Whiterock Bass - Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops

Also known as: Hybrid Bass, Sunshine Bass, Wiper

The whiterock bass is a hybrid species produced by a female striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and a male white bass (Morone chrysops). Hybrids are not given their own scientific names, but are designated by the names of the two parent species.

The whiterock bass, commonly referred to a as hybrid bass, looks like a stocky striped bass. It can be distinguished from its larger parent primarily by the shorter, stockier body, and by the interrupted or broken stripes on the sides. The interrupted lines and more robust body will also distinguish it from its smaller parent, the white bass.

The larger size of this species makes them very popular among anglers but also makes them a natural predator, and they are known to wander to deeper waters in search of stray bait fish. In some locations, the whiterock bass out-competes other fish species for the same forage prey. The whiterock bass is widely stocked in lakes of various states, most commonly those states east of the Mississippi, providing a new species for anglers to target. This species is a very determined fighter and provides a great challenge on light spinning or bait casting tackle. They are not easy to fool with artificial baits and provide great table fare. Spoons and shad-imitating plugs and jigs are great artificial bait choices while large minnows and other baitfish are the natural baits of choice.