(Rafinesque, 1817); CENTRARCHIDAE FAMILY; also called black perch, goggle eye, red eye, rock sunfish
Native to the northeastern U.S.A. and southeastern Canada, from Ontario and Quebec southward through the Great Lakes region as far as Tennessee an possibly Alabama. Rock bass have also been introduced into other states including some western states. They prefer small, cool, weedy lakes and streams and the outer edges of larger lakes, always over rocky bottoms (hence the name “rock” bass) where no silt is present, turbidity is low and cover is extensive. They are scrappy fighters but tire quickly. The flesh is firm, white, and makes excellent eating.
| Length | Location | Catch Date | Angler | Kayak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.75 in | Lake St. Clair, Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada | 29-June-2013 | Richard Ofner | Hobie Pro Angler 12 |
| 8.25 in | Elkhorn Creek, Frankfort, KY, USA | 20-July-2013 | Joe Maione | NuCanoe Frontier 10 |
