Freshwater Bass
When most people hear that someone is going bass fishing they usually think of the colorful largemouth or smallmouth, but in reality these two are not technically part of the bass species. They are part of the sunfish species of freshwater fish but since we consider them bass and the largemouth bass is one of the most popular freshwater sport fishes in North America, people think of them as such. Since we love to fish for them too, we will include them and the real bass species as part of this website.
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The white, striped, and whiterock bass are the actual fish found in freshwater that are of the true or temperate bass species in North America with the whiterock (hybrid) usually being a cross between a female white and a male striped bass, although some can be a cross between a male white and female striped bass. A true or temperate bass’s dorsal fin is clearly double and separated into spiny and soft-rayed portions. Spawning for these fish begins in the spring when water temperatures approach 60°F. Typically a female is accompanied by several males during the spawning act. Running water is necessary and there is no nest preparation. Spawning occurs either near the surface, or in mid-water. As far as food sources go adult temperate bass primarily feed on other fish, preferably gizzard and threadfin shad.
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The black bass family of the sunfish species includes the largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, shoal, Suwannee, redeye, Guadalupe, Roanoke, rock and Bartram’s. The black bass is native to North America only. All have a single dorsal fin with spines in the forward section. Their bodies are deeply compressed laterally, and the attachment of the pelvic fins is far forward, nearly beneath the pectoral fins. They have three or more spines at the front of the anal fin, and their scales have rough edges. Black bass reproduce in the spring and early summer by building nests for egg laying. Some construct saucer-like nests close to one another in colonies, while others seek more secluded habitats. Black bass males will protect the nest during spawning. Several species of the family inhabit cool-flowing streams, while others prefer quiet, warm, mud-bottomed ponds and lakes. Most are carnivorous and prey upon small fishes, while others that live in the shelter of weed beds consume mostly aquatic insects and larvae. They are opportunistic and always on the alert for a drifting, helpless fish or insects to devour. Most are alert to food items falling on the water’s surface and will instantly rush to the scene to engulf the food.
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Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Shoal Bass
Spotted Bass
Suwannee Bass
Redeye Bass
Whiterock Bass
Guadalupe Bass
White Bass
Striped Bass
Yellow Bass
