WHAT IS A BASS?
It’s a generic name used for a family of fish who can live in fresh or saltwater. The name itself is an old English version of “perch.” Adults are predators that have no problem eating snakes, frogs, bats or your finger if it gets close enough. Much like sharks, if it can fit into this fish’s mouth, it’s on the menu. In North America the Largemouth freshwater is among the most famous. Not having any eyelids, they avoid bright light and also become somewhat sluggish in water temperatures below 50 F (10 C).
WHERE DO BASS COME FROM?
Originating almost 30 million years ago, this fish went through a series of evolutionary changes. That is, until they evolved the ability to eat other fish! After that, this marine predator remained virtually unchanged having found a reliable method of survival, eat everybody around you.
WHEN ARE BASS IN SEASON?
Due to this fish’s preference for warmer temperatures, in North America many species spawn in the early summer. However not all bass are the same, and some can spawn in late summer or even fall!
IS A CHILEAN SEA BASS REALLY A BASS?
Originally known as the Patagonian Toothfish, this marketing name change caused a surge in demand. This fish isn’t really a bass, it’s a member of the cod family. Orange roughy is another classic Mad Men invention, it’s original name was “slimehead.”
ARE BASS HEALTHY TO EAT?
On the plus side they’re low in calories and rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin B. On the minus side being higher up in the food chain, they do have higher levels of mercury contamination. And certain species like the above imposter have suffered from extensive over-fishing and are on the Dirty Dozen watch-list of fish to avoid.