Description

Brassy, tinged with olivaceous above; sides with 7 distinct longitudinal black bands, those below the lateral line interrupted posteriorly, the posterior part alternating with the anterior; body oblong-ovate, with the dorsal outline much arched; head depressed, somewhat pointed, its profile concave; eyes large, their diameter equaling length of snout; mouth somewhat oblique, maxillary nearly reaching middle of orbit; spines very robust, second anal spine 2-5 length of head; dorsal fins little connected; head 3-in. length; depth 2 2-3; D. IX-I, 12; A. Ill, 9; Lat. 1. 50. Length 10 to 15 inches.

Very similar to the White Bass is the Yellow Bass, which is found in the waters of the Lower Mississippi, rarely going farther north than St. Louis or Cincinnati. It frequents ponds and the deeper parts of the streams, seldom ascending brooks or passing shallows. The most northern locality from which specimens have been seen by me are Brookville, Ind., and Peoria, Illinois. The Yellow Bass is a fish of more pronounced qualities than the White Bass. Its mouth is larger, its spines are much stronger, its scales are larger and rougher, and its coloration more definite, brassy yellow with lengthwise stripes of black. From its general appearance it should be an excellent game-fish, and such no doubt it is. Dr. Goode remarks that it is called in Louisiana "Bar-fish," probably on account of its stripes. "The appellation," says Hallock, "is equally appropriate as applied to its habit of congregating in great numbers upon the shoals of clear-water branches and bayous which empty into the Mississippi. The minnows and shiners seem to seek the bars at night. In early morning the water is alive with Bar-fish and "Trout" (Black Bass), in pursuit of the minnows, until it fairly boils. This is the time of day to go fishing."