Also called temperate bass, true bass live in a variety of habitats. Large and small lakes, rivers, estuaries (water bodies open to the sea) and nearshore ocean are all home to one or more species of these bass. True bass are found in waters with a salt content ranging from fresh to full seawater, and two species, the white perch and striped bass, can easily move between fresh and saltwater.

True bass are distinct in appearance. They are generally silvery white in color and most have dark horizontal lines along their sides. True bass are spiny-rayed fish with strong spines in their dorsal (back), anal (bottom rear), and pelvic (bottom front) fins. They have two separate, or only slightly connected, dorsal fins and numerous small teeth.

While many people think true bass are relatives of the smallmouth and largemouth bass, they are not. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are black bass, which are actually members of the sunfish family. True bass and black bass not only differ in appearance, but also in habitat requirements and spawning behavior.

Spawning

True bass spawn or reproduce in the spring. Adult bass migrate into rivers or shallow water areas of lakes to disperse their eggs. They are broadcast spawners, simply releasing the eggs into the water. Eggs hatch quickly, within two to four days. Unlike other fish, such as black bass, true bass do not build nests and do not provide parental care for the young.

True bass release a tremendous number of eggs during spawning. A single female striped bass has been known to release as many as four million eggs! This huge number of eggs makes up for the lack of parental care and helps make sure enough young fish survive.

Feeding

Bass feed on a wide range of organisms. Young bass eat insects and crustaceans. Older bass primarily eat small fish. True bass are schooling fish and can act together in an organized method of feeding. White bass are especially known to herd schools of baitfish to the surface. The bass then attack in a "feeding frenzy," often forcing the baitfish to jump out of the water.

Fishing

True bass are among some of the most exciting freshwater fish species in New York State. Ranging in size from six to 55 inches, these bass can provide fishing opportunity for all kinds of anglers.

As a group, true bass are aggressive gamefish and put up a good fight when hooked. During feeding, they will often strike just about anything you put in the water. If anglers locate one of these feeding concentrations, fishing action can be fast and furious.

At one time, several species of true bass were important commercial fish species. However, for some, declines in catch and market value reduced their commercial value. The one exception is for striped bass which remains one of the more sought after species on the east coast.

Three species of true or temperate bass and one hybrid are found in New York's waters: striped bass, white perch, white bass, and hybrid bass. A brief description of each is provided in the chart.

New York DNR