Fishing for White Bass: An Overlooked Angling Opportunity

White bass while not growing as large as largemouth and smallmouth bass, are an absolute blast to catch. They are often overlooked by anglers but can provide all-day fishing action. 

Distribution 

The natural range of the white bass is mostly concentrated in the central region of the United States from the Great Lakes to the Gulf states, and from Oklahoma to New York. 

Due to artificial introduction, they can be found in bodies of water in nearly all states in the continental U.S. and in most areas of their range are found in river systems. 

No Shortage of Action 

In river systems where white bass is commonly found, fishing for them in spring can be an absolute blast. 

The white bass will run up the river to spawn like many other fish species and can be found in gigantic schools. 

When the fish are jammed up in a river the fishing can consist of non-stop action, with the possibility of catching dozens of fish, with catch rates in the range of 50 to 100 fish not unheard of. 

This high level of action makes the white bass a great opportunity for anglers, especially beginners and kids. 

Lure Selection

Lure selection is very simple and straightforward and is another reason the white bass is a great target species because it's not a complicated form of fishing. 

Lures that work well for species like crappie and trout work well for white bass. 

Lures like small spinners, rooster tails, beetle spins, and jigs with soft plastics like paddle tails or curly tail grubs will all get crushed by these ferocious little predators. 

Small shallow running crankbaits like the classic Rapala floating crankbait is also a great choice for catching white bass. 

Fish Locations 

The best time to target white bass is undoubtedly in the spring, and if you are fishing in a river finding them is very easy. 

If the white bass is running they will likely be everywhere and anywhere and you might be able to spot them feeding on the surface or cruising around just beneath the surface in large schools. 

If you cant visually spot them, fish areas like wooded banks where roots and tree branches provide cover, or on shallow flats. 

If you are fishing a lake check places like creek inlet, shallow bays and flats, and drop-offs that lead to deep water but are adjacent to very shallow water. 

Are White Bass Good to Eat? 

It depends on who you ask, most anglers shy away from eating white bass due to having a very strong fishy taste, and this is most likely the biggest reason that most anglers show a lack of interest in the species. 

Other people have zero issues eating white bass, and it really boils down to personal preference and what you think tastes good. 

There are many ways you can prepare a white bass such as pan-frying, grilling, and smoking, but the most important aspect of harvest is post-catch care.  

You should bleed the fish immediately after catching it if you intend to eat it, and you should also soak the fillets in either a saltwater solution or the very popular method of soaking them in sprite soda. 

The soaking method removes blood and other contaminants that give the meat that fishy flavor, along with removing the bloodline also known as the mud vein. 

Final Thoughts 

If you live near bodies of water with white bass, be sure to try fishing them, they are a great and hassle-free way to fish and have a ton of action in short periods of time, even if you aren't keeping any for a fish dinner. 

Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.

We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.

We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings.