum recorded length of 43 cm (17 in), and a maximum recorded weight of 1.4 kg (3.0 lb). It can live as long as 10 years. These fish have the ability to rapidly change their color to match their surroundings. It is this chameleon-like trait that allows them to thrive throughout their wide range.        Habitat       Rock bass prefer clear water areas with submerged structures and rocks, or gravel bars with light vegetation. The fish are often found near breakwaters and gravelly shorelines in groups near other sunfish (smallmouth bass, pumpkinseeds, etc.). During the winter, rock bass remain in deeper water and enter a condition of semi-hibernation.        Distribution       Native to the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada, rock bass have been successfully introduced into southern states via the Mississippi Valley and north to southern Manitoba. Back to the Top Copyright © 2007 AnglersResource.Org All rights reserved