Bass are a popular game fish that can be found in freshwater and marine environments all over the world. There are hundreds of different species of bass, each with their own unique characteristics and features.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common types of bass and rank them by size. From the massive striped bass to the smaller yellow bass, we will explore the different sizes and weights of these popular game fish.
You are reading: 10 Types Of Bass Ranked By Size
10 Types Of Bass Ranked By Size
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass, also known as Micropterus salmoides, is a freshwater fish that belongs to the Centrarchidae family. It is native to the eastern and central United States, southeastern Canada, and northern Mexico.
Largemouth bass is the largest species of black bass, with a maximum recorded length of 29.5 inches (75 cm) and an unofficial weight of 25 pounds 1 ounce (11.4 kg).
They are olive-green to greenish-gray in color, marked by a series of dark, sometimes black, blotches forming a jagged horizontal stripe along each flank. The upper jaw of a largemouth bass extends beyond the rear margin of the orbit, and the female is larger than the male.
Largemouth bass is a highly prized sport fish among anglers for their vigorous resistance when caught, and they have been introduced to many regions due to their popularity in bass fishing and tolerance to urban streams.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a freshwater fish species that belongs to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. It is one of the six black bass members and is native to the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada, from Manitoba and Quebec south to the Tennessee River system in Alabama.
Smallmouth bass can grow up to 12 pounds and 27 inches in length, although the average size is 12-16 inches and a weight of 1-2 pounds. Females are commonly larger than males, ranging in weight between two to three pounds instead of four to seven pounds for their mates.
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Smallmouth bass is generally green with dark vertical bands rather than a horizontal band along the side, and there are 13-15 soft rays in the dorsal fin, and the upper jaw never extends beyond the eye.
Smallmouth bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and it is potentially the toughest fighting freshwater fish in North America.
Spotted Bass
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. Here are some key characteristics of spotted bass:
– Spotted bass are native to the southern Ohio and Mississippi River basin, with their western boundary extending into Oklahoma and through east Texas.
– They are noted for the rows of dark spots below the lateral line, which give them their common name.
– The species epithet punctulatus, Latin for “dotted”, refers to rows of dark spots on the lower sides.
– Spotted bass are similar in appearance to largemouth bass, but unlike the largemouth, the spotted bass has scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin, and their first and second dorsal fin are clearly connected.
– The spotted bass is also often confused with a smallmouth bass, but it lacks the vertical bars that are present on the sides.
– The average size of spotted bass is 12-16 inches and a weight of 1-2 pounds, which is similar to smallmouth bass and white bass.
– Spotted bass are highly prized as a gamefish and are known for their fighting ability.
Striped Bass
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is a large predatory fish that belongs to the family Moronidae. Here are some key characteristics of striped bass:
– Striped bass is an anadromous fish found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America, from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. John’s River in Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Louisiana.
– They are also widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States.
– Striped bass have a streamlined, silvery body marked with longitudinal dark stripes running from behind the gills to the base of the tail.
– The common mature size of striped bass is 20 to 40 pounds (9–18 kg), with the largest specimen recorded at 124 pounds (56 kg) in 1896.
– Striped bass are believed to live for up to 30 years, with an average size in length of 20 to 35 inches (50–90 cm) and approximately 5 to 20 pounds (2–9 kg).
– Striped bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and it is potentially the toughest fighting freshwater fish in North America.
– Striped bass has white meat with a mild flavor and a medium texture, making it a popular food fish.
White Bass
White bass (Morone chrysops) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the temperate bass family Moronidae. Here are some key characteristics of white bass:
– White bass are commonly around 12-15 inches long, although they can reach up to 17 inches or more.
– The species’ main color is silver-white to pale green, with a dark back, white sides and belly, and narrow dark stripes running lengthwise on its sides.
– White bass have large, rough scales and two dorsal fins.
– They are widely distributed across North America, inhabiting large reservoirs and rivers.
– White bass are most active during dawn and dusk and are known to travel in large schools.
– They are an important game fish and are popular among anglers.
Yellow Bass
Yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the family Moronidae. Here are some key characteristics of yellow bass:
– Yellow bass are deep-bodied fish that possess five to seven dark stripes laterally along the sides, the lowest few of these are often broken or disrupted anterior to the origin of the anal fin.
– The species is somewhat similar to two other species in the family Moronidae, the white bass and the striped bass.
– Yellow bass are native to the Lake Michigan and Mississippi River basins from Wisconsin and Minnesota south to the Gulf of Mexico, and east to western Indiana.
– They occur in pools and backwaters of small to large rivers, as well as in ponds and lakes.
– The average size of yellow bass is 6-10 inches in length and a weight of less than a pound.
– Young yellow bass feed on microcrustaceans and midge larvae, while adults feed on small fish and insects.
– Yellow bass are not as popular among anglers as other bass species, but they are still sought after by some.
Guadalupe Bass
Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. Here are some key characteristics of Guadalupe bass:
Description:
– Guadalupe bass is generally green in color and may be distinguished from similar species found in Texas in that it doesn’t have vertical bars like smallmouth bass, its jaw doesn’t extend beyond the eyes as in largemouth bass, and coloration extends much lower on the body than in spotted bass.
– They have many smaller diamond marks scattered on the back, which are less distinguished than the ones on the lateral line.
– Guadalupe bass is olive-green in color, with dark vertical stripes running down its body.
– They have a lateral line covered in mostly separate diamond-shaped or circular spots, which with age fade from black to olive.
