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What is a Bass?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 27,266
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Bass is a name shared by many perciform fish commonly pursued for sport and sometimes eaten as well. The perciformes are bony fish which resemble perch, and often have spines along their fins. Bass can be found in both fresh and salt water, and their preferences vary from warm to temperate. They are popular for sport fishing because they tend to fight the fisherman more than some species, making fishing for these species a challenging activity.

The moronidae are temperate bass species, and can be found in rivers and estuaries. The most famous member of this group is the striped bass, one of the most popular sport fish of all time. Temperate species have spines directly behind their gills, two dorsal fins, and a forked caudal or rear fin. The temperate bass can reach 70 inches (180 centimeters) in length, and are commercially fished in some parts of the world.

Temperate bass tend to be highly migratory, and will sometimes travel great distances. All of them spawn in fresh water during the springtime, and feed on smaller fish species along with shrimp and other crustaceans. Some are commercially farmed as well, and fishermen can take advantage of farmed stock, frequently introducing it to depleted waterways.

The centrarchidae are warm water bass species, and are sometimes known as sunfish, perch, or bream. They are native to North America, and frequently found in rivers and streams along the Eastern portion of the United States. These fish are characterized by multiple rayed fins and spines, which can be painful to unsuspecting fishermen.

The most famous among the warm water bass species is the largemouth bass, so called because its mouth extends well back behind the eyes, allowing it to eat very large foods. Fish in this species are a muddy green in color, and enjoy lurking in vegetation or in artificial pilings for their prey.

Many bass are sport fished, which means that, after being caught, they are released, although some species are eaten. Many areas have restrictions on the type and size of fish that may be caught, and fishermen should familiarize themselves with these regulations before embarking on fishing adventures. Bass is a heavily managed species, and does not appear to be at risk thanks to careful maintenance of fish stocks.

Some species such as Chilean sea bass are given the common name bass, although they are not in fact in the perciform family. Most of these species share the characteristic dense white flesh with minimal oils, and borrow the name for marketability.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All Things Nature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By Georgesplane — On Mar 05, 2011

@Glasshouse- Freshwater fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Bass are versatile fish and eat all kinds of bait. They can also be found in all different areas of a lake. Bass will go after worms, crawfish, Frogs, minnows, insects, and Larvae. They will also go after lures that mimic these living creatures.

As for where bass roam, they can be found in shallow or deeper water depending on the day or the season. They will often hang out near the thermocline, but during cooler days and dawn and dusk you can find them at the surface. Just get out there and start fishing. Find some other people who have fished the areas you are trying out. Lastly have fun, and be patient. It will all pay off.

By Glasshouse — On Mar 03, 2011

What is the best way to catch bass? I just moved to a new state and I have been looking for a new outdoor hobby. There are some great lakes near my home that people say are chock full of bass. I have never really done any fishing, so I don't know the first thing about bass fishing. What kind of gear do I need? What do I use for bait; live or lures? Do I fish from shore, or is a boat best? Any insight would be helpful.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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