Elite Lake Erie Bass Fishing: 7-Hour Adventure

Sea Bass

Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata) Fish Description

Commonly known as the Black Seabass, the Seabass is a popular fish. It has an elongated body and can appear flat from the front view. The Seabass has jet-black scales and a grayish underbelly. They also have a large mouth with bands of teeth that line the jaw and have a patch of teeth on their mouth roof.

Their fins may sometimes have black flecks on them, but most of the time, the Seabass’s fins are dark gray, almost turning black. Their dorsal fin has 10 spines, with two of its frontmost spines being the largest. In between those spines, 11 rays are deeply interconnected by a membrane. 

Size

The average size of a Sea Bass is around 1 ft and weighs 9 pounds. The biggest Sea Bass caught was around 26 inches.

Diet

Sea Bass are carnivorous. They are known to eat anything they come across. However, their favorites include shrimp, crab, worm, small fish, and clams. With their sharp teeth, they can shred the meat off a chicken bone. 

Interesting Facts about the Sea Bass

• Sea Bass is a delicious fish commonly served in high-end restaurants.
• They spawn in coastal areas from January through July.
• Sea Bass are not bred through aquaculture, and because of that, it makes them more expensive.
• They travel in schools,, especially when hunting food.

Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Sea Bass

When fishing for Sea Bass, use a 6 ½’ to 7’ rod with a light, sensitive tip and capable for 15- to 30-pound line. Match this with a small swivel or spinning reel followed by a 3’ to 4’ of 40-pound-test fluorocarbon leader with a 20- to 30-pound braided line. Braid is a good choice for this type of fishing because it is sturdy and has no stretch to it, making it easier to feel the jig touching the bottom and any bites. Braid is also thinner than mono, so it’s less affected by the water current.  

Sea Bass are aggressive feeders, and since crustaceans and mollusks are a staple in their diet, fishing with cut baits such as squid or clams is a good way targeting them. Even so, more anglers are switching over to artificial bait with much success.  Soft plastic jigs, bucktails, lipless crankbaits, along with metal spoons will work well.

Habitat and Distribution

They live at the hard-bottomed ocean floor near jetties, wrecks and reefs.

Sea Bass are mainly found from Massachusetts to Florida, but you may find them as far north as Maine and south into the Gulf of Mexico. They are only found in the ocean.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description 

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers.  Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown.  They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. 

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat 

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms.  Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year. 

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass 

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. 

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers.  A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. 

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on.  What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing.  Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.