There are many types of bass fish. It is a popular fish that can be used as a sport and cooking fish. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional angler, or just a casual fisherman, knowing the differences between the various types of bass will help you choose the best lures and gear to catch them. This guide will discuss the various types of bass that you can find in North America.
1. Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass is a popular game fish in North America. It is most commonly found in warm, slow-moving water like rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is a popular choice for anglers because of its large size, aggressive behavior and fighting ability.
Physical Characteristics
Largemouth Bass can be easily identified by its large mouth that extends beyond its eyes and its dark green color. It has a long, flat body with a broad tail and a wide head. Females weigh between 2 and 8 pounds more than their male counterparts. 22 pounds and 4 ounces was the largest Largemouth Bass ever recorded.
Habitat and Distribution
Largemouth Bass can be found in all 50 states of North America, with the exception of the far north. They prefer warm, shallow waters with lots of vegetation to hide in. They can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. However, they are not often found in fast-moving waters.
Fishing Techniques
Largemouth Bass can also be caught using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures and soft plastics. It is important to use the right gear when fishing for Largemouth Bass. This includes a medium-heavy rod, baitcasting reel, fluorocarbon or braided lines, as well as a baitcasting reel.
2. Smallmouth Bass
Another popular game fish in North America is the Smallmouth Bass. Anglers often target this fish because of its fighting abilities. It can be found in clear, cool waters such as streams and lakes.
Physical Characteristics
The Smallmouth Bass is easily identified by its small mouth and bronze-colored body. It has a long, slim body with a narrow tail. Females weigh between 2 and 5 pounds more than their male counterparts. The 11-pound and 15-ounce largest Smallmouth Bass ever recorded was 11 pounds and 15 ounces.
Habitat and Distribution
Smallmouth Bass can be found in all 50 states of North America, though they are more common in the northern regions. They prefer calm, clear waters with sandy or rocky bottoms. They can be found in streams, lakes, and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
Smallmouth Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Smallmouth Bass.
3. Spotted bass
The Spotted Bass, a less-known game fish in North America is growing in popularity among anglers. It can be found in warm, clear water like rivers and lakes.
Physical Characteristics
The Spotted Bass is similar to the Largemouth Bass, but it has a smaller mouth and doesn’t extend beyond its eyes. It has a bronze- or olive-green-colored body with dark spots along its sides. The females weigh between 2 and 5 pounds more than the males. The 10 pound and 4 ounce largest Spotted Bass ever recorded was 10 pounds and 4 ounces.
Habitat and Distribution
Spotted Bass can be found in the southern US states of North America in warm, clear waters such as lakes and rivers. They prefer sandy or rocky bottoms and can be found in deep waters.
Fishing Techniques
Spotted Bass can be caught using a variety of techniques including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Spotted Bass.
4. Striped Bass
The Striped Bass, a saltwater game fish, is found along North America’s Atlantic coast. It is a popular game fish for anglers because of its size and fighting abilities.
Physical Characteristics
The Striped Bass is a slim, silvery-colored fish with dark stripes running from its tail to its gills. It is able to catch prey with its large, toothless mouth. The females weigh between 5 and 30 pounds more than the males. The largest Striped Bass ever measured was 125 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
Striped Bass can be found all along North America’s Atlantic coast, from Maine to Florida. They prefer cool, clear waters and can be found in bays and estuaries as well as nearshore waters.
Fishing Techniques
There are many ways to catch Striped Bass. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Striped Bass. This includes a trolling reel, a heavy rod, and monofilament, or braided, line.
5. White Bass
The White Bass is a very popular game fish in North America. It is well-known for its stubborn nature and is often found in schools making it easy to catch large numbers.
Physical Characteristics
The White Bass is a silver-colored bass with a dark stripe running down its side. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females weigh between 1 and 3 pounds more than the males. The 6 pound and 13 ounce largest White Bass ever recorded was 6 pounds and 13 ounces.
Habitat and Distribution
White Bass can be found in all states, including those around the Great Lakes. They also live in the midwest and southern states. They prefer shallow, clear water and can be found in rivers and lakes.
Fishing Techniques
White Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including trolling, jigging and fly fishing. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for White Bass. This includes a medium-light rod and spinning reel as well as monofilament or braided lines.
6. Black Bass
The Black Bass is a combination of the Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. It is a popular choice among anglers because of its aggressive nature.
Physical Characteristics
The Black Bass is easily identified by its dark greenish-black color, large mouth and extended eyes. It has a long, slim body and a long tail. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at between 2 and 10 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
Black bass can be found in all 50 states of North America, with the exception of the far north. They like warm, shallow water with lots of vegetation to hide in. They can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. However, they are not often found in fast-moving waters.
Fishing Techniques
Black Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including topwater lures and soft plastics. It is important to use the right gear when fishing for Black Bass. This includes a medium-heavy rod and a baitcasting reel.
