Bass hold significant importance in sportfishing for several reasons: Bass populations are generally robust and widely distributed across North America, making them readily accessible to anglers in various regions. Bass, particularly largemouth and smallmouth bass, are renowned for their aggressive strikes, fighting ability, and acrobatic leaps when hooked. This combination of strength and agility provides anglers with exhilarating fishing experiences. The popularity of bass fishing has led to significant conservation efforts and sustainable management practices to ensure healthy bass populations for future generations. Angler-driven initiatives often support habitat restoration, catch-and-release practices, and research on bass ecology.
Now, lets take a peak at the 8 most common bass species in North America!
Largemouth Bass
First, starting with the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family, we have the famous largemouth bass, known as America’s favorite sport fish. Currently, the world record for this fish weighs in at 22-pounds 4-ounces and is tied between Manabu Kurita and George W. Perry. Largies are widespread across all 50 states of the United States, and due to their popularity, they’ve even been introduced in other waters worldwide.
The easiest way to identify a largemouth is by their distinct dark horizontal stripe along the midsection of their body. In addition, their mouths are broad and extend past their eyes when closed. Furthermore, you can tell if a largemouth is more mature by its length, with the average bass growing 16-inches within its third year of life. A largemouth can even live up to 16 years.
Smallmouth Bass
Next, the second largest fish of the Centrarchidae family is the smallmouth bass. Sitting an ounce shy of 12-pounds, the world record for smallies hasn’t been broken since 1955 by David Hayes. In comparison, the smallmouth isn’t as widely distributed as the largemouth bass. However, you can still catch them in 47 out of 50 American states and Eastern provinces of Canada.
Furthermore, the best way to distinguish a smallie from a largemouth is by its dark vertical barring along its sides. Also, a smallmouth’s jawline is shorter and doesn’t extend past the middle of its eyes. Lastly, a smallies coloring differs and is more of a bronze color to brownish-green.
Rock Bass
Then, the next member of the sunfish family is the rock bass. Anglers don’t seek out rock bass as much as largemouth or smallmouth, but they’re still fun to catch. The world record for rock bass remains tied between Peter Gulgin and Herbert Ratner, Jr. at three pounds. This species is native to Northeastern U.S.A. and in Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
Also, like smallies, rock bass prefer to hang out in cool, calm waters and covered rocky areas. Furthermore, identifiable characteristics of the rock bass include a short and stout body with an olive-green and gold back. When fishing for this species, keep your tackle small and light and throw rooster tails and jigs.
Shoal Bass
Shoal Bass are also part of the Centrarchidae family and are native to subtropical waters in Georgia and Florida. To compare, shoal bass look similar to largemouth, except their jawline is narrow, and their dorsal fins are visibly connected. They possess the same dark line on their side; although, a shoalie also has distinguishable vertical stripes along its body. The world record for shoal bass hasn’t been broken since 1995 when Carl Davis reeled one in weighing at 8-pounds 12-ounces. Additionally, please return them unharmed to the water if you’re targeting Shoal bass in Florida on the Chipola River. Shoalies are a protected species on that river and its tributaries.
Suwanee Bass
Then, another black bass in the sunfish family is the Suwanee. The Suwanee is a native fish to two river systems in Florida and Georgia. Additionally, the record for this species is held in Florida by Ronnie Everett, weighing in at 3-pounds 14-ounces. Furthermore, you can identify an adult Suwanee bass by their exuberant turquoise cheeks, chest, and belly. In addition, their lateral line is blotchy, unlike a largemouth, and their dorsal fin is continuous with a shallow groove.
Striped Bass
Now, if you’re looking for trophy-sized bass, stripers are known to weigh up to 100-pounds. However, the world record for striped bass remains at 81-pounds 14-ounces, broken by Gregory Myerson in 2011. An absolute hog of a fish. This species is part of the Moronidae (temperate bass) family and is native to the east coast states bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. In addition, striped bass share similar characteristics to white bass. However, the horizontal stripes on the striper are more distinct in comparison. Also, striped bass has a bluish-olive green tint on their backs and white bellies. To target striped bass, use cut-up pieces of bunker or Mackerel on an 8/0 in-line circle hook.
White Bass
Next, in the temperate bass family is the white bass. Unlike stripers, the average white bass will only weigh around 2 to 3-pounds. Currently, Ronald Sprouse and Corey Crochet hold the world record for white bass at 6-pounds 13-ounces. White bass like to be in large bodies of water and can be found from Southern Canada to Northeastern Mexico. The white bass shares many physical straights with a striper. In contrast, their body is short and stout, whereas a striper is elongated. Also, a white bass’s stripes below the lateral line are fainter.
Peacock Bass
Lastly, we have the butterfly peacock bass. This species is native to waters in South America. However, in 1984, the FWC introduced them to waters in southeast Florida. Currently, Antonio Campa G. holds the world record, with a 12-pound 9-ounce butterfly peacock bass from Venezuela. This fish is easily identifiable with its vibrant golden coloring and three large black vertical stripes. In addition, it has a dark spot with a golden outline on its caudal fin. Furthermore, these fish thrive in warm, slow-moving waters and like to hang out in areas with abundant shade.
Final Word on Bass
Bass, particularly largemouth and smallmouth bass, are celebrated as premier sportfishing species worldwide. Their popularity stems from several factors. As you’ve seen from the 8 species most commonly found, bass are widely distributed across North America and beyond, offering accessible angling opportunities in various freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Secondly, bass are renowned for their aggressive strikes and fighting prowess, providing exhilarating battles for anglers of all skill levels. Additionally, bass fishing techniques, from topwater lures to finesse presentations, offer diverse and dynamic approaches to catching these prized fish. Whether pursued for competition or relaxation, bass fishing continues to captivate anglers, fostering a vibrant and passionate fishing community. Happy bass’ing and we will see you on the water!