– The average size of Guadalupe bass is 7-12 inches in length and a weight of less than a pound.
Habitat:
– Typically, Guadalupe bass are found in flowing water, whereas largemouth bass are found in quiet water.
– They are found in streams and reservoirs, especially covered areas, places with big heavy rocks, bald cypress, or stumps for refuge.
– Juvenile fish are often found in fast-moving water but begin transitioning to deeper, moderate current towards the end of their first year.
– Guadalupe bass is found only in Texas and has been named the official state fish.
– They are endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau including headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Guadalupe River above Gonzales, the Colorado River north of Austin, and portions of the Brazos River drainage.
Diet:
– Guadalupe bass feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crayfish, and small fish.
– They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.
Fishing tips:
– Guadalupe bass is a prized game fish for its tough, long fights in which it maneuvers the current and its unusually strong muscles.
– Anglers usually target bass for its sport fishing quality rather than for food.
– The best method of choice to catch Guadalupe bass is topwater fishing. Deer-hair bugs, sliders, and poppers baits, as well as crayfish patterns and small crankbaits, have all proved to be effective while fishing the streams.
Alabama Bass
Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. Here are some key characteristics of Alabama bass:
Description:
– Alabama bass is a member of the black bass family and is similar in appearance to the spotted bass.
– They have a greenish-brown back with dark spots and a white belly.
– Alabama bass can grow up to 16 inches in length and weigh up to 2 pounds.
– They are often confused with spotted bass, but Alabama bass have a smaller mouth and a more elongated body.
Habitat:
– Alabama bass is native to the Mobile Bay drainage in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.
– They are found in rivers, streams, and reservoirs.
– Alabama bass prefers clear, flowing water with rocky or sandy bottoms.
Diet:
– Alabama bass feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, crayfish, and small fish.
– They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.
Fishing tips:
– Alabama bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the southeastern United States.
– They are known for their fighting ability and are often caught using artificial lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs.
– Alabama bass is also caught using live bait such as worms, minnows, and crayfish.
Suwannee Bass
Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. Here are some key characteristics of Suwannee bass:
Description:
– Suwannee bass is a member of the black bass family and is similar in appearance to the spotted bass.
– They have a greenish-brown back with dark spots and a white belly.
– Suwannee bass can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh up to 1 pound.
– The most unique characteristic of a mature Suwannee bass is its bright turquoise, emerald, or blue-green coloration on the lower jaw and ventral fins.
Habitat:
– Suwannee bass is native to the Suwannee River system in Florida and Georgia.
– They are found in rocky shoals, runs, pools, large springs, and spring runs, often associated with woody debris.
Diet:
– Suwannee bass feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, crayfish, and small fish.
– They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.
Fishing tips:
– Suwannee bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers in the Suwannee River system.
– They are known for their fighting ability and are often caught using artificial lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs.
– Suwannee bass is also caught using live bait such as worms, minnows, and crayfish.
Shoal Bass
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Shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a freshwater fish species belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. Here are some key characteristics of shoal bass:
Description:
– Shoal bass is a member of the black bass family and is similar in appearance to the spotted bass.
– They have a greenish-brown back with dark spots and a white belly.
– Shoal bass can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh up to 1 pound.
Habitat:
– Shoal bass is native to the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Apalachicola river systems in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
– They are found in rocky shoals, runs, and pools, often associated with woody debris.
Diet:
– Shoal bass primarily eat crustaceans (crayfish) but will also eat a variety of fish and insects.
– They feed mainly on aquatic insects on the surface, as well as larval insects and small fish such as bluegills.
Fishing tips:
– Shoal bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers in the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Apalachicola river systems.
– They are known for their fighting ability and are often caught using artificial lures such as spinners, spoons, and topwater lures.
– Shoal bass is also caught using live bait such as worms, minnows, and crayfish.
FAQS
1. How many types of bass are there?
There are hundreds of different species of bass, but this article covers 10 of the most common types of bass.
2. What is the largest type of bass?
The largemouth bass is the largest species of black bass, with a maximum recorded length of 29.5 inches and an unofficial weight of 25 pounds 1 ounce.
3. What is the smallest type of bass?
The yellow bass is the smallest species of bass, with an average length of 6-10 inches and a weight of less than a pound.
4. What is the difference between spotted bass and smallmouth bass?
Spotted bass and smallmouth bass are similar in appearance, but spotted bass have a smaller mouth and a more elongated body.
5. Where are Suwannee bass found?
Suwannee bass are native to the Suwannee River system in Florida and Georgia.
6. What is the average size of shoal bass?
Shoal bass can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh up to 1 pound.
7. What is the most popular game fish among anglers?
Largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the world.
8. What is the unique characteristic of a mature Suwannee bass?
The most unique characteristic of a mature Suwannee bass is its bright turquoise, emerald, or blue-green coloration on the lower jaw and ventral fins.
9. What is the best method to catch Guadalupe bass?
The best method of choice to catch Guadalupe bass is topwater fishing. Deer-hair bugs, sliders, and poppers baits, as well as crayfish patterns and small crankbaits, have all proved to be effective while fishing the streams.
10. What is the average size of striped bass?
The average size for striped bass is between 25 to 35 inches and 10 to 20 pounds. Nevertheless, striped bass can grow to massive sizes, reaching a length of 50 to 60 inches, and weighing around 90 to 120 pounds.
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