7. Rock Bass
The Rock Bass, a less-known game fish in North America, is found in streams and rivers.
Physical Characteristics
The Rock Bass is easily identified by its brown or bronze color and reddish-colored eyes. It has a small mouth, and a round body. The males are smaller than the females, with an average height of 4-10 inches.
Habitat and Distribution
Rock Bass can be found in all 50 states of North America, with the exception of the far north. They love cool, clear water and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
There are many ways to catch Rock Bass, including soft plastics, baitcasting and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Rock Bass. This includes a light rod, spinning reel, monofilament or braided lines.
8. Guadalupe Bass
The Guadalupe Bass, a type of bass, is found in Texas’ Guadalupe River Basin.
Physical Characteristics
You can identify the Guadalupe Bass by its olive-green color, dark vertical bars and its body. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at an average of 1 to 2 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
Guadalupe Bass can only be found in Texas’ Guadalupe River Basin. It prefers shallow, clear water and can be found in rivers or streams.
Fishing Techniques
Guadalupe Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including fly fishing, jigs and soft plastics. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Guadalupe Bass.
9. Shadow Bass
The Shadow Bass, a lesser-known game fish in North America, is found in the southern US.
Physical Characteristics
The Shadow Bass is easily identified by its dark olive-colored skin and dark spot on its sides. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The males are smaller than the females, with an average height of 4 to 6 inches.
Habitat and Distribution
The Shadow Bass can be found in the southern United States, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. It prefers clear, shallow water and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
There are many techniques that you can use to catch Shadow Bass, including fly fishing, jigs and soft plastics. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Shadow Bass. This includes a light rod, spinning reel, monofilament or braided lines, as well as a spinning reel.
10. Redeye Bass
The Redeye Bass is a type bass found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.
Physical Characteristics
The red eyes and bronze color of the Redeye Bass are indicators that it is a species. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at an average of 1 to 2 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
The Redeye Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. It prefers calm, slow-moving water.
Fishing Techniques
Redeye Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Redeye Bass.
11. Warmouth Bass
The Warmouth Bass, a type of bass, is found in North America’s eastern as well as southern states.
Physical Characteristics
The Warmouth Bass is easily identified by its dark brown color, large mouth, and extended eyes. It has a large head and a long, round body. Females are generally larger than males, with an average height of 8-10 inches.
Habitat and Distribution
The Warmouth Bass can be found in North America’s southern and eastern states, including Florida and South Carolina. It prefers slow-moving water that is rich in vegetation, and can be found in rivers and lakes.
Fishing Techniques
There are many techniques to catch Warmouth Bass, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Warmouth Bass.
12. Shoal Bass
The Shoal Bass is a type bass found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Florida.
Physical Characteristics
The Shoal Bass is easily identified by its olive-green color, dark vertical bars and its body. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at between 2 and 4 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
The Shoal Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Florida and Georgia. It prefers fast-moving, clear water and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
There are many ways to catch Shoal Bass, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Shoal Bass.
13. Suwannee Bass
The Suwannee bass is a type if bass found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Florida.
Physical Characteristics
The Suwannee bass can be identified by its olive green color and dark vertical bars along its body. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at an average of 1 to 2 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
The Suwannee Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Florida and Georgia. It prefers clear, slow-moving waters and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
There are many ways to catch Suwannee bass, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Suwannee Bass.
14. Alabama Bass
The Alabama Bass is a type bass found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Alabama.
Physical Characteristics
The Alabama Bass is easily identified by its dark horizontal stripes and greenish color. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at between 2 and 6 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
The Alabama Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Alabama. It prefers clear, slow-moving waters and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
Alabama Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including crankbaits and jigs. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Alabama Bass.
15. Choctaw bass
The Choctaw Bass, a less-known game fish, is found in the southeastern United States of North America.
Physical Characteristics
The Choctaw Bass is easily identified by its brownish-green color, dark spots on its sides, and its dark spots. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at an average of 1 to 2 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
The Choctaw Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Alabama. It prefers clear, slow-moving waters and can be found in streams and rivers.
Fishing Techniques
Choctaw Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including crankbaits, jigs and soft plastics. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Choctaw Bass.
16. Bartram’s bass
Bartram’s Bass, a less-known game fish, is found in the southeastern United States of North America.
Physical Characteristics
Bartram’s bass can be identified by its bronze coloration and white belly. It has a small mouth, and a long, slim body. The females are usually larger than the males and weigh in at an average of 1 to 2 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution
Bartram’s Bass can be found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia and Alabama. It prefers calm, slow-moving water.
Fishing Techniques
Bartram’s Bass can be caught using a variety techniques, including crankbaits and soft plastics. It is important to use the correct gear when fishing for Bartram’s Bass. This includes a medium-light rod and a spinning reel.
17. Ozark Bass
The Ozark Bass is a type bass found in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas.
