• The rock bass, also known as the rock perch, is a carnivorous freshwater fish often found in the same areas where anglers fish for bluegill and smallmouth bass. Because of the popularity of smallmouth bass, anglers often ignore the rock bass, which is not a bass at all but a sunfish. However, this mild, sweet-tasting fish provides excellent dinner fare as well as sport.
  
  

Location and Habitat

• The Great Lakes are a terrific spot to start your fishing trip when trying to catch rock bass. Other places in North America that are known for an abundance of rock bass include southern Canada, Missouri, northern Alabama and Georgia. Rock bass prefer locations with warm summer climates; they live in pools and lakes with clear water and plenty of weeds and rocks or gravel.
  
  

Bait and Lure

• A handful of different lures are very effective when you are fishing for rock bass. The most popular lures are small crankbait lures and night crawlers attached to crawler harnesses. Either lure should get you a lot of action when fishing for rock bass.
  
  Rock bass love live bait—crayfish, in particular. You can also use minnows or small insects.
  
  

Casting Technique

• When fishing for rock bass, cast your bait or lure into an area with plenty of rocks and vegetation—places where rock bass are likely to seek cover. The water should be several feet deep. In general, it is enough to let the current take your bait. Periodically, jig the bait up and down to give the illusion that the bait is moving in the water. Be prepared for the rock bass to attack your bait quickly, just as it begins to sink.
  
  

Ideal Fishing Season

• Rock bass finish spawning around the middle of summer; this is the best time to begin fishing for them. While rock bass tend to stay near cover on hot days, they may search for food more actively as the sun begins to go down. During spring and early summer, rock bass leave their cover to spawn. It is best to avoid fishing for rock bass during this time, to ensure survival of the species.
  
  

Suggested Cooking Method

• Keep rock bass alive on a stringer until you are ready to clean them. If you are on a camping trip, keep your cooking method simple; wrap the fillet tightly in foil with a little butter or oil, and some salt and pepper. If you like, add half a chopped onion and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook the foil packet over a fire. At home, dip a fillet in a saucer containing a beaten egg, then dredge in flour and deep-fry until it floats.