Bodie Bass (Hybrid Striped Bass)

Illustration by Duane Raver 
(Enlarge image)

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops
 

Classification:  Game Fish

Abundance: Stocked in several Piedmont reservoirs.
 

Photos:
 

Bodie bass (Photo: NCWRC)

 

Additional Information

The Bodie Bass (striped bass hybrid) is a cross between a male White Bass and a female Striped Bass. Its color is gray to steel blue above, with white-to pale-green sides. Its appearance is very similar to the striped bass, but the Bodie bass has a deeper body and broken stripes or lines on the sides. The Striped Bass has stripes that are more distinct and solid. Striped bass hybrids grow very fast and rarely reproduce. They are reared in hatcheries owned by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and stocked in several lakes for recreational fishing. Bodie Bass are very similar to Striped Bass and White Bass in their habitat preferences and feeding habits. They are found primarily in open waters, where they search for forage fish such as shad. Although these fish may not get as big as Striped Bass, individuals larger than 10 pounds are common.

The following fishing regulations are effective Aug. 1 of each year.

Inland Fishing Regulations
Regulatory authority between the Wildlife Resources Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries. Inland game fish regulations include Manner of Taking, Seasons and Using Trotlines and Set-hooks.

Warmwater Game Fish
Game fish size and creel limits. Also, Bass and Morone (striped bass) Identification Charts.

Fishing Tips:

Live shad, minnows or lures that imitate minnows often work well. Bank fishing with chicken livers is also a popular angling method.


Places to Fish:

Striped bass hybrids are currently stocked in Moss Reservoir, Oak Hollow Lake, Lake Townsend, Salem Lake and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.