The white bass is a member of the temperate bass family, which also includes striped bass and white perch. Adults average 8 to 12 inches in length, but occasionally grow to 20 inches or more.
White bass have stripes above the lateral line that are usually un-broken. In most specimens, only a single stripe will reach the base of the tail. White bass have a single tooth patch on the tongue.
Live minnows are by far the most popular bait for catching white bass. Alternative baits include nightcrawlers, waxworms, or small crayfish. Anglers also target the species with jigs, spinners, crankbaits, and other small lures.
Although small in size, the white bass is an important game fish in the Ohio River and other waterways. Several states in the Mid Atlantic region produce and stock striped bass x white bass hybrids in lakes and rivers.
Striped bass hybrids have stripes above the lateral line that are often broken and multiple stripes reach the base of the tail. Hybrid striped bass have a tooth patch on the tongue that is split down the center.