The Two Types of Bass in North America

Rich Kruithoff is the president and owner of Charitable Planning Services in Las Vegas. The company assists clients in reducing their tax obligations while streamlining charitable giving. Outside of work, Rich Kruithoff’s hobbies include golfing, traveling, boating on Lake Powell, and bass fishing.

One of the most popular sport fishes in North America, the bass is generally divided into two types: black bass and temperate bass. However, there are hundreds of species that fall within these two categories, with their habitats ranging from Canada to Mexico. Recognizing the species can make the fishing experience more varied and enjoyable for both the novice and the seasoned angler.

The largemouth bass, for instance, is a popular species of black bass that is extremely aggressive, especially when hunting fish, insects, and other prey. It is skilled at avoiding lures. Though the appearance of this bass species varies depending on location, it typically has green or olive skin with black stripes running across both sides. The Florida bass is a popular subspecies of largemouth bass.

Further, a popular type of temperate bass is the Striped Bass. This fish, which spends time in fresh and saltwater, is characterized by its silver-colored body and long, black horizontal stripes. According to Ken Schultz, author of the Fishing Encyclopedia & Worldwide Angling Guide, striped bass are incredibly valuable and popular in North America.