Facts on Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass roots begin in the southeastern U.S.

Perciformes, is the broad order that includes all species of bass. Forty percent of all bony fish are members of this order. The hybrid striped bass (M. chrysops x M. saxatilis), best known for their history and edibility as a game fish, have been a part of the American fishing industry since 1965.

History

The hybrid striped bass was originally produced in 1965 by using the eggs from a white bass and the sperm from a striped bass. Since then, these fish have been stocked in the large reservoirs of the southeast U.S. These fish belong to the morone genus in the percichthyidae family. They are of the same genus as yellow bass, white bass, striped bass and white perch—all of which are the only other morones native to the U.S.

Identification

A hybrid striped bass is a scaled fish, with a slightly compressed cross-section and elongated body. The fish color fades from silver or black near its dorsal fins to a white underbelly. Of the two unconnected dorsal fins of the fish, the one nearest the head contains eight to nine spines. A soft-rayed, smaller fin behind the first contains one spine and 13 to 14 rays. The anal fin contains three spines and nine to 13 soft rays. The caudal fin is forked with two pointed lobes.

Growth

Growing at a faster pace than either of its parents, the hybrid striped bass will grow to 12 inches over the first year of its life and up to 22 inches by the end of the second year. Average size taken by fisherman range between 2 to 5 lbs. with fish in excess of 10 lbs. not uncommon. Life expectancy ranges from 5 to 6 years, similar to white bass. A striped bass has a much longer life expectancy, living as long as 40 years.

Fishing

Fishermen regularly target hybrid striped bass because the fish are known to fight hard against an angler's line. For bait, fishermen typically use soft artificial baits or live baits. Gizzard shad are a primary food source of most bass with hybrid striped bass being no exception.

Hybrid striped bass tend to congregate in tail waters below dams. They stay near swiftly moving water to ambush passing food. They also frequent areas of cover such as downed trees, over-hanging limbs, rocky structures and weed beds.

Records

Twenty-two states have posted hybrid striped bass records with the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin. Of these, the world record of 27 lbs. 5 oz. was caught in Arkansas by angler J.C.Shaum. Other states records are modest in comparison with 10.75 lbs. recorded in Michigan.

References

• Southern Regional Aquaculture Center: Hybrid Striped Bass
• Stripers 247: The Hard-Fighting Hybrid Striper